Young Allegra Bradley, from Proserpine State High School was one of eight students who received the Premier’s Anzac Prize and will undertake an international history lesson on how the ANZAC legacy was shaped. The prize is an opportunity for young Queenslanders to gain an in-depth understanding through research, workshops and visits, of the Australian Service people who gave so much in World War I.
In mid-January, Allegra took her first steps on this tour’s journey by participating in a workshop hosted by State Library of Queensland, researching and looking at WWI artifacts and documents. Now with some background knowledge, Allegra can perform the middling tasks of the Prize such as community engagements and fundraising projects before the tour goes international in April.
For two weeks Allegra, the other seven students and two teacher-chaperones will take a tour of Europe visiting key sites of importance to ANZAC war history. From the United Kingdom to the Western Front, this group will attend the sites with expert historian and bring the knowledge back to their hometowns and communities. The trip also includes attending the Australian Government Anzac Day Dawn Service in the northern French village of Villers-Bretonneux where nearly 1,500 Australian soldiers became casualties 106 years ago.
“Gaining perspective is important to me as Australians view World War I through a different lens than Great Britain, Belgium and France as the threat of war was closer to them.” Allegra said.
“The perspective gained from reading the letters, hearing the stories, and seeing these artefacts really amplified the importance of the ANZAC Spirit and its everlasting legacy in Australia.”
Congratulations to Allegra for being selected for this prestigious program. This experience she and the others embark upon will impact them all deeply and honour those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
Allegra Bradley looking through artifacts. Photo Supplied: Proserpine High School
Allegra and the other ANZAC Prize winners. Photo Supplied: Proserpine High School