ANZAC Day to be remembered in all Government schools

12/7/03 ANZAC Day services will be required in all Western Australian Government schools from next year.

12/7/03
ANZAC Day services will be required in all Western Australian Government schools from next year.
Premier Geoff Gallop made the announcement at the opening of the RSL WA Branch 87th annual State congress in Perth this morning.
"Religious celebrations aside, ANZAC Day is the most important day on the Australian calendar," Dr Gallop said.
"It is important our children have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the significance of the day, and I believe an ANZAC Day service in schools helps that."
The Premier said that under current arrangements, WA schools could choose not to have an ANZAC Day service, but could acknowledge the day in other ways including classroom activities, plays and talks by veterans.
"These activities are laudable and worthwhile and should continue, but I believe every school should have a traditional ANZAC Day service as well," he said.
"ANZAC Day services contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of Australian society, its history and traditions and the values we seek to live by and imbue in our citizens."
Dr Gallop said Education Minister Alan Carpenter had raised the issue of ANZAC Day services in schools with him after Koondoola Primary School decided not to hold an ANZAC Day service this year.
He said a new working group would be formed to enhance WA's observance of ANZAC Day and would help to plan for the ANZAC Day Centenary in 2015.
Western Australia had a special place in the history of the Anzacs, who had sailed for Turkey from Albany on November 1, 1914.
Chaired by the Premier's Parliamentary Secretary and Member for Rockingham, Mark McGowan, the ANZAC Day Working Group would:

  • advise the Government on an appropriate ANZAC Day service for schools;
  • consider the need for any new learning materials to help better inform students about the events at Gallipoli and Australia's 87-years of military commitments since;
  • examine and suggest amendments to the ANZAC Day Act; and
  • devise a method of selecting a team of young people to travel to Gallipoli each year to attend the Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove.
"Led by an appropriate Western Australian, I would hope that this trip would become an annual pilgrimage that links the past to the future," Dr Gallop said.
"I am sure there will be many other worthwhile initiatives considered by the working group and others that will keep the ANZAC flame and what it entails very much alive."
The Premier also announced a $15,000 study into the physical state of the Kings Park War Memorial.
Dr Gallop said a comprehensive assessment of the memorial's structure was needed before undertaking a full restoration, which he suggested could be part of the State's 175th Anniversary celebrations next year.
"It is an absolute priority that this WA icon be restored to prime condition," he said.
Premier's office: 9222 9475