Information from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs released Sunday, 2 February 2014:
NEXT STEPS FOR GALLIPOLI 2015 BALLOT
42,582 applications were received from Australians planning to attend the Dawn Service at Gallipoli in 2015, marking 100 years since the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops during the First World War.
The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said the government’s contracted ticket provider would now begin the process of confirming applications.
“Ticketek will review and remove any duplicate, incomplete or incorrect applications before the ballot is drawn. The ballot draw is automated and comprises of four cascades, providing some preference for direct descendants and veterans with qualifying or overseas service,” Senator Ronaldson said.
“Outside the ballot, there are places for Australian First World War widows who will be included as part of Australia ’s official representative group and 400 places for secondary school children and their chaperones.”
Senator Ronaldson said all ballot applicants, successful and unsuccessful, will be notified of the outcome before Anzac Day 2014.
“Successful applicants are encouraged to make and pay for all travel arrangements as soon as they receive confirmation of their success in the ballot. This needs to include flights, accommodation, transport and travel insurance. Proof of travel such as an airline ticket or tour package must be provided to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs by 25 October 2014 in order to receive attendance passes,” Senator Ronaldson said.
“Those who are unsuccessful, and who elected to be on the waitlist, will be notified of any passes that may become available from those who can no longer attend, up until 31 March 2015.
“Alternatively, unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to visit Gallipoli at another time in 2015, attend another Anzac Day service overseas such as Villers-Bretonneux in France , or watch the broadcast of the Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux services live on the ABC on Anzac Day.”
Senator Ronaldson said a full program of activities would be rolled out over the Anzac Centenary period 2014-2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of Australia ’s involvement in the First World War. He encouraged communities across Australia to get involved by applying to their local federal Member of Parliament for funding under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program. There is funding of up to $125,000 per electorate which needs to be applied for before 30 May 2014.
For more information on Gallipoli 2015 visit www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au or the Anzac Centenary visit www.anzaccentenary.gov.au
Media inquiries: Minister Ronaldson: Brad Rowswell6277 7820 or 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Ballot System Cascade
The ballot will operate in four cascades (omitting widows of Australian First World veterans and 200 double passes (400 places) for secondary school students and their chaperones to be distributed outside the ballot.)
| Cascade | Inclusion in ballot | Outcome | Unsuccessful applicants |
|
1st |
Applicants who have indicated “Direct Descendent” with preference to first generation – sons and daughters | 400 double passes (800 passes) | Those who have also indicated “Veteran” go to 2nd cascade. Those who haven’t go to 3rd cascade |
|
2nd |
Applicants who have indicated “Veteran” | 400 double passes (800 passes) | Go to 3rd cascade |
|
3rd |
Applicants who haven’t indicated either “Direct Descendent” or “Veteran” (i.e. the Australian public), plus unsuccessful applicants from 1st & 2nd cascades | 3,000 double passes (6,000 passes) | Those who have indicated willingness to be placed on a wait list go to 4th cascade. Those who haven’t are out of the ballot |
|
4th |
Applicants who have indicated willingness to be placed on a wait list | Establish a priority order for allocating passes as they become available |