20 November 2013

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has encouraged constituents who would like to attend Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015 to apply for the ballot now.

“The 100th anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli will be a significant commemorative occasion for the people of both nations,” Mr Taylor said.

“To ensure that Australians and New Zealanders can attend as safely, securely and comfortably as possible, an open and transparent ballot is being held to allocate places for official Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015.

“Places will be available for 8,000 Australians, 2,000 New Zealanders and 500 official representatives of all countries involved in the Gallipoli campaign, including Turkey.

“Of the 8,000 Australian places, 2,000 will be available for special representatives such as direct descendants, the veteran community and secondary school students and their chaperones. The remaining 6,000 places (3,000 double passes) will be accessible to all Australians.

“Widows of Australian First World War veterans do not need to apply for the ballot and will be contacted separately by the Australian Government regarding their interest in attending.

“All ballot applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria including Australian citizenship or permanent residency and be a minimum 18 years of age on, or before, 25 April 2015.

“The ballots close at midnight on 31 January 2014 and applicants will be notified of the outcome in March 2014 to allow enough time for those successful to make their travel arrangements.

“I encourage people in Hume who would like to be at Gallipoli in 2015 to find out more about the commemorations and the ballot by visiting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gallipoli 2015 website www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au.To request a paper application form, please call Ticketek on 1300 364 002,” Mr Taylor concluded.