Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize

The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize (FMMP) was established in 2004 to honour Tasmania’s last World War I (WWI) veteran, Frank MacDonald MM.

The FMMP provides young Tasmanians with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of Australia’s involvement in WWI and the experiences of those who served.

An initiative of the Tasmanian Government, the FMMP is typically awarded annually through an essay-based competition, which is open to all Year 9 students in Tasmania (including public, private and home-schooled students).

The Study Tour Prize

Eight Year 9 students are awarded the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize in October each year. Two teachers are also selected. As part of the Prize students and teachers will:

go on an approximately 14-day study tour to France and Belgium (in April the following year, incorporating Anzac Day).
learn about Australia's involvement in WWI through monthly educational workshops in the lead up to the Study Tour (November to April), and
visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Students also undertake a self-directed research project into an individual soldier or nurse as part of the preparation for the study tour.

The study tour will travel to sites and landmarks that are significant to the ANZAC story, either internationally such Belgium or France, or within Australia (if international travel is not possible).

The Study Tour will be led by a Tasmanian Government Tour Leader and be accompanied by two teachers. The State Government will meet the cost of travel, transfers, travel insurance, accommodation, tour activities, and meals for each winner and the chaperones.

Important update: 2025-26 and 2026-27 Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize Study Tour

The Tasmanian Government has announced the postponement of the 2026 Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize (FMMP) international study tour to the Western Front (previously scheduled to depart on Wednesday 15 April 2026).

Safety and risk management

The safety and wellbeing of Tasmanian students and staff is the highest priority. Following a robust risk assessment of the current global security environment, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) and the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) have made the decision that an international study tour cannot safely proceed in April 2026.

While the decision to postpone is difficult, it ensures that the government continues to meet its duty of care for all participants.

Commitment to the 2025/26 recipients

The eight students, two teacher chaperones and DPAC Tour Leader selected for the 2026 tour remain the official recipients of the prize. The government is committed to ensuring this group has the opportunity to utilise their extensive research and honour the legacy of Frank MacDonald MM and all Tasmanian and Australian WWI service people.

This group will now become the 2026/27 study tour group, with the aim to deliver a study tour by April 2027.

Impact on future applications

To ensure we can fulfill our commitment to the current prize recipients, there will be no new intake or competition for Year 9 students in 2026.

We understand this will be disappointing news for students who were eligible and planning to enter the competition this year. This decision has been made to protect the integrity of the program and ensure the safety of all participants during a period of international uncertainty.

Next steps

The Tasmanian Government will continue to work closely with the current recipients and their families to keep them updated on tour planning for 2027. We will also be exploring opportunities over the coming year for the students to continue showcasing their research and honouring the legacy of Frank MacDonald MM within the Tasmanian community.

More information

For further information or specific enquiries, please email protocol@dpac.tas.gov.au

Prize winners for 2025-2026

Winners of the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize Study Tour 2025-2026

About the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize

The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize was created in 2003 by Jim Bacon, then Premier of Tasmania, and Ian Kennett, then President of RSL Tasmania, following their attendance at Frank MacDonald’s funeral. The prize honours Frank MacDonald as representative of all Tasmanian veterans.

Frank MacDonald was born in Ulverstone in 1896 and died in August 2003 at the age of 107. He was the last of the 40th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force; the only all-Tasmanian Battalion raised in World War 1. He was responsible for repairing signal lines between headquarters and trenches and received the Military Medal for working courageously under heavy fire. He also served in World War II and received the Legion of Honour in 1998.

The Prize is administered by the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, with the education component provided by the Department for Education, Children and Young People. The first Prize was awarded in 2004, with students participating in a Study Tour to Gallipoli and the Western Front in 2005.

Divisions

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