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Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize

Frank MacDonald MM

The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize 2024-2025 has been awarded. Applications are open for 2025-2026.

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, supported by RSL Tasmania, the FMMP is 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.

Prize winners for 2024-2025

How to enter

The competition is now open.

Students will select an essay question from two options (which vary each year) and respond with either a 1500-word essay or prepare a 10-minute digital, audio or visual presentation.
Full essay questions and further details are available at the Department for Education, Children and Young People website.

The History Teacher’s Association assists with shortlisting applications, and the top applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with the selection panel.

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. The FMMP is now in its 20th year.

Prize winners

Previous winners (not held in 2020-2021 due to COVID-19)

Find out more