Napthine – Eighty Victorian students to join 2015 Anzac Day Gallipoli tour

· Premier announces 80 Victorian participants in 2015 Anzac Day
Gallipoli tour
· Tour is part of commemorations to mark 100 years since the start of
World War One
· Victorian Coalition Government passing on the legacy of our veterans
to future generations

Premier Denis Napthine today announced the 80 students and 14 teacher chaperones selected from across the state to represent Victoria at the
2015 Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli.

Dr Napthine said the service would mark the 100th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Anzac Cove on 25 April in 1915, and would be an incredible experience for the group.

“Today’s announcement is one of many ways the Victorian Government is commemorating 100 years since the start of World War One,” Dr Napthine said.

“We are proud to offer these deserving students and chaperones the opportunity to spend five days in Turkey representing Victoria, including at the historic Anzac Day service at Gallipoli.

“We want our younger generations to experience and establish connections with this important place, and share the lessons they learn with family, friends, colleagues and classmates.

“To be at Anzac Cove for the 100th anniversary of the landing of troops at Gallipoli will be a poignant moment for those selected and an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

More than 630 students and 104 teachers applied for the positions. The intensive selection process asked students to demonstrate a connection to their community and an understanding of the spirit of Anzac.

The 80 students are from years 9 -12, while the chaperones include 14 secondary school teachers, as well as two community representatives, and two senior public servants involved in the project.

Dr Napthine said the Victorian Government had commemorated the World War One Centenary in a number of ways including:

· a wreath-laying ceremony;
· the completion of the $45 million Galleries of Remembrance;
· a Melbourne Town Hall commemorative event;
· the commemoration of the first shot at Fort Nepean;
· the commencement of the Anzac Centenary education roadshow – Victoria’s Journey of Remembrance; and
· the book ‘Victoria at War’, commissioned by the State Library of
Victoria.

Other events planned throughout the Centenary include a commemoration on
19 October to mark 100 years since the embarkation of the First Convoy from Melbourne.