By HARVEY SHORE
YEAR 10 student Jessica Hawkins from Moreton Bay College in Manly West has been named one of eight winners of the 2026 Queensland Premier’s Anzac Prize, becoming the only Brisbane-based student to receive the honour this year.
The annual award, presented in partnership with RSL Queensland and supported by the State Library of Queensland and Queensland Museum, provides students and teachers with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Anzac legacy.
Jessica impressed judges with a multi-modal presentation exploring the wartime service of her grandfather, Alexander Cockerill, who served as a Flight Rigger with 549 Squadron RAF during World War Two.
The squadron, made up of British pilots and Australian ground crew, flew Spitfires in northern Australia from 1943 to 1945, providing crucial fighter cover at a time when the region remained within reach of Japanese aircraft.
As part of her prize, Jessica will attend a three-day research workshop in Brisbane in January before embarking on a two-week tour of Europe.
The program includes a moving Anzac Day visit to the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux in France.
Jessica recently attended the Manly Lota RSL Sub-Branch for its Remembrance Day service, where she announced plans to use her achievement to help raise funds for Mates4Mates, a veterans’ charity supporting current and former Australian Defence Force personnel.
Manly Lota RSL President Harry Pregnell praised Jessica’s community spirit, saying the Sub -Branch was proud to welcome her and would support her fundraising efforts.
