Frank MacDonald MM – born in Ulverstone in 1896 – was Tasmania’s last World War I veteran and the last of the 40th Infantry Battalion raised in WWI. He was responsible for repairing signal lines between battalion headquarters and trenches and received the Military medal for working courageously under heavy fire. He also served in World War II and received the Legion of Honour in 1998. Frank MacDonald passed away on 23 August 2003 at the age of 107.
The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize aims to educate Tasmanian students about the state’s rich military history, while ensuring the remembrance and understanding of World War I is passed on to new generations. The competition is open to all Tasmanian Year 9 students, as well as students who are undertaking home education at the same year level.
The Prize
Six Year 9 students are selected from around Tasmania to take part in the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize each year. As part of the prize students:
- go on a 10-day study tour in April the following year (incorporating Anzac Day).
- visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
- attend educational meetings held once a month in the lead up to the study tour (November to April).
The study tour will travel to sites and landmarks of wartime, in Belgium and France (subject to appropriate travel clearances and public health advice). The group is led by a Tasmanian Government tour leader, and is accompanied by two teachers, a parliamentarian and an RSL representative. The State Government meet the cost of travel, transfers, travel insurance, accommodation, tour activities, and meals for each winner and the chaperones.
How to Enter
Students respond to one of the research questions in either an essay or digital format.
2026 Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize questions will be available in Term 1 2026
Essay: Maximum 1,500 words (not including references or quotes)
Digital, video or audio presentation: 10-minute maximum running time
Digital presentations are submitted on a USB or by a link to an online file.
All entries must be accompanied by a written statement of up to 500 words.
School students must submit their entry to their school. Only three entries can be sent in from each school. If more than three entries are submitted, then the school will need to conduct its own selection process.
For further information on the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize contact the Project Officer by phone (03) 6165 6196 or email learning.events@decyp.tas.gov.au
Chaperoning Teachers
Are you interested in becoming a chaperoning teacher?
Two teachers accompany and supervise the winning students during the course of the prize.
Teachers who have previously travelled with the prize can apply again.
For further information please contact the Project Officer by email at learning.events@decyp.tas.gov.au
2025 Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize recipients
Students
- Grace Swan, Rose Bay High School (PDF, 321KB)
- Henry Payne, Devonport High School (PDF, 15,664KB)
- Isabelle Scott, Parklands High School (PDF, 1574KB)
- Lilith Fleming, Taroona High School (PDF, 638KB)
- Loretta Smith, Latrobe High School (PDF, 209KB)
- Noah Johnson, St Aloysius Catholic College (PDF, 402KB)
Teachers
- Annette Parker, Triabunna District School
- Greg Rowlings, Hutchins School
RSL Tasmania Representative
- Mick Johnson, Launceston RSL
Parliamentary Representative
- Rob Fairs MP
View the previous winners of the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize.
Further information about the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize can be viewed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.