At the Centre
Back to NewsroomThe 2026 Sadlier Stokes Prize Winners
The Australian Embassy in France and the Sir John Monash Centre are pleased to announce the three winners of the 2026 Sadlier Stokes Prize.
Mick Micheyl Primary School – Montmerle-sur-Saône (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes): Sadlier and Stokes
Year 6 pupils created a stop-motion animated short film, the result of in-depth research into the First World War, the story of Sadlier and Stokes, and the Victoria Cross. From designing the sets to recording voiceovers and writing the script, the pupils carried out this collective project with great creativity. A remarkable artistic production with strong potential for wider sharing.
Albert Schweitzer Secondary School – La Bassée (Hauts-de-France): Fromelles, Buried Memories… of a Forgotten Battle
Students produced a compelling video on an original historical topic: the recent discovery of a missing Australian soldier and the scientific work that led to his identification. Conducted in collaboration with leading partners (archaeological services, CWGC, Fromelles Museum), this project combines rigorous research with engaging storytelling. A piece of work with strong educational value.
Jean-Charles Athanase Peltier Vocational High School – Ham (Hauts-de-France): The Breaths of Memory – When Metal Remembers
Metalworking students created a sculpture combining historical research, artistic expression and professional skills. This original, symbol-rich work has already been exhibited and featured in the local press. An exemplary interdisciplinary project illustrating how remembrance can be passed on through creative practice.
Through the Sadlier Stokes Prize, students discover and share the common history of our two countries with talent and creativity.
This 2026 edition reflects a commitment to remembrance conveyed with intelligence, sensitivity and remarkable collective engagement. My sincere congratulations to all participants, and of course to the winners.
A PRIZE THAT BRINGS SHARED HISTORY TO LIFE
Created in 1989, the Sadlier Stokes Prize aims to promote awareness of Australia’s role during the First World War. Open to all schools in France and its overseas territories, it encourages students to explore this shared history through creative, original and meaningful projects.
This year, three schools have been awarded the prize, each receiving a grant of €1,500 to support their educational initiatives. For the 2026 edition, 19 schools (6 primary schools, 6 secondary schools and 7 high schools) submitted high-quality projects.
The jury, composed of Benjamin Daetwyler, Director of the Sir John Monash Centre, Katherine Storey, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy, and Commander Jane Landon, Deputy Defence Attaché in France, met to assess the applications.
Following this initial selection, the finalist projects were submitted to Lynette Wood, Ambassador of Australia to France, who selected the three winners.
If you would like to find out more, check out our page dedicated to the Sadlier Stokes Prize here.