Commemorative competition off with a flying art
Students from across Sydney school sectors descended on Sydney’s Anzac Memorial on Thursday for a special student-led commemoration and launch of an art exhibition that honours the service and sacrifice of Australians who have served in all wars and conflicts.
In time for ANZAC Day, the RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration and Art Competition aims to educate and inspire school students across the State to learn about Australia’s military history and understand the significance of commemorations.
Attracting entries from primary and high school students across NSW school sectors, the exhibition will showcase nine finalist artworks at the Memorial throughout April.
RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge said that the important collaboration between RSL NSW, the Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW, and the Association of Independent Schools is integral to finding unique ways to engage younger generations to build a greater understanding and appreciation of the service and sacrifice of those who have served to protect their freedom.
“This competition is a great way for school students to reflect and learn about Australia’s military history by tapping into their imagination and creativity.
“RSL NSW takes great pride in preserving the memory of all those who have served their country and I commend the students and teachers in schools across NSW for the hard work and passion that has gone into such high-quality commemorative artworks,” Mr Bainbridge said.
AISNSW Chief Executive Margery Evans said this year’s entries showed the art competition is inspiring students to learn more about the sacrifices of those who served Australia in the defence forces.
“Every picture by these talented students is poignant and makes us reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women.”
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated all the students who participated in the art competition and the teachers who guided them.
“Competitions that encourage students to remember the service of our men and women in all wars and conflicts have a profound effect on students’ learning,” Mr Dizdar said. “It’s wonderful to see our young people of today pay tribute to the young people of previous generations.”
The Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration will be attended by The Honourable Andrew Bell, Lieutenant Governor of NSW, and Greg Warren MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning, representing the Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car.
Entries to the 2025 RSL & Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition will open in May 2024 to primary and high school students across NSW.
A full list of finalists and artworks can be found on the RSL NSW website here. The artwork will be exhibited at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park from 4 – 30 April 2024.
