An annual project which involves students delving into local history and discovering more about those who served their country and are now interred at the Greta Cemetery, has won commendation from the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA).

Each year Greta Valley Primary School students research a veteran buried at the cemetery, putting together a biography, then in conjunction with the Greta Cemetery Trust, presenting it to the community as part of their ANZAC Day celebrations.

This year principal Howard Gibson nominated the project for the DVA's 2025 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, and the school was recently advised they had won the Innovative Idea Award.

The theme of this year's awards was "Remembering Gallipoli: 110 years" and the judging panellists said they were moved by the touching tributes placed by individual students at the grave sites.

A red poppy, a flag and a written biography had been carefully arranged and placed on the veterans’ graves, and on Anzac Day, students led members of the community on a commemorative walk through the cemetery.

The judging panellists said the students "have honoured the lives of these veterans through recognition, respect and community connection" and "due to their actions, these veteran stories live on through the students at Greta Valley Primary School."

The school received a $2000 prize and a commemorative plaque; principal Gibson saying the prize will go towards the project, or another history-themed initiative, as they prepare for Anzac Day next year.

Mr Gibson said each year the students research a different person, so it is always a learning experience, and the project has far reaching benefits for the young participants.

"It gives them a deeper understanding of those who have given service (and even their lives) to their country, while connecting them with their local community," he said.

"It also helps develop their research and writing skills, as they put together a biography and create a presentation, and builds their confidence from getting up and talking in front of a crowd."