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.

   

Photo Gallery

 

Comments from Gallipoli 2008 team members:-

 

“The trip was well organised and prepared, and was just so worthwhile. It was a wonderfully memorable experience.” Caroline, Ballarat.

“The highlight for me was the opportunity to volunteer as part of a team, and by volunteering behind the scenes gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the area. It was a very personally enriching experience, much more than simply being a tourist.” Pam, Tasmania.

“I would like to thank CVA for the privileged of being involved in the Gallipoli program and would highly recommend it.” Jennie, Newcastle.

“The highlight for me was the history and knowledge gained about the Gallipoli campaign and WW1 in general. To meet the Turkish people and to be welcome by them was extraordinary.”  Dee, UK

 

Program Dates:  20th – 29th April 10 (TBC)

 

Volunteers depart Australia on 20th arriving Istanbul 21st, return flights departing Istanbul on 29th April.

Participants are able to extend their travel dates in consultation with CVA travel advisor.

 

Program fee: TBC

Program Application Form - 2010

 

It’s easy to book - simply:

 

 

Yes! I'm interested in more information