Boronia Travel Centre

PLANNING FOR ANZAC DAY 2015 AT GALLIPOLI The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today released details of how Australians can be involved in planning for Anzac Day 2015 commemorations at Gallipoli, Turkey.Mr Snowdon said Gallipoli holds special meaning to the people of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey, and each year thousands of Australians make the pilgrimage to be there on Anzac Day.

“We recognise that many Australians will want to attend Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015, however we face some significant realities that will mean not everyone will be able to do so,” he said.

“The Anzac Commemorative Site, where the Dawn Service is held, is in a rugged and remote part of Turkey. The geography, which was a feat for the Anzacs almost a century ago, remains a challenge today.

“The commemorative site is surrounded by thick scrub, steep terrain and bounded by the Aegean Sea. There are also heritage and conservation measures in place to preserve and protect the battlefields meaning the area cannot be expanded.

“Due to these geographic and safety constraints, a limit of 10,000 public places exist for the Dawn Service. These places will be shared between Australia and New Zealand – with Australia to be allocated about 80 per cent of the total.

“To ensure an equitable allocation of Australian places to the centenary commemorations, a balloting system will be put in place,” he said.

All Australians will have the opportunity to register and with those who are successful having enough time to make their travel arrangements. Information on the ballot process and how to register will be announced next year.

Mr Snowdon said a period of public consultation would start before the end of the year, to give all Australians an opportunity to have a say as to who should be represented at Gallipoli in 2015.

“Community forums will be held across the country and an online survey is available at www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au,” he said.

Mr Snowdon said there may be close to one million Australians who can trace a direct family link to those diggers who landed at Gallipoli in 1915. There is also expected to be interest from all descendants of former military members, war widows, current serving members and their families, young Australians and individuals with an interest in Australia’s military history.

Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government is committed to ensuring the commemorations at Gallipoli continue to be dignified and appropriate.

Inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski 0407 108 935 or DVA Media: 02 6289 6203 ______________________________________________

Due to the limited number of spaces available, it was never going to be an easy decision for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Yet we strongly support them in their endeavours to ensure that the dignity and solemnity of the centenary commemorations are maintained.

We would also like to mention that we had another very successful trip to Gallipoli this year, and tour members enjoyed the most perfect weather. For those of you who are unsuccessful with the ballot, then please be assured that our Australian War Memorial In Depth Gallipoli Battlefield 2013 Tour will still be just as poignant and memorable, with far less crowds to contend with.

Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

John Waller

Manager

Boronia Travel Centre