ANU Undergraduate student Daniel McKay has been recognised in the History Council of New South Wales Awards. Daniel has been awarded the 2016 Max Kelly Medal for his essay 'Loyal Children: The Australian Factor in the Birth of the Imperial Federation League'.

Daniel's winning essay has been drawn from the third chapter of his recently completed Honours thesis, for which he received First Class Honours. Daniel is in the final year of undergraduate studies in Law, Political Science and History at the Australian National University.

As a fledgling historian, it is a great honour and encouragement to have my research recognised with the Max Kelly Medal. The History Council of NSW in supporting this award, are demonstrating a real commitment to new generations of historians. The more voices we have telling the stories of the past, the more vibrant and alive our shared history becomes. I thank the judging panel of the Max Kelly Medal, and the History Council of NSW for inspiring me to continue adding my voice.