Mr McCormack said he believes ANZAC Day is the most important day in our national calendar, when our nation stops to remember the gallantry, service and sacrifice of men and women who have fought for peace and freedom in conflicts all over the world.

“Each year (this being the seventh), I produce a commemorative booklet about ANZAC Day, which also contains ANZAC service times for across the region and it is distributed to every household in the electorate. I am always glad to receive such encouraging feedback about the content of the booklet and proud when I’m approached by people who tell me about their connection to various servicemen and women who feature in the booklet.” Mr McCormack said. “A highlight for many is the contribution to the booklet of students from across the electorate who participate in the ANZAC writing competition.”

Mr McCormack wrote this week to the more than 120 primary and high schools across the electorate encouraging students to contribute an imaginative and original piece on “ANZAC Day in the Riverina and Central West”. Two winners will be chosen from each quarter of the electorate which now spans from Peak Hill to The Rock and from West Wyalong across to Cowra.

“I am looking forward to reading every entry, especially those from the new parts of the electorate and no matter where a student is from, their experience and knowledge of ANZAC Day is unique, special and personal,” Mr McCormack said. “This writing competition not only provides an opportunity for students to further their knowledge of our military history and develop their writing skills but to also reflect on their personal experience of ANZAC Day and better appreciate the reasons why we live and enjoy the freedoms we do as Australians today.”

Entries must be received by the Wagga Wagga electorate office by Monday, 6 March 2017.