Posts

It allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of what it was like

Image
   A deeper connection to my great-grandpa by Kenzie King My favourite part of the trip was being able to develop a deeper connection to my great-grandpa Aza Lenden King. It was extremely special to be a 2022 Premier’s Anzac Spirit Prize Awardee after telling Aza’s story and ending up travelling to Darwin to visit some of the places he served in during WWII. I had also never been to Darwin before, so this was a new experience for me. Aza witnessed the first plane to be shot down, a US Kitty Hawk, during the bombing of Darwin in 1942, which was surreal as we went to Darwin Harbour and were lucky enough to go on a Darwin Bombing Cruise. Touring around the harbour and learning exactly where it all happened, was a unique and one-of-a-kind experience I will never forget. It allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of what it was like for Aza and others serving at the time in Darwin, which was extremely special. Another highlight I will cherish actually happened after the trip. It was e
Post a Comment
Read more

If only I could capture this moment forever

Image
  Oh, The Places We Went  by Alexandra Seal There were many aspects of the Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize Darwin Trip, which were unforgettable and surreal. Visiting the graves of the Bald Family and the places of their final moments was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I reflected on their courage and Anzac spirit throughout the trip as well as my own personal journey as we hiked in Kakadu. I often walked at the back of the group, taking the time to appreciate the journey and the adventure it became to arrive at the gorgeous destinations. I learnt that by taking it slow and not rushing the long journey to the waterfalls, I could appreciate the beauty of the Northern Territory and be even more grateful for the opportunity I had been given. By learning to slow down a usually fast-paced journey, which we call life, I was able to catch beautiful glimpses of Australia’s ecosystems at work. From seeing lizards lounging in the sun to listening to Aaron explain the flora and fauna s
Post a Comment
Read more

An extreme sense of awe to wash over me

Image
  Brushstrokes of History by Emma Choi   The historical study tour to Darwin and the Top End of Australia, as part of the Anzac Spirit School Prize , was an experience I will remain forever profoundly grateful for – I left Adelaide Airport , subsequent to the ten days of the trip, having acutely cultivated my passion for history , ruminated upon my personal identity and values, and materialised close-knit bonds with some of the most intelligent, ardently investigative individuals I will ever have the pleasure to meet.      With this opportunity, I would like to share a quote that I believe summarises the emotions I felt on the trip: “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. As such, I was continually reminded that in the grand tapestry of human existence, each of our lives are intricately entwined with those that came before us; and an experience that particularly enforced this, was observing Indigenous Australian rock art sites.      This
Post a Comment
Read more

Being surrounded by people with the same passion for history was something special

Image
  We weren’t that far away from home, yet everything was so different by Tovie Hallion Being accepted as a winner of the 2022 Premiers Anzac Spirit Award was honourable and thrilling. Not only was I given the pride of winning a title that meant so much to me, but also the experience of spending ten days with nineteen other individuals in a place filled with history. Being in Darwin surrounded by people with the same passion for history was something special, and a forever memory. One of my favourite memories of the trip was swimming in the waterfalls, especially Florence Falls. This was special for me as I haven’t had the opportunity to swim in a waterfall before. At Florence Falls I felt grounded in its nature, from the sound of the crashing water to the luscious thick plants that grew alongside the rocks. Being in the presence of Darwin’s scenery it was a strange thought that we weren’t that far away from home, yet everything was so different. Swimming in the falls, I appreciated
Post a Comment
Read more

To articulate the lesson I have learnt

Image
  I felt so simple and small, in contrast to the great structures that surrounded me by Vinka Lakic History is the product of one man’s determination to defy the economic and political pressures that consume the world around him; and the greatness to inspire millions after him. If I were asked to articulate the lesson I have learnt from this entire trip, I would reply: neither celebrated nor seldom heeded historical events should deter us from acknowledging the significance of every historical event. Reflecting on the trip, a highlight of mine certainly lies in the Nit Nit Dreaming Cruise in Nitmilik (Katherine) Gorge; this experience was beautiful and scenic, capturing the authentic beauty of the environment and the fauna and flora that inhibits it. As I absorbed the picturesque views, I felt as if I had been transported to another realm, believing that I would never have felt so in awe of nature; and ironically, amid my thoughts, I felt so simple and small, in contrast to the gr
Post a Comment
Read more

Intrigued and interested in the overlap between politics and history

Image
  I became aware of how history surrounds us by Sahib Kaur One of my favourite parts of the trip was when we visited Parliament House. This wasn’t originally part of the plan for the trip but I am glad we visited it. I am someone who is intrigued and interested in the overlap between politics and history, so this was such an memorable experience. When we saw the original post office wall and the plaque, I had a moment where I became aware of how history surrounds us. It all became incredibly real in my head during this moment and I connected the stories of the post office workers that we previously shared, to the wall. I had a few moments of awareness during the trip where I realised it was a real historical event and not just something we read about, but this was by far the most intense. Other than the rich history we were exposed to in the Northern Territory, I made new friends and had so many enjoyable moments. I loved the little moments like when I plaited Ella’s hair and Amel
Post a Comment
Read more

I guess you never realise the true beauty of the present until it has passed

Image
Connection by William Sims I chose to write about this photo as I felt a great connection to it. This photo shows a plaque commemorating Merchant Navy service people and the sacrifice they made. This photo is really special to me as the person I researched after being awarded the prize, Master William Michie, is listed on this plaque. At first when we were told we needed to research a person that lost their life during the Bombing of Darwin, I had no idea who I was going to write about. I ended up choosing a William as it was only fitting, as I am a William and the original entry, I wrote was on William Charles Kenwrick, my great-grandfather. I soon became really connected to William Michie and his story and felt a part of his story. Seeing his name at the Adelaide River War Cemetery was surreal. I stood at this plaque and read the story I had written on William Michie aloud, multiple times feeling like I had not quite read it right. I then placed a poppy on the headstone and thought a
Post a Comment
Read more

These stories all came to life for me on the morning of the 25th of April

Image
  The best way to have concluded the best trip  by Ned Uren   Anzac Day away in Darwin felt like the best way we could have concluded our trip. A day centred on commemoration, sacrifice, respect felt so special while being on the Anzac Spirit School Prize study tour. As the trip begun in Darwin talking about the bombing of Darwin and the Territories strong military involvement, I had learnt that the city of Darwin’s character was built on the foundations of actions by the brave people of Darwin during the bombing and throughout. Hearing stories of the soldiers brave enough to man anti-aircraft guns with nothing more than a towel to clothe them or the brave actions by the hospital ship the Manunda. These stories all came to life for me on the morning of the 25 th of April. The dawn service as highlighted in the photo above was an extremely powerful service that made me feel almost indebted to those who have served for our country. As the Dawn Service continued and the sun began to ro
Post a Comment
Read more

Visualising Margaret’s story

Image
  Best Friends who I now called my new family - by Olivia Brook The first night at Stokes Hill Wharf was one of the most significant memories for me. During my research of nurse, Margaret Augusta De Mestre, I was able to find the approximate location where the hospital ship Manunda was moored from Stokes Hill Wharf. This is where Margaret unfortunately lost her life during the Bombing of Darwin. This first night was so special to me as I looked out over Darwin Harbour, seeing the stunning sunset and visualising Margaret’s story.   I imagined the Manunda peacefully moored to the southwest around 2.5 km off Stokes Hill Wharf and then coming under fire on that terrible day. With a heavy heart, I felt for Margaret and the crew members who lost their lives, sacrificing everything to keep our country safe and heal the wounded. I was looked out onto the Harbour with compassion and sadness, then I turned my head to see the long table, filled with a group of special people that I conne
Post a Comment
Read more