TURKEY, GALLIPOLI

Gallipoli is a location on many Australians’ ‘to do’ list. For many Australians and New Zealanders, Anzac Cove is the ultimate pilgrimage site. With the increasing number of people attending the Anzac Day commemorations, there are many logistical and management issues that arise. The CVA team will assist staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and its Australian and Turkish contractors, in the preparation for, and the staging of, the commemorative services. Like the volunteers at the Sydney Olympic Games or the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, our volunteers will assist with site preparation and crowd management (ushering, guiding, providing information etc.). We will be involved with the Dawn Service near Anzac Cove, the Australian service at Lone Pine and the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair. Volunteers need to be willing to commit to a very long, cold night! The tasks undertaken by the volunteers will be in accordance with the commemorative services management plan which is developed by New Zealand and Australian Veteran’s Affairs.

This is a unique opportunity for a new generation of Australians and New Zealanders, Anzacs, to not only visit and pay their respects at this special place, but to also make a contribution – to serve.

 

In addition to assisting with the commemorative services, the volunteers will undertake some general clean up duties while visiting many of the most significant sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Stroll along the beach at Anzac Cove, imagining the chaos and noise and tragedy at the time of the landing
• Sit on the edge of the cemetery in Shrapnel Valley where Simpson and his donkey did their lifesaving work,
• Visit Quinn’s Post, generally regarded as the most dangerous place on the entire peninsula, where Anzac and Turkish trenches were less than 10 metres apart
• Visit Courtney’s Post where the legendary Albert Jacka won Australia’s first VC of the war,
• Be moved by the small confines of the Nek, the site of the courageous but futile charge featured in Peter Weir’s film, “Gallipoli”.
• Stand on the heights of Chunuk Bair and look down on the Narrows, taking in a view briefly attained by the New Zealanders during the August offensive.
• Wander amongst the grave stones at Lone Pine, the site of an Anzac victory that produced seven VCs but came at an awful cost
• Visit the isolated Hill 60, the site of the largest single battle in the Anzac sector
• Take a trip south to Cape Helles which was primarily occupied by British, French and Indian forces, but where more than 1000 Anzacs died in the second battle of Krithia
• Enjoy a cruise along the Anzac coast on the quiet waters of the Aegean Sea, gazing on the same rugged skyline that greeted the original Anzacs 93 years ago.

   

Comments from Gallipoli 2006 team members:-

“It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Thank you for selecting me.”  Neil F

“”The most positive aspect for me was being part of a team undertaking such a fabulous life experience.” Pena

“The Lone Pine ceremony was something I will never forget.” Sharon

“The journey was the most memorable experience of a lifetime.” Michelle

"I want to come back next year!" Neil C

 

Comments from Gallipoli 2007 team members:-

 

“I enjoyed the camaraderie and mate ship with the CVA group; it was a privilege to be a part of a project of national importance”. Trevor, Adelaide.

 

“We were given a fantastic opportunity to have an active part in the Dawn service which not many people are able to do. Our role at the service was very rewarding and something I will never forget”. Hayley, Melbourne.

 

“This was the best trip I have ever had”. Christine, Melbourne.

 

“The most positive aspect for me was hard to but into words, it has been the trip of a lifetime and I would do it all again. It’s something I will never forget”. Aaron, Perth.

 

“I enjoyed being a volunteer on Australia’s great pilgrimage” Allan, Darwin

Program Dates: Sunday 20th - Wednesday 30th April 2008

 

Anyone interested should contact Conservation Volunteers Australia to register their interest.

 

Program fee: $5,755, reduced rate $5,255 available for volunteers under 35 years. Program price includes return international airfares departing, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, all meals, twin share hotel accommodation at Gallipoli and Istanbul, transportation, an experienced Gallipoli guide, a Turkish interpreter, battlefield tours, the Aegean cruise….. and a unique, once in a lifetime experience!

 

Photo Gallery

Gallipoli Application Form 2008 - Word format

Gallipoli Application Form 2008 - PDF

 

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