Australia

Media Release

The Hon Dan Tehan MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC
 

 

28 July 2016
 

 

Lone Pine service at Gallipoli
 

The commemorative service planned for 6 August at Lone Pine, Gallipoli will not proceed.
 

Turkish authorities have asked the Australian Government to reconsider holding the service on 6 August, 2016 and, following consultation between our governments, the service will not be held.

The Turkish Government and its people are generous hosts of Australia’s various commemorations at Gallipoli, and the Government respects their request.

The Lone Pine Cemetery at Gallipoli will be open to visitors to pay their respects on 6 August. The Government has asked the Australian Ambassador to Turkey, James Larsen, to lay a wreath at the Lone Pine Memorial to honour the 101st anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine on 6 August.

All Australians travelling, or considering travel, to Turkey should subscribe to the Smartraveller website (smartraveller.gov.au), and monitor the site for the latest travel advice.

Anzac Day services in Turkey on 25 April, 2017 and beyond are not affected by this decision.

Next year, there will again be an Australian service at the Lone Pine Cemetery on Anzac Day.

The Battle of Lone Pine was fought between 6 and 10 August 1915. Australian forces suffered more than 2,000 casualties and Turkish forces suffered more than 6,000 casualties. Seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australian soldiers for their bravery in the battle, including two posthumous awards to men who were killed or died of wounds.


 

 

Media enquiries:

Minister Tehan’s Office: Byron Vale, 0428 262 894
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
 

 

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.


 
 

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