They are among a record 549 Western Australian students to get the award.

Local schools participating in the awards included Bethel Christian School, Denmark High School, Great Southern Grammar, Mt Barker Community College, North Albany Senior High School, St Joseph’s College, WA College of Agriculture Denmark, Woodthorpe School Albany Campus and Katanning Senior High School.

The students were nominated by their schools for consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and teamwork skills through voluntary work, participation in community initiatives, academic excellence and sporting achievements.

The awards were named after the Battle of Long Tan to recognise the values exhibited in that action, such as determination, mateship, tenacity and compassion and to encourage these qualities among students.

The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards were developed to recognise and reward young people for their achievements at school and within local communities, and to cultivate the connection with ADF values.

Participation in the Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards is at the discretion of individual school principals.

“It’s great to see the Australian spirit of teamwork is alive and well in our schools and it’s important to recognise the great work these students undertake,” Defence Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said.

“It is exciting to see the contribution students are making at their schools and in the wider community.

“The ADF recognises and applauds the outstanding efforts of these Australians. We look forward to seeing award recipients continue to play a positive role in the community as young adults.

“It is also very pleasing to see interest in the Awards continuing to grow this year with more schools choosing to take part,” he said.