The Bundaberg community is celebrating the achievement of Bundaberg State High School student Seth Johnson, who has been selected as one of just eight Queensland students to receive the 2026 Premier’s Anzac Prize.
The prestigious Queensland Government program recognises outstanding student research into Australia’s military history and provides recipients with a once-in-a-lifetime international study tour to significant First World War sites across Europe.
Seth’s selection reflects both his dedication to historical research and his commitment to honouring the stories of servicemen connected to the Bundaberg region.
Research Highlighting Indigenous Servicemen from Bundaberg
Seth’s award-winning submission explored the contributions of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander servicemen from the Bundaberg region who served during World War I.
His research focused on recognising the service, sacrifice and legacy of these soldiers, whose stories have often been under-represented in Australia’s military history.
By highlighting these individuals, Seth’s project helps preserve an important part of Bundaberg’s local Anzac history while ensuring their contributions are remembered and respected.
A Personal Connection to Military Service
As a First Nations young person with a family lineage of military service, Seth expressed pride in being selected for the Premier’s Anzac Prize.
The opportunity allows him to further explore the history of the soldiers he researched while honouring their service at the places where history unfolded.
One of the most meaningful moments of the program will be attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux in France, a significant site of remembrance for Australian soldiers who served on the Western Front.
Exploring Historic Anzac Sites Across Europe
As part of the Premier’s Anzac Prize program, Seth will join fellow Queensland students on an educational study tour visiting historic World War I locations.
The tour includes:
- Visiting World War I battlefields in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom
- Touring memorials, museums and military cemeteries connected to Australian servicemen
- Attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux
- Conducting research into Queensland soldiers prior to the tour
The program helps students connect their research with the historical landscapes where Australian soldiers served and sacrificed.
Preserving Bundaberg’s Anzac Legacy
Seth’s work contributes to ongoing community efforts to ensure the stories of Indigenous and South Sea Islander servicemen are recognised as an important part of Australia’s Anzac history.
His research not only highlights their service but also strengthens awareness of Bundaberg’s local military heritage, helping ensure these stories are shared with future generations.
A Proud Achievement for Bundaberg
Being selected for the 2026 Premier’s Anzac Prize is a significant achievement for Seth Johnson, Bundaberg State High School and the wider community.
His dedication to uncovering and sharing the stories of local servicemen reflects the spirit of remembrance that continues to unite communities across Australia.
The Bundaberg RSL community congratulates Seth on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes him every success as he embarks on this meaningful Anzac study tour.
Supporting Seth’s Anzac Prize Journey – Music Bingo Fundraiser
To help support Seth Johnson’s Premier’s Anzac Prize journey, the Bundaberg community is invited to attend a Music Bingo Fundraiser at Bundaberg RSL.
The event is being coordinated by Seth and supporters as a fun night to raise funds while bringing the community together in support of local youth and Anzac education.
Music Bingo at the RSL
Date: 31 March 2026
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Gallipoli Room, Bundaberg RSL
Tickets: $30 per table (table of 6)
Guests can enjoy a lively evening of music bingo, prizes, laughter and friendly competition, featuring everything from 90s throwbacks to smash hits.
All profits from the event will be donated to Mates4Mates, supporting veterans and their families.
The evening also gives the community a chance to support Seth as he prepares for the Premier’s Anzac Prize international study tour to historic World War I sites.
Bookings can be made online via the QR code on the event poster – click here.
The Bundaberg RSL community encourages locals to attend and help celebrate Seth’s achievement while supporting a great cause.
