JOY Burch has invited all year 9 and 10 ACT school students to enter the ACT Chief Minister’s ANZAC Spirit Prize 2016 competition for the chance to experience the trip of a lifetime.

“2016 will mark the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles and the Battle of Pozières during the First World War. The ACT Chief Minister’s ANZAC Spirit Prize 2016 will give students a fantastic opportunity to take part in these historic commemorations in France and Belgium,” Joy said.

“The two students who win the prize will represent the ACT on a funded study tour of the Western Front. They will experience the terrain, visit key battlefields, and attend the official 100th anniversary commemorative services for the Battle of Fromelles and Battle of Pozières.

“The competition offers students an opportunity to research stories about the sacrifices made by Australians during the battles of the Western Front; stories that have become an important record of our nation’s history, sacrifice and the legacy of war.

To enter the competition students can write a poem, script, short story piece or musical composition, or create a video/digital presentation, photographic piece, craft or artwork.

The Prize is open to all ACT public and non-government students who are in years 9 or 10 in 2015 as part of the ACT Government’s commemorative activities during the Centenary of World War 1.

“I encourage all students to participate in this year’s competition and look forward to seeing the wide range of talented and creative submissions. For the two winning students, it will be an unforgettable experience,” Joy said.

The competition closes on Friday 5 February 2016. For more information, go to det.act.gov.au.

[Photo: Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch with history students at Lanyon High School at today’s launch of the ACT Chief Minister’s ANZAC Spirit Prize.]