The History Council of Victoria awards two annual prizes to reward those who celebrate and advocate for history in Victoria. The Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples’ Histories in Schools awards Victorian students for their work exploring First Peoples’ cultures and histories; and the Jane Hansen Prize for History Advocacy recognises the work of an individual or group in advocating for the value of history or the work of historians. 

The Lynette Russell prize was established by Professor Lynette Russell AM to encourage the creative engagement and deeper knowledge of a wider number of primary and secondary school students in this area. Winning schools are awarded $500 and will be acknowledged in an awards ceremony as part of our 2026 Annual Lecture. 

The Jane Hansen Prize for History Advocacy was established in 2020 to recognise the efforts of a group or individual that has advocated for the value of history, the work of historians and/or the importance of an education in history. Winning individuals or groups are awarded $1000 and attend our awards ceremony as part of our September Annual Lecture. The prize is named in honour of Ms Jane Hansen AO and is enabled by the Hansen Little Foundation, which aims to create a legacy of significant and positive change that inspires and enables Australians.

• Read more about the Lynette Russell Prize and apply here
• Learn more about the Jane Hansen Prize and apply here

Applications close 21 August

We are very excited to be able to award these prizes again in 2026 as part of our work advocating for why history matters!