Bundaberg RSL Club was honoured to welcome Bundaberg State High School student
Seth Johnson to a recent Veterans Morning Tea, where he shared powerful reflections
from his 2026 Premier’s Anzac Prize journey to the European battlefields.
Seth was selected as one of only eight Queensland students to receive the 2026
Premier’s Anzac Prize, a prestigious program that gives young Queenslanders the
opportunity to deepen their understanding of Australia’s wartime history, the Anzac
legacy and the service of those who came before them.
His visit to Bundaberg RSL Club followed the Club’s earlier celebration of his selection
for the Prize, which recognised his thoughtful research into Aboriginal and South Sea
Islander servicemen from the Bundaberg region who served during World War I.
A Powerful Morning of Reflection
Speaking to veterans, members and guests, Seth shared how deeply the experience
had affected him. Having recently returned from visiting significant battlefield sites, memorials and
cemeteries across Europe, Seth spoke candidly about the impact of walking the historic
grounds where so many Australians served and sacrificed. His reflections were deeply moving for those in attendance. Seth described how seeing the scale of sacrifice firsthand had profoundly shifted his
perspective on life, history and remembrance. Through the stories of individual
servicemen and the places he visited, he gained a deeper understanding of the
courage, hardship and humanity behind Australia’s wartime history.
For the veterans in the room, Seth’s words were a powerful reminder that the Anzac
legacy continues to be carried forward by younger generations.
Honouring Local Stories
Seth’s Premier’s Anzac Prize journey has been closely connected to Bundaberg’s own
military history. His research explored the service and legacy of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander
servicemen from the Bundaberg region who served during World War I. These stories
form an important part of Australia’s broader Anzac history and continue to deserve
recognition, respect and remembrance. By researching and sharing these local stories, Seth has helped shine a light on servicemen whose contributions have not always been widely known.
His work reflects the importance of preserving local history and ensuring that the service
of all Australians is remembered by future generations.
Youth Carrying the Torch of Remembrance
It was heartening to see a young member of the Bundaberg community engage so
deeply with our history and speak with such maturity, respect and sincerity.
Seth’s ability to connect his research with his lived experience of visiting the European
battlefields made his presentation especially meaningful. His reflections showed not
only a strong understanding of history, but also a genuine commitment to honouring
those who served. Bundaberg RSL Club sincerely thanks Seth for spending time with our veterans and for
sharing his journey so openly. Bundaberg State High School should be incredibly proud to have such a thoughtful and articulate student representing the school and the wider Bundaberg community.
Seth’s story is a reminder that remembrance is not only about looking back. It is also
about inspiring future generations to listen, learn and continue honouring the legacy of
those who served.
