On 24 November 2009, the National History Challenge Awards ceremony was held at Australian Parliament House. An activity of the History Teachers’ Association of Australia, the competition is research-based, inviting entries from primary and secondary students from all over Australia and giving them the chance to be historians. Each year, students submit entries exploring the theme chosen for that year, using primary and secondary sources to produce an essay, performance, multi-media piece or three-dimensional model.

The theme of this year’s Challenge was Triumph over Adversity and a varied list of topics saw essays from students on Australia’s involvement in World War I, migrant experiences of Polish Jews and the lives of characters such as John Curtin, John Monash and Ned Kelly.

The Australian Prime Ministers Centre at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House sponsored a special category in this year’s challenge: ‘Australian Prime Ministers: Triumph over Adversity’. The winner of this category was Dale J Atkinson of Wesley College in South Perth for his essay, ‘’. Dale’s winning essay can be viewed here.

Minister Griffin presented the Year Level awards for years 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, as well as the Young Historian Award for each State and Territory. The overall 2009 National Young Historian of the Year Award was presented to Alix Biggs of Canberra Girls’ Grammar School, for her essay ‘’.

More information about the National History Challenge, including a list of winners, is available at the History Challenge website.