The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize

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

Eight Year 9 students and two teachers are selected from around Tasmania to take part in the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize each year. As part of the prize recipients:

• 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. The State Government meet the cost of travel, transfers, travel insurance, accommodation, tour activities, and meals for each winner and the chaperones.

• Student Information & Entry Form (PDF, 597KB)
• Teacher Information & EOI Form (PDF, 581KB)

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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.

Published October 30, 2025