Gallipoli Scholars visit Canberra

A message from the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund

Gallipoli Scholarships are awarded annually to direct and disadvantaged descendants of veterans who have served in any conflict or peace operation from the First World War.

The Scholarships are awarded for those undertaking tertiary education throughout Australia. In September, seven of this year’s 30 Gallipoli Scholars came to Canberra. The Scholars visited the Australian War Memorial where they had a conversation with Director Matt Anderson PSM, toured the galleries and laid a wreath during the Last Post Ceremony.

The Scholars also visited Government House where they met and had discussions with the Fund’s Patrons, Their Excellencies the Governor-General General the Hon David Hurley AC DSC and Mrs Hurley.

Three of the Indigenous Scholars also visited Calleo Indigenous Pty Ltd, which is funding their bursaries.

Ashleigh Witenden, one of the Scholars studying at the Australian National University, whose mother served in Rwanda, expressed the views of the group when she told Their Excellencies that the visit had been ‘absolutely awesome and life-changing’. 

Applications for 2023 Gallipoli Scholarships open on 1 January and close on 28 February 2023. They must be submitted online via the Fund’s website.  

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Three adults and seven teenagers pose for camera on steps of Government House, Canberra

The Scholars with Their Excellencies the Governor-General General the Hon David Hurley AC DSC and Mrs Hurley. Major General Michael G Smith AO (Ret’d), Chairperson, Gallipoli Scholarship Fund is top right.