Swan Hill College students Daniel Hughes and Scott Smith have just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip after winning the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac prize.
The students were joined by 20 other students from all across Victoria for the trip. Their first stop was Darwin where they learnt about the city’s involvement during the Second World War.
“We toured various museums, cemeteries and memorials that were relevant to World War Two,” Daniel said.
“Learning more about the impact the bombings had on the city and the people of the city really opened my eyes.”
While they were in Darwin, the group visited Bathurst Island to spend a day with the Tiwi people.
“They live in very impoverished circumstances so it was a real eye-opener,” he said.
From there, the group flew to Singapore to learn about the city’s role in World War Two.
“In Singapore we looked at the fall of the city and how it affected the local people and their day-to-day lives,” Scott said.
“We visited Changi museum which was a really emotional day for everyone.”
Daniel said he really enjoyed the culture of Singapore.
“It was so interesting to learn about how they lived, and how it was both different and similar to life in Australia,” he said.
The group also spent time sightseeing around the city, visiting temples, markets and the Universal Studios.
Swan Hill College senior sub-school manager De Rosewarne said she was proud of the boys’ achievements.
“Scott and Daniel were selected to enter the prize because they are both highly academic,” Ms Rosewarne said.
“We also knew that this competition would challenge them.”
To read more about this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (April 28).
