The Member for Essendon, Judy Maddigan MP is encouraging students of local schools to enter the Victorian Spirit of ANZAC Prize, which this year will focus on Gallipoli.
Each year the Victorian Spirit of ANZAC Prize gives ten Victorian students the opportunity to visit commemorative Australian war sites with state government representatives.
In 2009 students will visit ANZAC sites in Turkey.
The winners of the 2008 competition visited war sites in Greece, Singapore and Malaysia.
The competition aims to increase student awareness of the history of the ANZACs and acknowledge the sacrifices and heroism of Australia's war veterans.
Students are chosen based on creative pieces, such as poems, essays, stories and multimedia presentations that reflect the spirit of ANZAC.
Mrs Maddigan hopes students will consider entering the competition for the opportunity to learn in greater depths about Australia's ANZACs.
"The competition is a great opportunity for students to grasp a first-hand experience of the plight that the ANZACs endured for Australia," Mrs Maddigan said.
Entries for the competition close on 10 October, 2008.
Further details and entry forms can be obtained at www.veterans.vic.gov.au or by contacting the office of Judy Maddigan on ph: 9370 7777.