Sydney girl scores third prize in national art competition
Adena Sheps from Emanuel School in Sydney has received the 3rd place prize in the National Harry Bell Memorial Art Competition proudly sponsored by JNF, AICC, Shekinah Tours, Beersheba 100 Committee, Melbourne Racing Club, and The Jericho Cup.
Adena’s entry
The art competition, initiated by author Jill Curry commemorates the Centenary of the Australian Light Horse Battle of Beersheba. The competition, opened to students in years 7 – 10 in high schools throughout Australia was an impactful way of introducing this important historical event into the education systems curriculum.
The theme of the competition was: Mates – The contribution of the ANZAC horses and riders in WW1. The prize giving ceremony was held at Caulfield RSL on Friday August 18 where all the magnificent works were displayed. Students from around Australia depicted the relationship between trooper and horse, showcasing their artistic talents. Renowned Light Horse artist Jennifer Marshall and Military Artist Ian Coate judged the 29 entries. Blake Bridgwater from Pacific Hills Christian College Dural, won the first place prize, a roundtrip for himself and an accompanying adult to attend the Light Horse Commemorations at Be’er Sheva in Israel on October 31, 2017. Unfortunately unable to attend, the first place prize will be enjoyed by Sarah Runnegar Mullins St. Dominic’s Priory College Adelaide.
Etty Ayalon
The awards ceremony was attended by Mr Murray Thompson MLA, Victorian Member for Sandringham, who addressed the audience as well as Vietnam Veteran Neville Clark who spoke passionately about the charge and how it changed the face of history. All of Harry Bell’s family reunited at the event in his memory.
Etty Ayalon, the JNF liaison for ANZAC projects was invited to speak about the planned events in Israel as part of the centenary commemorations on 31 October. Etty, who is both Australian and Israeli, told the attendees: “I feel very privileged to work on this important project commemorating the beginning of the relationship between the two countries I belong to. The Centenary Commemoration project is one I hold very close to my heart.” JNF will be inaugurating the Be’er Sheva ANZAC Memorial Centre as part of the official commemoration ceremony in Israel in the presence of both the Malcom Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia and Benyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. JNF will also be taking a delegation of 88 people on an ANZAC Tour of Israel to participate in the event.
