SWAN Hill College student Bayden Matthews will embark on an international study tour next year, part of a program to honour the Anzacs.
Bayden was announced as one of 12 recipients of the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize, selected from across Victoria.
Since its inception in 2009, more than 500 students have taken the opportunity to visit some well-known historical sites that have become entrenched in the legend of Anzac.
Recipients will go on a 10-day international study tour next year.
Bayden wrote an essay on what the Anzac spirit means in today’s multicultural and diverse Australia.
Interested in the stories behind Anzac Day from an early age, he has attended and participated in marches.
He also has family connections across several conflicts.
Bayden said he had cousins who served in Afghanistan, family who served in World War I and one family member who was a tunnel rat in the Vietnam conflict.
“I really want to see Lone Pine, I’ve always heard about that,” Bayden said.
“Anzac Cove is another place I am looking forward to visiting.
“Anzac to me is everyone coming together as one to remember and honour what all of our fallen soldiers, and those that fought but didn’t fall, did for our country to make sure we are safe.”
Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman announced the prize recipients, chosen from Victorian students in Year 9 to 12.
Ms Suleyman said it was a unique opportunity for young people to experience the journey of the Anzacs and gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s wartime history.
“Congratulations to each of the award recipients and teachers who will commemorate the Anzac legacy as they embark on the trip of a lifetime next year,” she said.
Bayden was looking forward to pursuing a career in the military and the budding Army officer wrote his essay on how Aboriginal soldiers were treated on their return from WWI and how that had now changed.
He also delved into the way soldiers on both sides of conflicts are honoured in modern day Australia.
