Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize winners announced

Eight Tasmanian students have been selected to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime journey next year to commemorate the legacy of Tasmania’s last surviving World War I veteran.

The Tasmanian Government’s Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize helps students learn more about Tasmania’s military history, while passing down knowledge about World War I to new generations.

Now in its 21st year, the prize provides an incredible opportunity for young Tasmanians to learn more about Australia’s wartime history.

It includes an international study tour to the Western Front in France and Belgium to visit places that are significant to Australia’s WWI story.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Gavin Pearce, said the prize recognises the legacy of World War I and II veteran Frank MacDonald MM.

“Frank MacDonald was born in Ulverstone in 1896 and died in 2003 at the age of 107, and he was an extraordinary Tasmanian,” Minister Pearce said.

“Remembered for his courage and initiative, Frank received the Military Medal for repairing vital signal lines between headquarters and frontline trenches while under heavy fire.

“Frank also received the Legion of Honour after serving in World War II.”

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the students will research individual soldiers like Frank MacDonald as they prepare for their study tour.

“The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize encourages students to learn about the sacrifices made by generations before us, and the importance of reflecting on and remembering the men and women who served,” Minister Palmer said.

“When students engage with history, especially through personal stories like Frank MacDonald’s and other Tasmanian servicemen and women, they see the human side of conflict, sacrifice and resilience.”

The eight students, along with two teachers, and a Tasmanian Government tour leader will embark on the study tour in April 2026, which will last about two weeks.

The 2026 Prize winners are:

Students:

Charlie Blundell    Clarence High School
Charlie Johnson    The Hutchins School
Elsie Oldfield    Taroona High School
Henry Smith    The Hutchins School
Jackson Kennedy    Sacred Heart College
Maeve Kok-Connors    St Patrick's College
Molly Oldfield    Taroona High School
Tilly Blake    Burnie High School

Teachers:

Andrew French    Scotch Oakburn College
Claire Bugg    Glenora District School

Tasmanian Government Tour Leader:

Brielle Quigley Senior Protocol Officer, Protocol Office