MID-NORTH Coast residents wanting to have a say on how Australia celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli are invited to a public forum in Port Macquarie next week.
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Independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott said many thousands of Australians would want to attend the Anzac Commemorative Site at Gallipoli on April 25, 2015.
“The site can only safely accommodate 10,000 people, so the fairest and most impartial way to address the capacity limitations for the 2015 Dawn Service is for the Australian Government to conduct a public ballot,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“A public consultation process is underway to hear the views of as many Australians as possible on how the ballot process should work.
“Every anniversary of the Gallipoli landing is important, however, the centenary commemorations will take on additional significance for most Australians, especially for the families of those who fought during the Gallipoli campaign.
“Australians will want to participate in the centenary commemorations in greater numbers than usual, however, we need to ensure every event held, particularly the Dawn Service at Gallipoli, is dignified and respectful.”
The Port Macquarie forum will be held at Panthers in Bay Street on Thursday, November 29, starting at 6.15pm.
Residents wanting to attend should register via the Gallipoli 2015 website www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au
For those who are unable to attend the public forum, but want to participate in the consultation process, a discussion paper and survey have been included on the website. The closing date for survey responses is November 30, 2012.
Anyone who wants to have their say but does not have access to a computer is encouraged to contact Mr Oakeshott’s electorate office on 6584 2911.