Entries for the Gallipoli Centenary Writing Competition close at 12.30pm on Thursday.

The essay's title is 'What Gallipoli means to me', and writers should explore the meaning, context and history of the campaign.

The Port Macquarie RSL sub-Branch, the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West, Rotary Club Port Macquarie Sunrise and the town's National Servicemen's Association sponsor the contest, which offers $2000 to the high school winner and $500 to the winning writer in primary school.

Only students who were enrolled in years 5 and 11 last year at schools in the 2444 postcode are able to enter the competition.

The sub-Branch's school liaison officer Ray Chesher said celebrating Anzac Day's centenary was the perfect moment to pass the torch of veneration to students.

"We want it to further the younger generations' involvement in Anzac Day, especially this year," he said.

The competition was devised by Mr Chesher, sub-branch president Greg Laird and school principals Lorraine Haddon and Grant Heaton.

Mr Chesher said the prize would "help students with their future education in whatever they end up choosing".

The entries must be hand written under exam conditions and endorsed by the school principal.

The entries will be judged by the Fellowship of Writers, with the winners invited to read their work at this year's Anzac Day service.

The winning entry from each school must be submitted to PO Box 6842, Port Macquarie, 2444.

ben.cooper@fairfaxmedia.com.au