On 1 May 2025, over 150 guests gathered in the heart of our nation’s capital for an event that was as memorable as it was inspiring — the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund’s Awards Ceremony, held at the Australian War Memorial (AWM), the national shrine of our veterans and their families.

The evening began with the solemn and deeply symbolic Last Post Ceremony. Gallipoli Scholars and their guests joined the public in quiet reflection before participating in a special tribute, laying wreaths at the Memorial — a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and service that underpins the very foundation of the Fund. Gallipoli Scholars Grace Waters and Matthew Maguire, both in their second year of tertiary study, were honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the Fund. It was a humbling way to begin what became an unforgettable night.

This year, 33 scholars were in attendance to receive their awards, joined by their families — including proud parents, siblings, and grandparents — along with many of our long-standing and new donors and supporters. The AWM Theatre quickly filled with warmth, pride and purpose.

The ceremony was expertly emceed by Eja Collins and Riley Curtain, two of our Gallipoli Scholars, and the program was rich with a moving Welcome to Country by Michael Bell and a memorable keynote address by AWM Director Matt Anderson. During dinner, we were mesmerised by the impactful speeches from Gallipoli Scholars Ashleigh Witenden and Mitch Agnew who just returned from a life-changing experience — representing the Fund at the Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli as part of the commemoration team from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their moving reflections reminded all present of the Anzac legacy, the Fund’s values and the torch that continues to be carried by our Gallipoli Scholars. The final and very thoughtful ‘thank you’ of the evening was given by Gallipoli Scholar Jorja O’Brien, who is completing her first year of Nursing.

The presentation of awards was made special by the presence of our Patrons, General (R’etd) the Honourable David Hurley AC, CVO, DSC and Mrs Linda Hurley who graciously joined us. Mrs Hurley led us in the singing of the Gallipoli Scholarship Song which she composed. Their ongoing commitment to the Fund is a source of strength and pride for our entire community.

The celebration continued the next morning, when our Scholars and their guests were welcomed for a private tour of Government House, enabled by our Patron-in-Chief, Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. The visit was a rare and meaningful opportunity — a fitting extension of a ceremony focused on honouring the past while investing in the future.

The event served as a memorable tribute to what the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund stands for: sacrifice, service, education, and opportunity. As Chairman, I left feeling deeply proud — not just of our Scholars, but of their veteran ancestors, their families and the growing community that surrounds them. I remain deeply thankful to our team of dedicated volunteers that make it all possible.

Together, we are helping build a generation of Australians who carry the Anzac spirit forward in everything they do.

If you would like to learn more about the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund, meet our scholars, or explore ways to support our mission, please visit www.gallipolischolarship.com.au or contact us directly. Your generosity can help change the life of a deserving young Australian — and honour a legacy that should never be forgotten.