Why is the Centenary of Anzac important for modern Australia and what lessons are learned from the Battle of Beersheba in 1917?

Six young people from NSW who come up with the best responses  will have the opportunity to travel to historic battlefields in Greece and Israel .

Applications for the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Ambassadors Program have opened.

Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell welcomed the launch of the program and encouraged local high school students to take part in the essay competition.

“I encourage students to apply for the Premier’s Anzac Ambassadors Program to retrace the steps of our Anzacs who gave so much for our country,” he said.

Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said it was important for young people and students to understand and commemorate the great sacrifices the Anzacs made more than 100 years ago in foreign wars and on foreign battlefields.

“This journey to key First World War battlegrounds is an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the events and contributions made by young men and women that shaped our nation a century ago,” he said.

The six successful applicants will travel to Lemnos in Greece and to Israel for the centenary of the Charge of the Fourth Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba as part of a two-week tour sponsored by ClubsNSW.

Interested students have been asked to submit a 1000-word essay on ‘Why is the Centenary of Anzac important for modern Australia and what lessons are learned from the Battle of Beersheba in 1917?’

ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball welcomed the launch of the fourth annual Premier’s Anzac Ambassador’s Program.

“ClubsNSW is proud to play a part in keeping the legacy and spirit of Anzac alive for the next generation,” Mr Ball said.

The tour will leave Sydney on October 24 and return home on November 5.

Applications close Monday, July 31.

Visit www.clubsnsw.com.au/anzacambassadors for more information on how to enter.