ANZAC pilgrimage “a dream come true”

An Army cadet with proud family ties to service, Charlie has always been interested in war history. And soon, he’ll get to journey through it on a very special pilgrimage.

The 15-year-old is one of eight student recipients of the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Prize, an initiative organised by the Queensland Department of Education and proudly presented in partnership with RSL Queensland.

Charlie with RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM

The prize is a life-changing opportunity to connect with the ANZAC legacy – through learning, fundraising, and commemorating the ANZACs where they fought.

Here’s what we learnt about Charlie, his connection to ANZAC history, and his upcoming trip to the Western Front.

How do you feel about winning the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Prize?

Being chosen to represent Queensland is a dream come true. As a boy with autism, it shows I can do anything, and I hope it will help other children like me.

What made you apply for the prize? 

I have a strong interest in the World Wars and how our soldiers died for us. The Premier’s Anzac Prize was an opportunity to understand more about the wars, help spread the word and keep the ANZAC spirit alive. 

 Do you have any personal or family connections to the military?

On my mum’s side, I have two family members who served. My great-great-grandfather George Fay was a Captain of the 8th Light Horse Regiment in World War I (WWI) and died in a battle in El Burj in Palestine. 

Captain George Fay, Charlie's great-great-grandfather (image credit Australian War Memorial)

His son, my great-grandfather, served in the Royal Australian Air Force in WWII. He returned home and met his son – my grandfather – for the first time when his son was three years old.

Why do you think military history is important for young Australians?

We need to remember what was sacrificed at Gallipoli and other battles so another Gallipoli doesn’t happen again. It also helps us appreciate what we have. 

As part of the prize, you attended a recent workshop at the State Library of Queensland, examining rare military memorabilia. What was that like? 

It was a wonderful experience to see different parts of history and books. I was surprised at how elegant the soldiers’ uniforms were. Touching old items made me feel like I was stepping back into war times.  

You’re also doing some fundraising as part of the prize. Tell us about that.

Through family and friends, I have already raised more than $1,200 for Mates4Mates, and I plan to do a chocolate wheel activity at school to reach my target of $2,000. 

Which soldiers have you chosen to research and commemorate in Europe?

My great-great-grandfather George Fay, who wasn’t meant to be fighting on the day he died. He just took the place of a mate who was sick.  

I will also be commemorating a Queenslander named Walter Henry Lergessner, who died in Belgium. I am looking forward to paying my respects at his grave.  

How are you feeling about the trip to Europe? What are you most looking forward to?  

I am really excited to be going to Europe. I am looking forward to seeing the burial sites and what the soldiers would have seen during war. I am most looking forward to seeing Belgium to understand the people’s history.

How do you normally commemorate ANZAC Day? How do you feel about commemorating it on the Western Front this year? 

I am a cadet, so I normally march to commemorate the ANZACs. I feel so lucky to be commemorating the ANZACs this year in the place where they fought. It brings a reality to it that I’m not sure Australians could understand otherwise. 

Learn more 

The annual Premier’s Anzac Prize is open to Queensland high school students (in years 8 to 11) and teachers.

For more details, visit rslqld.org/premiers-anzac-prize.

Help Charlie support Mates4Mates  

Charlie and his fellow prize recipients are raising funds to support Mates4Mates. To make a donation, visit the group’s fundraising page, select an amount and click the blue ‘Donate’ button.