The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
This year, schools across Australia have brought history to life by connecting students with current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to better understand military service.
The 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards (ADSA) recognises schools who demonstrated outstanding engagement with the veteran community and showcased their research on this year’s theme, ‘Women in service.’
I’m pleased to announce the Kangaroo Inn Area School, South Australia is this year’s national award winner for their project that explored the experiences of women in service.
Students drew inspiration from veterans, a serving member and the iconic Changi quilt to research the stories of women from their local region. This culminated in a gallery walk showcasing student writing, artwork, historical research and a student-designed quilt.
The 2027 competition is now open and will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Australia's first peace operation in 1947.
The theme ‘Pursuit of peace’ provides schools with an opportunity to explore Australia's long history of contributing to peace operations around the world or individual acts of kindness and humanity during times of wars, conflicts and peace operations.
More information about the 2027 competition and the Awards is available on the Anzac Portal.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office) - 0407 034 485
DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608
2026 Anzac Day Schools' Awards winners and entry details
National winner ($5,000 prize)
| Award | School name | State or Territory | Primay/Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| National winner | Kangaroo Inn Area School, Kangaroo Inn | SA | K to 12 (Entry from secondary students) |
State/Territory winners ($3,000 prize)
| School name | State/Territory | State or Territory | Primary/Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW winner | St Patrick’s College for Girls, Campbelltown | NSW | Secondary |
| QLD winner | St Teresa's College, Abergowrie | QLD | Secondary |
| SA winner | Walford Anglican School for Girls, Adelaide | SA | ELC to Year 12 (Entry from Secondary students) |
| TAS winner | Lenah Valley Primary School, Lenah Valley | TAS | Primary |
| VIC winner | Holy Trinity Primary School, Wantirna South | VIC | Primary |
| WA winner | Anzac Terrace Primary School, Bassendean | WA | Primary |
**Note - no eligible applications were received from schools in the ACT or NT
Special category winners ($2,000 prize)
| Award | School name | State or Territory | Primary/Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO Award for Veteran Involvement | Jerrabomberra Public School, Jerrabomberra | NSW | Primary |
| Innovative Idea Award | St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar | NSW | Secondary |
| Diversity in Service Award | St Patrick’s College for Girls, Campbelltown | NSW | Secondary |
| Remote Schools Award | Burdekin Catholic High School, Ayr | QLD | Secondary |
| Specialist Educational Settings Award | Redcliffe Special School, Redcliffe | QLD | Secondary |
Certificate of Excellence winners
| School name | State/Territory | Primary/Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| International Maarif Schools of Australia, Auburn | NSW | Secondary |
| John Edmondson High School, Horningsea | NSW | Secondary |
| Forrest Beach State School, Forrest Beach | QLD | Primary |
| St John’s Anglican College, Forest Lake | QLD | P-12 |
| St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Ascot | QLD | Pre-Prep - 12 |
| Mount Barker High School, Mount Barker | SA | Secondary |
| Knox Park Primary School, Knoxfield | VIC | Primary |