Member for Bathurst Paul Toole made the announcement at Lithgow High on Wednesday that a NSW Premiers Anzac Memorial Scholarship had been awarded to the school.

The scholarship is available to Year 10 and 11 students with a keen interest in history. 

The scholarships enable young history buffs to visit key battlefields and memorial sites where our Anzac history is brought to life and to commemorate 100 years since the British offensive on the town of Ypres in which Australia lost 38,000 men.

The 12-day tour will also take in other significant Australian battlefields on the Western Front in Belgium and France including Villiers Bretonneux, Pozieres and Fromelles.

Lithgow High principal Ann Carro said it was a fantastic opportunity for a student and staff member.

She said the successful application for the tour was made by teacher Lyndell Fairleigh after a student mentioned it.

The school now has to select a student and get them organised for travel before April next year.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said, “This is a unique opportunity, one that offers scholars insight into Australia’s involvement in the First World War and the birth of the Anzac legend.”

“There were 21 schools selected in a ballot to travel overseas to one or more of the sites traditionally associated with the Anzac story.

“The tour to be undertaken in 2017 will visit sites on the Western Front in France and Belgium and this is sure to be an incredible experience for any young person to be part of.”

“The NSW Government will fund the cost of the student and supervising teachers travel.

“The student will be selected by a school/community panel which will be established to consider the work submitted and shortlist students who will present their work in an interview situation.”