Dustin McGuire will soon stand on the battlefields where his ancestors once fought, delivering a eulogy beneath the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium – a place where the sacrifices of Australian soldiers are etched into history.
The Marsden State High School captain has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Queensland Premier’s Anzac Prize, an award that gives students the opportunity to explore the Anzac legacy firsthand.
The prize allows students to engage in extensive research before embarking on a two-week journey to the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.
Their itinerary includes visits to key World War I memorials, culminating in attendance at the Anzac Day Dawn Service near Villers-Bretonneux on the Western Front.
For Dustin, the opportunity carries deep personal significance.
His great-great-great-uncle, James, is among those memorialised at Menin Gate, a connection that has strengthened his passion for Anzac history.
“I found out about James three years ago, and learning more about him has made this experience even more meaningful,” Dustin said.
“Going to Belgium and delivering a eulogy under his name is something I never imagined I’d be able to do.”
Dustin has long been involved in commemorating Anzac traditions with his family, attending dawn services and honouring the legacy of past servicemen and women.
The Premier’s Anzac Prize was something he had set his sights on for several years, applying multiple times before finally being selected.
“I worked towards this for three years,” he said.
“The first time, I didn’t make it past the application stage. The second time, I got to the interview but froze. I really focused on improving my public speaking, and last year, I just knew I’d done well by the way the interview ended.”
The trip is more than a personal journey.
As part of the program, Dustin has been engaging with the Logan community, sharing the knowledge he has gained through his research.
“So far, I’ve visited the Logan Village Museum and Logan Village State School to talk about what I’ve learned,” he said.
“We also did a three-day workshop at the State Library, where we get to handle historical artefacts, like World War I medals, uniforms and even a trumpet.”
Alongside his research and community engagement, Dustin and his fellow recipients are fundraising for Mates4Mates, a veterans’ charity.
“Last year, they raised over $20,000, but this year we’re currently short of that goal, sitting at around $12,810,” he said.
“Personally, I’ve only been able to contribute $155 despite my efforts with local RSLs, schools, and social media.”
Dustin encourages anyone who can to support the fundraising effort.
“If people are able to donate, it would mean a lot – not just to us, but to veterans across the nation,” he said.
“And even if they can’t, spreading the word about our efforts would also help.”
As he prepares for the journey, Dustin is most looking forward to the rare access the program provides to battlefields and memorials.
“Some of the areas we’ll see aren’t usually accessible to the public,” he said.
“My teacher, who was selected as a mentor in 2023, told me about the small communities that still honour the Anzacs. I think it’s going to be an experience I’ll never forget.”
Dustin and his fellow students depart on April 12.
