“It changes how you see the world”: Harshpreet’s Simpson Prize journey
Standing in the shadow of the A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, 2025 Simpson Prize winner Harshpreet Sidhu realised that some of history’s most powerful lessons are best understood in the places where they unfolded.
“Hearing survivor testimonies gave me firsthand insight into the unimaginable human cost of war,” Harshpreet said. “It made me realise that peace is not just a historical lesson, but rather, a responsibility.”
That powerful moment was part of a 10-day study tour through Japan and Singapore — an experience Harshpreet, who is in Year 10 at St Patrick’s College, earned as the NSW winner of the prestigious 2025 Simpson Prize. The prize is a national history essay competition for Years 9 and 10 students which focuses on the service of Australians in World War I and World War II. The competition is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and conducted by the History Teachers’ Association of Australia.
One winner is selected from each state and territory. Harshpreet’s win marks the first time a student from St Patrick’s College has earned this prestigious award.
The 2025 essay question asked students to discuss the following statement: “Australia’s relationship with Great Britain explains why Australia and individual Australians went to war.”
Harshpreet’s essay explored how Australia’s motivations shifted during World War II; from initial loyalty to Britain to the urgent need to defend its own shores after the bombing of Darwin. Her thoroughly researched argument, supported by a wide range of primary sources, stood out among submissions nationwide.
Harshpreet’s achievement earned her a visit from the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services, and Dr Mike Freelander MP, Member for Macarthur, who personally congratulated her on the achievement.
But it was the overseas tour itself that left a lasting impression on Harshpreet.
“In Singapore, visiting the Changi Museum and learning about the resilience and suffering of Australian prisoners of war offered a powerful reminder of the hardships endured on the battlefield and behind barbed wire, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity,” Harshpreet said.
“Attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Kranji War Cemetery was one of the most profound moments of the trip.”
Beyond the historical tour, Harshpreet and her fellow winners from across the country immersed themselves in local culture, exploring Kyoto’s temples, riding Japan’s bullet trains, tasting the street food of Little India and experiencing the vibrant neighbourhoods of Singapore.
She credits her success in part to the support of her History teacher, Mrs Francesca Musico-Rullo, who inspired her to apply and assisted with her research and writing. Harshpreet encourages other students to consider entering the competition.
“Winning this prize allows you to go to Canberra and to travel internationally,” she said. “But most importantly, you meet incredible people and experience history in a way that changes how you see the world.”