100 high school students will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent NSW at the 2015 Gallipoli commemoration service, which will mark 100 years since the landing of the first Anzacs.

NSW Premier Mike Baird said the NSW Government would invest up to $1 million to enable 100 students and their chaperones to pay their respects on the ground where so many Australian lives were lost in defence of their country.

“This is a moving tribute to our forebears and a key part of our state’s Centenary of Anzac program,” he said.

“The 2015 Gallipoli School Tour will allow students from across NSW to represent their local communities at the Gallipoli Dawn Service.

“The experience won’t end when they return home. Students will share their experiences and be leaders in honouring the Anzac legacy within their school and local community as the future guardians of our proud military heritage.”

Details of how students can apply for the fully-funded Gallipoli School Tour and the selection process will be released in coming months.

All government and non-government high school students who will be in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2015 will be eligible to apply.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Victor Dominello said, “The First World War remains one of the most significant events in shaping our national identity and Anzac Day next year will be a focal point of our commemorations during the Centenary period, 2014-18.

“The NSW Government is proudly committed to sending the largest contingent of school students to the Gallipoli Dawn Service of all the states and territories.