We are pleased to announce and congratulate the winners of the 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, who explored this year’s theme, Women in service.
Established in 2001, the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA) annual national competition recognising the outstanding work of students and teachers who engage with veterans and current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to learn about and honour Australia’s military service and wartime history.
Each year, students across Australia explored different aspects of military service and displayed their learning in innovative and creative projects. Through artworks, websites, podcasts, memorials, performances, exhibitions and more, students demonstrate a deep commitment to preserving the stories of those who have served our nation.
This year, the national winner is Kangaroo Inn Area School in South Australia.
Year 9 and 10 students honoured women in service through an impressive interdisciplinary project. The project was inspired by local veterans, a serving ADF member and the iconic Changi quilt. Their research into the experiences of women from the Limestone Coast culminated in a gallery walk. The walk featured historical research, published texts, artwork and a student-designed quilt.
The judges were particularly impressed by the students’ depth of research, strong community engagement and commitment to preserving stories that might otherwise go untold. Most importantly, the project fostered a deep sense of respect and appreciation for the women whose service helped shape our nation.
Celebrating excellence across Australia
This year’s winning entries showcased the many ways schools can bring military history to life through meaningful engagement with veterans, serving ADF personnel and their local communities.
Students interviewed veterans and serving ADF members, explored historical archives, and participated in community commemorative activities. They translated their learning into memorial gardens, commemorative artworks, websites and presentations.
These projects not only deepened students’ understanding of service and sacrifices but also demonstrated the value of hearing stories firsthand and ensuring they are shared with future generations.
We congratulate all winning schools and thank every student, teacher, veteran and current serving ADF member who contributed to this year’s Awards.
To explore this year’s winning entries, visit the Anzac Day Schools' Awards winners page.
Looking ahead to 2027: Pursuit of peace
As we celebrate this year's winners, entries are now open for the 2027 Anzac Day Schools' Awards.
The 2027 theme, Pursuit of peace, reflects 80 years of Australian service in peace operations worldwide. The theme invites students to explore Australia’s contribution to United Nations and other multilateral peace operations around the world or inspiring acts of kindness and humanity during times of war or conflict.
Schools are encouraged to connect with veterans and current serving ADF personnel to learn firsthand about military service and Australia’s role in promoting peace and security internationally. Students can discover stories of kindness and humanity during conflict or investigate the experiences of Australians who have served as peacekeepers, peacemakers, peace builders or peace enforcers.
The creativity, dedication and community engagement demonstrated by this year’s winners provide wonderful inspiration for schools considering an entry in 2027.
The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools across Australia, with winning schools sharing in $39,000 in prize money.
Entries are now open and close at 5 pm AEST on 27 May 2027.
For more information and to enter, visit the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards page.