Boronia Travel Centre

Firstly, we like to thank everyone for their patience regarding the Anzac Centenary and how the ballot system will work and who may be special representatives. The latest media press by the Government has confirmed that attendance to the centenary commemorations will be capped at 10,500, whereby 8,000 places will be made available to Australians. The full media release has been reproduced below:

Tuesday, 12th February 2013 

UPDATE ON THE NAZAC CENTENARY GALLIPOLI COMMEMORATIONS - In an update on the Centenary of Anzac program, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, Warren Snowdon, today announced the Governments of Turkey, Australia and New Zealand have formally agreed to the capacity of the Anzac Commemorative Site for the 2015 Dawn Service.

Mr Snowdon said the three Governments had carefully considered a detailed report on the safe carrying capacity of the Anzac Commemorative Site, and agree to the findings that the attendance should be 10,500.

“To ensure the safety of visitors, extensive investigations have been conducted and the capacity is based on a rigorous independent analysis,” Mr Snowdon said.

“In addition to safety, the capacity also considers the geographic challenges of the site. Surrounded by thick scrub, steep terrain, bounded by the Aegean Sea and protected by heritage and conservation measures means the site cannot be expanded.”

Mr Snowdon said 8,000 places will be made available to Australians and a further 2,000 places will be available to New Zealand with the remaining 500 allocated to official guests and representatives from Commonwealth and other nations.

“There may be close to one million Australians who can trace a direct family link to those diggers who landed at Gallipoli in 1915 and there is also expected to be interest from 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.

“The allocation of places will be decided by process of a ballot. An announcement on how the ballot will operate will be made in the coming months. We anticipate the ballot will be held early next year and there will be ongoing consultation with New Zealand.

“A ballot is the fairest and most equitable method, ensuring a transparent and open process for allocating attendance places,” he said.

All Australians will have the opportunity to register, with successful applicants provided appropriate time to make their travel arrangements.

“The Australian Government appreciates the ongoing cooperation and support from Turkey in allowing us to hold commemorations on Turkish soil. Our long-standing relationship and combined dedication to preserving and protecting the Gallipoli battlefields is paramount,” Mr Snowdon said.

For more information on the Anzac Centenary visit www.anzaccentenary.gov.au Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

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We strongly support the cap made by the Government in order for all attendees to enjoy the commemorations and we believe the number of places given to Australia are very reasonable. Although how these places will be distributed amongst the Australian public and relevant organisation/groups will not be announced until early 2014.

For those who are intending to travel with Boronia Travel Centre in 2015, the good news is that we still require NO money at this point in time. All we ask is that you follow our monthly newsletters where details of Anzac Centenary commemorations will be passed on as information becomes available.

Please be reminded that all of our accommodation is confirmed right across the peninsula, which include the best hotels on the waterfront and those that are in Canakkale.

Should you wish to withdraw your booking for Gallipoli 2015, could you please advise us as soon as possible, as there are many on the wait list that would love to attend.

For those of you who want to be part of the commemorations in 2015 but have not yet secured a place, please be advised that there are still many opportunities for you to get involved in the lead up to the Centenary. Due to popular demand, Boronia Travel has organised an exclusive August Offensive Tour in 2015 which is significant because it marks the anniversary of the largest and most bloodiest battles fought at Gallipoli.

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

Yours sincerely,

John Waller

Manager

Boronia Travel Centre