Mt Clear teacher wins notable peace prize

A BALLARAT teacher was yesterday awarded the prestigious ANZAC Peace Prize in Melbourne.Mt Clear College's Ian Simpkin was recognised for establishing a sister school relationship with Gallipoli High School.Governor General Major General Michael Jeffery presented the award during the RSL's National Congress at Melbourne Town Hall.Mr Simpkin last night dined with Prime Minister John Howard as part of the congress itinerary .The Ballarat man developed several ANZAC-related programs which evolved into an extraordinary bond between the Australian and Turkish students. Since 2001, he has co-ordinated six tours between the schools. The trips involve Turkish students visiting Ballarat and Mount Clear College visiting important sites and participating in rituals at Gallipoli."The kids know me when I go over there now, they yell out `Simmo'," Mr Simpkin said.The 53-year-old pointed to an interest in his uncle Leslie Simpkin's service in both World Wars as the catalyst for his work."He's my hero, the inspiration behind what I have achieved."He is listed in the books at the Shrine of Remembrance, I guess that's where it all started," he said.He acknowledged staff and students at his school, who he said were always interested in learning about Australia's military history."I couldn't have done it without a supportive principal in Bernie Davern."I see it (the ANZAC prize) as recognition for the school as well as me," he said.Mr Simpkin made his first trip to Gallipoli in 1998."At that time we held services at school for ANZAC Day, but I thought we needed more. "I spoke at one of those services and the kids were interested, so I wanted to take it a bit further."In a speech to the congress, National RSL president Major General Bill Crews said although the prize was generally awarded annually, it was not given every year."It's only handed out if it's deserved, so it doesn't happen every year," Major General Crews said."Imagine if there was a six or seven hundred schools doing this. I predict Ian's work will create an avalanche of similar programs right across the country," he said.The prize itself is a silver medallion depicting the legendary Simpson of Gallipoli and his donkey.Six Mt Clear College students will attend one of the tours to Gallipoli on Monday.