Honouring a courageous Tasmanian through scholarships for students

The Tasmanian Government is again recognising the extraordinary courage, leadership and sacrifice of Burnie-born Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG through a scholarship for young Tasmanians.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Gavin Pearce, said the Cameron Baird VC MG Scholarship was a meaningful way to ensure Corporal Baird’s legacy continues to inspire.

“Corporal Baird’s personal motto, aspire to inspire, perfectly reflects the way he lived his life and led others,” Minister Pearce said.

“He exemplified courage, leadership, initiative and compassion.

“These qualities are as relevant to our young people today as they are to those who serve our nation in uniform.”

The scholarship, launched on Remembrance Day, is open to students intending to enrol in Year 11 or 12 in 2026 at any Tasmanian school or home education at the same year level. Two successful entrants will each receive $2,500 to support their education.

“This scholarship provides an opportunity for students to learn about the values that defined Corporal Baird’s life and to apply those values in their own pursuit of excellence,” Minister Pearce said.

Corporal Baird was posthumously awarded Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross for his exceptional bravery during operations against insurgent forces in Afghanistan in June 2013. He was killed in action while courageously drawing fire away from his team to ensure their safety.

Applications for the scholarship open on 11 November 2025 and close on 12 January 2026 with successful recipients to be announced in January 2026.

Applications can be found at Cameron Baird VC MG Scholarship | Service Tasmania