2024 Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize winners announced

Six Tasmanian students are set to embark on the trip of a lifetime in honour of Tasmania’s last surviving World War I veteran.

The Tasmanian Government’s Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize winners have been announced, with this scholarship providing an incredible opportunity for young Tasmanians to learn more about Australia’s wartime history.

The Prize includes an international study tour to the Western Front in France and Belgium to visit places that are significant to Australia’s WWI story. The Tour is scheduled for April 2025.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Guy Barnett, said Frank MacDonald was born in Ulverstone in 1896 and was Tasmania’s last World War I veteran.

“He received the Military Medal for courageously working under heavy fire while repairing signal lines between the 40th Infantry Battalion headquarters and the trenches. He also served in World War II and received the Legion of Honour,” Minister Barnett said.

“As these students prepare for the study tour they will undertake research into individual soldiers like Frank MacDonald, which helps to commemorate and preserve the meaning of the Anzac spirit in the Tasmanian community.

“I was incredibly proud to continue supporting this valuable educational experience through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.”

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Prize provides an outstanding opportunity for Tasmanian students to delve into our State’s history.

“The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize continues to play a pivotal role in educating Tasmanian students about our rich military history, while ensuring the remembrance and understanding of WWI is passed on to new generations,” Minister Palmer said.

“It fosters an appreciation of the sacrifices made by generations before us and the importance of their continued remembrance, and encourages reflection on the legacy of servicemen and women.”

The study tour lasts approximately 14 days and comprises six students, two teachers, a parliamentary representative, a member of RSL Tasmania and a Tasmanian Government Tour Leader.

Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize winners are:

• Grace Swan, Rose Bay High School;
• Isabelle Scott, Parklands High School;
• Lilith Fleming, Taroona High School;
• Loretta Smith, Latrobe High School;
• Henry Payne, Devonport High School; and
• Noah Johnson, St Aloysius Catholic College.

Information about the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize is available on the Department of Education website: https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/learning/awards-scholarships-students/the-frank-macdonaldmemorial-prize/