Milton Dick (Oxley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Earlier this year I announced to the House the inaugural Oxley Electorate Spirit of Anzac Award, in partnership with our local RSL sub-branches. This was a competition open to students in year 11, who were invited to submit a short essay, poem or piece of artwork on what the spirit of Anzac meant to them. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the recipient of this award, from Centenary State High School: Sam Wallace and his mum, Narelle, are with us today in the gallery.

After receiving entries from far and wide throughout the electorate, the RSL sub-branch committee selected Sam's as the most worthy entry, alongside five highly commended award recipients. Sam was awarded the first prize, including flights and accommodation, with his mum, to visit the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House. I am happy to inform the House that Sam visited the War Memorial earlier today for a private tour and will be returning later today to participate in the Last Post Ceremony by laying a wreath. Thank you to Sam and all the other entrants in the Oxley Electorate Spirit of Anzac competition. I am pleased to announce that this will be an annual award, and I look forward to receiving entries in 2018.