The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today encouraged Australians to consider being part of the team of volunteers to assist in next year’s Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli, Turkey.

Mr Snowdon said those interested have just one week to nominate for the Conservation Volunteers (CV) program with applications closing on 15 November 2011.

“The volunteer program to Gallipoli offers an opportunity for Australians and New Zealanders to make a valuable contribution while experiencing the reverence of this symbolic historic occasion,” he said.

“Anzac Day is a reminder of the courage, resourcefulness, determination and mateship displayed by the Anzacs in 1915.

“The contribution of the volunteers on the ground during the Anzac Day period is highly valued. Those selected are partly subsidised for the costs of the trip, so they can assist with a range of activities including site preparation, crowd liaison and distributing information packs to visitors.”

The Conservation Volunteer’s program runs from 18-29 April, with up to 30 places available. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.

Volunteer Josie Sargent from Coogee in New South Wales said her trip to Gallipoli this year was a valuable experience with a very organised group of professional, fun and knowledgeable people, passionate about their work and contributing in a worthwhile way to Australia.

Fellow volunteer Stewart Peace from Moama in New South Wales added, “Being on the ground with Conservation Volunteers gave us an opportunity to contribute to the commemorations… and see the respect and reverence shown by all young Australian and New Zealanders [there].”

The Australian and New Zealand Governments, together with the Turkish authorities, plan and facilitate the commemorative services for thousands of visitors to the Gallipoli Peninsula, including the Dawn Service, Australian service at Lone Pine and New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair.

For more information on the volunteer program or to apply, phone 1800 032 501 or visit www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

For more information about Anzac Day commemorations visit www.dva.gov.au/gallipoli