Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of Tasmania



31 March 2015

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training

Guy Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier

Corporal Cameron Baird VC Scholarship Announced

The Hodgman Liberal Government is pleased to announce today the establishment of the Corporal Cameron Baird VC Scholarship by the Department of Education.

Burnie-born Corporal Baird VC MG was Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross recipient and Tasmania’s 14th, following his actions in Afghanistan on 22 June, 2013, Corporal Baird with the Special Operations Task Group.

While courageously drawing fire away from his team, Cpl Baird was tragically killed, leaving an example of service and sacrifice for others.

At a memorial plinth unveiling ceremony in Burnie today attended by the Governor of Tasmania and Cpl Baird’s parents, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Guy Barnett announced the Scholarship which will increase students’ awareness and learning about Corporal Baird VC and his service and sacrifice.

The Scholarship will be in the sum of $1000 and offered annually to a student in Year 12.

The selection committee will be seeking a student who:

  • is enrolled in a government school in the North-West of Tasmania.
  • intends to study at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
  • is of good character.
  • has contributed in a positive way to their local community.

Students will be asked to complete a written application that includes testimonials from their school principal and members of the local community.

The selection committee will include a representative of the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL).

 Cpl Baird’s personal motto was ‘Aspire to Inspire’.

The Tasmanian Government is committed to seeing the spirit of this ethos supported through the Corporal Cameron Baird VC Scholarship.



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