Australians wanting to attend the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli on Anzac Day in Turkey in 2015 must enter a ballot, opening on November 1 this year.
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Bendigo District RSL secretary Paul Penno said it was important people were aware of the process before they booked trips.
“Some travel agents are currently offering tours to Turkey for the event which will not give access to Gallipoli on the day,” he said. Places for 8000 Australians, 2000 New Zealanders and 500 official representatives of all countries that served in the Gallipoli campaign will be decided in the ballot.
A portion of the passes will be reserved for widows of World War I veterans, direct descendants of Gallipoli soldiers, Australian veterans, and representative secondary school students.
The remaining 3000 double passes will be available to all Australian citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18.
Details on how to register for the ballot will be released later this year.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon encouraged people to consider visiting Anzac Cove at an alternative time.
“Attending Anzac Day commemorative services in Gallipoli in 2015 will be a truly moving and unique experience for any Australian, but it will also be the most busy and difficult time to visit the Gallipoli Peninsula,” he said.?