Winners of the inaugural RSL Schools Remember Anzac art competition

The winners of the inaugural RSL Schools Remember Anzac art competition have produced some poignant pieces which will now be on display until the end of the month. Check out some of the winning artworks.

It’s a simple, sweet gesture - a schoolgirl handing a serviceman a poppy - but to 10-year-old Savannah-Lee Presbury it holds so much meaning.

The Year 5 Cambridge Park Public student is the primary school winner of the inaugural RSL Schools Remember Anzac art competition with her colourful, poignant artwork, Lest we Forget.

The piece was inspired by both her great great grandfather, World War I veteran John Considine, and her great grandfather James Considine who served in the Australian Army as a sergeant.

Cambridge Park Public School student Savannah-Lee Presbury with her great-grandfather, James Considine, 90. Picture: Richard Dobson

Savannah-Lee is proud they served their country; thrilled too that her art will feature along with works from students across NSW at the exhibition which opens at the Anzac Memorial auditorium, Hyde Park, on Monday.

The works of nine finalists from public, independent and Catholic schools will be on show until the end of April - and will also appear on the big screens at Martin Place before the Dawn Service on Anzac Day.

Savannah-Lee said it was important for younger generations to appreciate the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect future generations.

PRIMARY SCHOOL WINNER: Lest we Forget by Cambridge Park Public School Year 5 student Savannah-Lee Presbury.

“I feel that all future generations should learn the importance of what the Anzacs have done for us,” she said.

“I chose a poppy as it’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Anzac Day … a poppy for my Pop Pop and Pop Pop Pop.

“Many people died and never returned to their families. We are lucky that this is something we don’t have to go through.”

The art competition was launched this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the RSL and Schools Remember Anzac commemoration, which will be held at the Hyde Park memorial on Monday - the first time in-person since 2019.

Savannah-Lee will be among 1500 students and teachers at the service, and her artwork will appear on the cover of the 2023 service program alongside that of the secondary school winner - Charli Biram from Tuggerah Lakes College, Berkeley Vale Campus.

Charli’s piece focuses on the amazing work of Australian nurses on the frontline during WWII - and was also inspired by the tireless efforts of her own mother, a nurse who’s worked through the pandemic.

SECONDARY SCHOOL WINNER: Our Unsung Heroes by Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Year 9 student Charli Biram.

RSL NSW president Ray James said that the school competition was part of the league’s commitment to find 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,” he said.

“I commend the students and art teachers in schools across NSW for the hard work and passion that has gone into such high quality commemorative artworks.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Service Dog by Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Year 9 student Alisha Sawatske.

Other finalists include Frraj Zahara, a student at Amity College Prestons Campus, and Cathy-Maree Barnes of St Anthony of Padua Catholic College, Austral.

Entries for the 2024 competition are now open.