Schools invited to enter 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards: ‘Women in service’
Federal Member for Lyne, Alison Penfod MP, encourages local students to take part in the 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, a national competition recognising outstanding learning and engagement with Australia’s defence service history.
Hosted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the awards celebrate the work of students and teachers across schools and other educational settings. This year’s competition invites students to:
engage actively with veterans or currently servicing members of the Australian Defence Form, and
research and respond to the 2026 theme, ‘Women in Service’.
Ms Penfold said the awards provide a valuable opportunity for young people to deepen their understanding of Australia’s military and defence force history while recognising the significant contributions women have made – and continue to make – to national service, safety and security.
“Across the Lyne electorate, there have been and continue to be many men and women who serve our nation with distinction and honour,” Ms Penfold said.
“I recently moved a Private Members’ Motion in Parliament to particularly honour the local women who have served our nation as part of Australia’s defence forces since 1899. I was inspired by the Taree Sub-branch which hosts a dedicated showcase at Club Taree of local women who have served.
“In line with my parliamentary motion, this year’s Anzac Award theme provides a valuable chance for students to understand more about serving in the ADF and learn about the diverse roles women have held across all areas of service, including the progression and evolution of opportunities. I hope this inspires our next generation of defence personnel.
Ms Penfold added the importance of students engaging with their local RSL sub-branches, saying that these connections provide a unique opportunity to help bring history to life while strengthening ties within the community.
“My office has distributed Australian hand-held Australian flags to the sub-branches across the Lyne electorate for Anzac Day services and look forward to attending a number of services.
Along with students themselves attending ANZAC Day, I strongly encourage local young people to get involved in this Award and help preserve important stories of ADF service.”
Entries close at 5:00pm on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Further information, including terms and conditions, is available on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.
A copy of Ms Penfold’s Private Members Motion and speech is available here.
A directory to locate the nearest RSL sub-Branch is available here.
ENDS
MEDIA: Max Dent I 0406 844 226 I (02) 6586 4462