Testimonials
Visiting the National Museum of Australian Democracy was brilliant, it gave us the opportunity to not only learn more about the history of our political system, but debate and discuss our personal ideas in a really vibrant atmosphere. – Alice Dawkins, SA
I really enjoyed visiting the National Museum of Australian Democracy. Our guide showed us many of the exhibitions on display in the museum, all filled with very interesting artifacts and interactive activities. I enjoyed the voting session the most because it gave everyone a chance to discuss their opinions on conscription. – Emily Doi, TAS
Outside Old Parliament House
Our first excursion was to the Museum of Australian Democracy. I really enjoyed the focus on what we thought about important democratic issues, like compulsory voting and conscription. Numerous times during the visit we were given the opportunity to discuss our opinions on issues that affect Australia. I thought the mock debate on the issue of conscription in the Vietnam War was the most fun, as everyone became really passionate defending their views. – Alix Biggs, ACT
Lunch at Old Parliament House
For a final excursion before dinner on Monday, we visited the National War Memorial. I really enjoyed it, and many of us were moved by the exhibits. Firstly we were showed a film by Peter Jackson, demonstrating the participation of the air force in the First World War. Next we were taken on a tour of the Victoria Cross winners, and the tour guide explained the personal stories of some of the Cross recipients. Finally we were taken through several dioramas, portraying individual battles of the First World War, before attending the closing commemoration ceremony. The Australian War Memorial was my favorite event of the day. – Erin Moriarty, NT
As well as the valuable knowledge gained by visiting the Australian Museum of Democracy, National Archives and War Memorial, I enjoyed meeting the prize winners from different states and get to know their passion for history. I really appreciated the tours and activities we undertook during the past days, which were made possible with the organisation of the coordinators. – Siyu Yang, SA
Visiting the National Museum of Democracy, the National Archives and the War Memorial was a fantastic experience. Touring the buildings and listen to the talks was fascinating and very insightful. The places we visited gave us a better understanding of some of Australia’s history. It was also great to meet all the other winners and build relationships with them throughout the trip. – Lina Carbone, SA
Australian War Memorial
Today we visited the National Museum of Democracy, the National Archives and the War Memorial. At the National Museum of Democracy, we visited the previous House of Representatives and the Senate, which gave us insight into Australia’s heritage and our political system. One highlight was doing a role play, in which we discussed conscription. I also enjoyed visiting the National War Memorial, where we were surrounded by history in many forms: photographs, dioramas, paintings and war relics. We were shown a film directed by Peter Jackson, which showed the realities of being in the Australian air force. Personal stories gave us the opportunity to connect with the past, making my experience at the War Memorial a truly memorable one. -Rebecca Carnell SA
The National Museum of Australian Democracy provided many opportunities to discuss and evaluate important moments within Australian history, especially in relation to the crucial issue of conscription. More than anything, this experience gave me time to reflect over the instinctual reactions that can occur when threats to national security arise. This led me to the conclusion that society, and politicians in general due to periods of crises simplify complex issues, so that the solutions are often too basic to have a real effect in solving or combating the problem. This was the most valuable piece of understanding I gained from today’s excursion, so am obviously glad for the experience.- Nicholas Peterson NSW
Outside Parliament House
As a West Australian I have rarely come to Canberra and seen and experienced our nation’s capital’s landmarks and museums. The National Museum of Australian Democracy was a large highlight for me as I learnt about pivotal moments in our nation’s history. It provided both simple and detailed explanations of the House of Representatives, the Senate, our Prime Ministers, and our democracy in general. Afterwards we visited the National Archives of Australia and the Australian War Memorial which contained several interesting relics and artifacts of our historical past. This trip has been a both a highly fun and educational experience. I would gladly enter this competition next year. – Daniel Jauk WA.
Travelling to Canberra to be awarded the National History Challenge prize has been a rewarding experience. My favorite site in Canberra was the Museum of Australian Democracy located in Old Parliament House. The actual building and its rooms, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate, were particularly captivating. The museum itself was also fascinating which gave me an insight into ‘democracy’ and Australia’s political system. The National Archives was full of interesting documents and artifacts that have been collated throughout Australia’s rich and colorful h visited the Australian War Memorial which, despite the lack of time to explore in depth’ was jammed full of fascinating and provoking items. I have certainly enjoyed my time in Canberra and am extremely grateful to the National History Challenge and all its organizers who have all helped in making this trip unforgettable.
2009 Winners 2009 Winners
Today, we visited the historic Australian War Memorial. As my essay focused on the Gallipoli Campaign, this visit brought the experience to another level. It gave an insight into the soldier’s on-field situation, bringing the words on the page into life. The tour ended with a lone piper, a nostalgic reminder of the loss of life. All in all, I found the War Memorial to be a fascinating and interesting visit, due to its huge significance, stunning architecture and striking exhibitions. – Grant Kynaston NSW
Wow. So today was pretty epic. Probably one of the most exciting days of my life. Daniel is now telling me to admit to my bribery of the judges. Good luck with that, Daniel. And it also turns out that just about everyone knew about me being Young Historian before I did. The Minister for Veterans Affairs was nice, as was everyone else. I’m just really sad that today is the last time I get to see all my new history besties. Or as Daniel puts it, “fellow nerds”. Everyone has been so brilliant, and I really hope we all make it back again next year. – Alix Biggs, ACT
Alix Biggs – 2009 Australian Young Historian
Today was a fantastic end to our trip to Canberra. We went to Parliament House, where we were shown into the huge foyer. We were all really excited as we waited in anticipation. We were shown upstairs to Mural Hall, where we were able to meet and thank our sponsors, teachers and coordinators. The ceremony was a lovely way to celebrate our achievements, and the highlight was, of course, the announcement of the Young Historian. We were all really excited for Alix, congratulations on a fantastic essay! Now we are in the National Museum of Australia, having lunch and trying unsuccessfully to solve a rubik’s cube. –Rebecca Carnell SA
Our last day in Canberra was certainly memorable. The presentation at the Parliament House was excitable and very enjoyable. It is a shame that we couldn’t visit the more of the building as it is extremely impressive! It is also saddening that there weren’t as many politicians who witnessed the ceremony (due to serious discussions about climate change). Congratulations to Alix on winning the national historian, her essay was incredible.