Each year, thousands of Australians and New Zealanders of all ages
make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate ANZAC Day.
For most, but not all, this travel is undertaken without difficulty.
However, the increased security requirements have further complicated
access to this remote part of Turkey and in an effort to assist aged and
infirm visitors the Office of Australian War Graves within the Department
of Veterans’ Affairs is seeking prior notice of those requiring special
assistance.
TRANSPORT TO THE DAWN SERVICE
Management of traffic in Turkey is the responsibility of the Turkish
Jandarma (Traffic Police) and although travel by coaches is expected to
remain as for 2008, it is planned to provide improvements for those in
need of special assistance. However, the number of large vehicles on
narrow roads with limited turning facilities means that traffic control
remains a major problem. Those attending ANZAC Day services on the
Peninsula should note these limitations and expected delays and plan their
visit accordingly.
Coach traffic is directed through Buyukanafarta, approaching the ANZAC Commemorative Site from the North where coaches are stopped short of the
ANZAC Commemorative Site and passengers are required to walk, passing
through a security checkpoint prior to entering the Site. Although the
road is lit for a few kilometres near the site, it is reported that some
visitors were required to walk up to seven kilometres for the 2007
services.
Travel by passenger car to these services is not allowed and on completion
of the Dawn Service, official coaches will depart before public coach
departures to meet Turkish protocol requirements.
Visitors with Special Transport Requirements
In 2008, and subject to agreement from Turkish authorities, it is planned
to transport aged and infirm visitors directly to the ANZAC Commemorative
Site from the Kabetebe Information Centre by shuttle buses departing half
hourly from 11.00pm until 3.00am. For this service to be effective, tour
operators or individuals will need to advise the Office of Australian War
Graves ( email: wargraves@dva.gov.au ) of eligible visitors.
Assistance will automatically be provided to visitors:
aged 80 years or over; and/or
using a walking aid or wheelchair;
Assistance may be provided to visitors over 70 and/or those who have
special needs.
On arrival at Ari Burnu War Cemetery, the passengers will be required to
walk 300 metres before being seated for the service. Generally, carers
will not be provided with assistance or seating unless they provide
essential support. Arrangements for reuniting with tour groups after the
service will be required as no shuttle service will be provided for the
Australian Service at Lone Pine.
To register with the Office of Australian War Graves please email
wargraves@dva.gov.au, or mail (PO Box 21, WODEN ACT 2606) the following
details:
Name of tour operator, address and contact details;
Passenger name, age, contact details and why they require assistance;
and Preferred contact person.
For further information phone: Ms Kathy Upton (02) 6289 6297
A small portion of the bus convoy (estimated to be 400 buses in 2008)
which provides transport to the Dawn Service each year.
Priority Viewing Arrangements
The Office of Australian War Graves does not have any authority to control
access to the site, nor can it provide priority viewing areas for later
arrivals as is often requested by those on a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’
pilgrimage. All visitors are assumed to be in that category.
The site is extremely crowded well before midnight. Video screens and loud
speakers are provided for those unable to see the service directly. Every
effort is made to maximise the use of space and special measures will
apply in 2008. By 4.00am it is expected that all visitors will be asked to
stand.
Security Arrangements
Developments in the international security environment have impacted on
arrangements for the ANZAC Day services at Gallipoli. For the latest
travel advice on Turkey, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade website at
www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Turkey.
Those attending the commemorative ceremonies will need to comply with all
Turkish security directives. It is important to note that those attending
the services will need to allow additional time to travel to commemorative
sites and to pass through various security checkpoints. Further, certain
areas of the ANZAC Commemorative Site, including the beach and VIP area
will not be accessible to the public from 18:00 on 24 April.
Seating
There is limited seating at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and, apart from
approximately 150 seats reserved for the aged and infirm in 2008,
is generally only available for the official party. Seating is not
available for any tour groups.
In 2008, due to the significance of the 93rd anniversary and the probable
requirement to cater for a large official party, there are plans to
increase the seating available by installing stands on the northern
perimeter of the site. This would assist with seating for aged and infirm
visitors.
CONCLUSION
The above information has been prepared to assist those wishing to attend
the ANZAC Day services at Gallipoli. Additional detail is available from
the DVA Website. We are sure that your visit to the Peninsula will be a
memorable one. However, it is important for international visitors to
understand that only very limited facilities are available. The Turkish
Government strictly controls any development on the Peninsula in an
attempt to preserve this important historical site. The organisation of
the ANZAC Day services has only been possible with the assistance of the
Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Ankara and through the cooperation
of the Government of the Republic of Turkey.
The ANZAC Landings at Gallipoli helped shape our nations and, even today,
this site holds a special place in the minds of most Australians and New
Zealanders. We hope that the information contained here will enable you to
plan and make the most of your visit to this significant historical site.
We trust that you will thoroughly enjoy the many wonderful aspects of the
unique experience that is ANZAC Day at Gallipoli.
For information on the cemeteries located on the peninsula please contact
www.cwgc.org
or the Information Officer in the Office of Australian War Graves on
(02)
6289 6510 or wargraves@dva.gov.au
