Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is so vital we continue to keep the Anzac spirit alive in our community by promoting respect for and showing appreciation of our Anzac traditions. I was pleased to recently conduct a writing competition for grade 5 and 6 students to recognise the importance of our community's war memorials. The Don Parsons Memorial Anzac Creative Writing Prize was named after the former president of the Lilydale RSL, the late Don Parsons. Don made a significant contribution to the veteran community in the Yarra Ranges and raised awareness of the significance of our local war memorials. It was amazing to see such an overwhelming response, with over 150 entries from kids across the Yarra Ranges.

Firstly, thank you to the local RSL judging committee, who read through the many entries and determined the winners. We are so fortunate to have such strong RSLs across our community, and thank you for the great work you do supporting veterans. I am pleased to inform the House that the finalists were Isla from Wandin North Primary School, Lewis from Gladysdale Primary School, Finley from St Mary's Primary School and Mila from Montrose Primary School. The overall final winner was Kaylie from Wandin North Primary School. Well done on your fantastic writing pieces and congratulations to all students who submitted an entry and showed their respect to our Anzacs.