[BITList] Media release: VA028 $10 million for Anzac Trail on Western Front [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

[John Feltham]

G'day Folks,

Must be NZAC Day soon - the Minister keeps pumping out Media Releases!




On 24/04/2009, at 9:00 AM, DVA Mailing List wrote:

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List

A028
                                                                                                                                                                                  Friday
, 24 April 2009

$10 MILLION FOR ANZAC TRAIL ON WESTERN FRONT

The exploits of the nearly 300,000 Australians who fought on the  
Western Front will be better commemorated under a new plan announced  
today by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin.

Outlining the concept of an integrated Anzac trail of commemoration on  
the Western Front, Mr Griffin said the Anzac Trail will foster a  
deeper appreciation of what Australians achieved and endured in the  
main theatre of conflict of the First World War.

The Trail will focus on the potential to develop as many as seven key  
sites, bringing alive the story of Australians on the Western Front.

Speaking from Pozieres, in France, Mr Griffin said that the Anzac  
Trail concept was the result of careful planning and assessment of the  
options available to appropriately honour the courage and sacrifice of  
Australians on the Front.

“I have held extensive discussions with many French and Belgian local  
representatives and am pleased they have agreed to work together in  
the development and establishment of the Anzac Trail,” Mr Griffin said.

“The Australian Government will commit $10 million over the next four  
years to the establishment of the Trail. It is also clear that some  
local authorities will also contribute funds to assist in a number of  
the locations.”

A range of measures across the Western Front will be planned and  
developed in consultation with local communities and the appropriate  
French and Belgian authorities.  Options currently being assessed  
include: major improvements to the museum at Villers-Bretonneux; the  
relocation of the existing museum at Fromelles; improved links to  
regional battlefield trails; refurbishing and upgrading of the museum  
at Bullecourt; and the establishment of an interpretive centre at  
Pozieres.

“This approach to commemorating Australia's efforts on the Western  
Front recognises the significant efforts of many locals over decades  
and seeks to partner with these facilities to attract potential  
visitors and improve recognition of Australia's wartime role,” Mr  
Griffin said.

“Further, this approach, particularly the partnership aspect, will  
ensure that Australian funds are spent carefully and in the best  
locations to appropriately commemorate and honour the service of our  
First World War heroes.

“The Anzac Trail will provide long overdue recognition of Australia's  
contribution all along the Front.

“It is particularly important to act now as we move towards the  
centenary of our involvement in the war, and the international focus  
that will occur in the years ahead,” Mr Griffin said.

The seven sites currently under consideration are Villers-Bretonneux,  
Pozieres, Bullecourt, Fromelles, Mont St Quentin, Ypres and Tyne Cot.

Mr Griffin will tomorrow deliver the Commemorative Address at the  
Australian Government’s Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian War  
Memorial outside Villers-Bretonneux in France.