Media Releases & Speeches
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Minister for Indigenous Health
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac.
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UPDATE ON THE ANZAC 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
Hi-Res images of the Anzac Commemorative site at Gallipoli are available at www.dva.gov.au/media
Media inquiries:
Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski 0407 108 935
or Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820 / 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203