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2023 Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour

by Patrick Marzohl

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2023
Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour
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Accompaning staff member
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Patrick Marzohl
The Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour
The Premier's Anzac Student Tour is an annual competition open to all Western Australian students in Years 8 to 11. Since 2004, 246 students from Year 8 to 11 attending public and non-government schools have been chosen to be part of the Premier's ANZAC Student Tour. Past tours travelled to Belgium, England, France, Greece, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, Vietnam and around Australia to commemorate the service and sacrifice of ANZAC service men and women. Student selection is based on demonstrated understanding of and interest in the ANZAC experience and its legacy, appreciation of the study of history, a desire to be ambassadors for Western Australia, and a commitment to share Tour experiences with others.

The Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour is a Western Australian State Government initiative, managed and funded by the Department of Education. It is part of a broader government approach aimed at ensuring the ongoing recognition of ANZAC Day as an important National Day of Commemoration which offers each Australian the opportunity to reflect on and learn from the comradeship, courage, determination, and spirit of the original ANZACs who landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.

While there are students from public and non-government schools participating in the program, the Tour will be conducted as an official Department of Education (the Department) excursion and is, therefore, managed in accordance with the Department’s Excursions Policy (Version 2.5) and Procedures (Version 4.1).

Ten students from ten different schools and ranging from Years 9 to 12 have been selected to represent Western Australia on the 2023 Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour. They have been chosen from a highly competitive field of candidates. Students are selected as tour ambassadors following a written submission and interviews, demonstrating their interest in Australian history and an understanding of the Anzac legacy.
Three teaching staff, including the coordinator had a direct role in the supervision of students on the Tour. The supervising staff for 2023 are:
Karen Lamond: Tour coordinator
Patrick Marzohl: Teacher Supervisor (Elizaveta, Adoley, Harry, Alex, Rishita)
John Coules: Teacher Supervisor (Poppy, Joshua, Georgia, Zoe, Ebony)

The 2023 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour travelled to Sydney and Auckland. The group departed for the 10-day tour on 16 April. They attended a briefing session in March ahead of undertaking their historical study tour.

The unique 2023 program gave students an opportunity to investigate the ANZAC legacy and commemorate those who served in the armed forces, the 1942 attack on Sydney Harbour and the 78th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The students also reflected on the way the ANZAC legacy was commemorated in New Zealand.

Margaret River Senior High School (MRSHS) holds a proud honour with one of the strongest records of any regional school in Western Australia for participating in the highly prestigious Premier's Anzac Student Tour.

MRSHS Languages and HASS teacher Patrick Marzohl is the latest from the school to be selected.
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Three teaching staff, including the coordinator had a direct role in the supervision of students on the Tour. The supervising staff for 2023 are:
Karen Lamond: Tour coordinator
Patrick Marzohl: Teacher Supervisor (Elizaveta, Adoley, Harry, Alex, Rishita)
John Coules: Teacher Supervisor (Poppy, Joshua, Georgia, Zoe, Ebony)

The 2023 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour travelled to Sydney and Auckland. The group departed for the 10-day tour on 16 April. They attended a briefing session in March ahead of undertaking their historical study tour.

The unique 2023 program gave students an opportunity to investigate the ANZAC legacy and commemorate those who served in the armed forces, the 1942 attack on Sydney Harbour and the 78th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The students also reflected on the way the ANZAC legacy was commemorated in New Zealand.

Margaret River Senior High School (MRSHS) holds a proud honour with one of the strongest records of any regional school in Western Australia for participating in the highly prestigious Premier's Anzac Student Tour.

MRSHS Languages and HASS teacher Patrick Marzohl is the latest from the school to be selected.
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Pre-Tour Briefing:
2 - 4 March 2023
The pre-tour briefing at the School of Isolated and Distance Education in Leederville began with a Presentation Ceremony on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 1:30 pm. At the ceremony, we were acknowledged for our selection and achievement and received a signed certificate from the Premier of Western Australia and the Minister for Education and Training.

After the ceremony, the students and their families arrived at the SIDE accommodation village in Leederville at 4:00 pm, where parents left while students settled in and began their briefing. A casual dinner was provided for the students and families a bit later, followed by a presentation of uniforms and books, after which parents departed. The group seemed to be a formidable mix of introverted and outgoing students and promised to be a close-nit team.

On the second day, we had the privilege of visiting the Campbell Barracks in Swanborne along with Vietnam veteran Greg Mawkes. We spent our day at the SASR Historical Foundation and Museum, where we learned about the history of the Special Air Service Regiment and its role in protecting Western Australians.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was our visit to the Remembrance Garden. The peacefulness of the garden and the beautiful memorials honouring fallen soldiers brought a sense of solemn reflection to our visit. We took a moment to pay our respects and honour the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.

Another highlight of the visit was the presentation on war dog training. We were amazed at the skill and intelligence of these highly trained animals, and their importance in military operations. It was a humbling reminder of the many different individuals and elements that come together to make up the SASR.

As we toured the museum, it became clear just how crucial the SASR is to the safety of Western Australians. Their dedication and bravery in protecting our country is truly awe-inspiring. We felt a deep sense of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.




After our time at the museum, we visited the Leighton Battery in Mosman Park. The Battery was originally built during World War II to defend the coastline around Fremantle from enemy attack. It was incredible to see the massive guns up close and to learn about their history. The trip down the cool tunnel on this hot day developed in me a new understanding on how closely Perth felt threatened during World War 2.

It was an unforgettable day filled with history, reflection, and gratitude. We left with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve in the SASR and a deeper understanding of their important role in protecting our country.

On the third and final day, we started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the State War Memorial in Kings Park, followed by a monument walk. We then transferred to ANZAC Cottage in Mt. Hawthorn, where we had lunch. We learnt about the history of this small but important buidling. Anne Chapple talked about her family’s occupancy of the cottage, while Peter Ramsay entertained us with a variety of stories about the war in Vietnam and the New Zealand army. He was very knowledgable and passionate about the ANZAC legacy and instilled in us the enthusiasm to embrace all that we will encounter during the tour.

The day ended with a bus transfer back to Leederville SIDE, where parents arrived to collect their children. I am most excited to go on tour with these outstanding young people.
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After our time at the museum, we visited the Leighton Battery in Mosman Park. The Battery was originally built during World War II to defend the coastline around Fremantle from enemy attack. It was incredible to see the massive guns up close and to learn about their history. The trip down the cool tunnel on this hot day developed in me a new understanding on how closely Perth felt threatened during World War 2.

It was an unforgettable day filled with history, reflection, and gratitude. We left with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve in the SASR and a deeper understanding of their important role in protecting our country.

On the third and final day, we started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the State War Memorial in Kings Park, followed by a monument walk. We then transferred to ANZAC Cottage in Mt. Hawthorn, where we had lunch. We learnt about the history of this small but important buidling. Anne Chapple talked about her family’s occupancy of the cottage, while Peter Ramsay entertained us with a variety of stories about the war in Vietnam and the New Zealand army. He was very knowledgable and passionate about the ANZAC legacy and instilled in us the enthusiasm to embrace all that we will encounter during the tour.

The day ended with a bus transfer back to Leederville SIDE, where parents arrived to collect their children. I am most excited to go on tour with these outstanding young people.
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