Brianna wins Anzac essay comp | Coffs Coast News | Local News in Coffs Coast

Brianna Hindmarsh and RSL sub-branch president Bob Payne.

‘SHOCKED and excited’ is how Brianna Hindmarsh reacted to her victory.

The Year 12 Coffs Harbour Senior College student edged out her rivals to win the Coffs Harbour Anzac essay competition.

The modern history student spent the school holidays working on the piece that also won her $500.

“The essay focuses on New Zealand’s contribution to Anzac tradition,” Miss Hindmarsh said.

“The Anzacs were bold and ferocious in the face of battle, and ready to hold steadfast.

“It was said by a prominent war historian, ‘Anzac Day now belongs to the past and during the war all energy was concentrated on the future but the influence of the Gallipoli campaign, upon national life of Australia and New Zealand, has been far too deep to fade’.

“This sentiment has clearly resounded through the decades that have passed and will continue to resonate for decades to come in both New Zealand and Australia,” the essay read.

Coffs Harbour RSL sub-branch president Bob Payne said all entries were of a high quality.

“I think it’s fantastic,” he said.

Miss Hindmarsh’s modern history classmate Mandy Atkinson was awarded an achievement award and $50.

FAMILY MARCH

DIGGERS in Coffs Harbour will be joined by their families for the Anzac march.

Local sub-branch president Bob Payne is inviting all grandchildren and relatives to step out on Anzac Day in support and remembrance of the local servicemen and women.

“We debunk the stupidity of arguments that say family members hide the Diggers,” Mr Payne said.

Mr Payne asked how a five-year-old child or a teenager could hide an 85-year-old person.

The staunch support of descendants marching comes in the wake of city march organisers calling on family members to be sidelined.

“They (the veterans) are upset that this is coming out of the cities,” Mr Payne said.

“The peanuts are threatening to kill the RSL off.”