Caboolture students to take part in Anzac Centenary commemorations at Gallipoli

HIGH School students from across the country are hoping to experience the full emotion of the historic Anzac centenary commemoration during a tour of Gallipoli and the Western Front.

Brianna Ushay from St Columban's College. She will soon travel to Gallipoli and France to take part in the historic Anzac Centenary commemoration as one of the 70 winners of the Premier's Anzac Prize. Photographer: Russell Brown.

TWO Caboolture students are hoping to experience the full emotion of the historic Anzac Centenary commemoration this month during their tour of Gallipoli and the Western Front.

Brianna Ushay, from St Columban’s College and Callum Jarod Young, from Caboolture State High School, were among the 70 winners of the Premier’s Anzac Prize, which aims to reinforce the Anzac legacy in younger generations.

Brianna, 17, said students had to research two Anzac soldiers to commemorate during the tour.

“I learnt about their personal lives and what they contributed to the wars,” she said.

“I think it’ll allow me to learn more and experience the stories of all the soldiers.”

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

The students will spend two weeks touring memorials in Europe at the end of April, including the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove and services at Lone Pine and in Belgium.

“Spending two weeks with people I don’t know is daunting in so many new places but I’m most excited about the ceremony itself because it’s such a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Brianna said.

Callum, who will lay a wreath at one of the services, has been avidly researching for his trip.

“One of my great uncles fought at Gallipoli and also the Western Front so I’ll be going to places that he fought,” he said.

THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspapers’ 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Caboolture students to take part in Anzac Centenary commemorations at Gallipoli