Volunteers to Again Help at Gallipoli
Wednesday 19 March 2008
Following the successful role played by volunteers in 2006 and 2007, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) in conjunction with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) is seeking volunteers to assist with the staging of the 2008 Anzac Day commemorative services at Gallipoli, Turkey.
A fully coordinated team of volunteers from Australia was used to great effect in 2006 and 2007, and their contribution drew praise from the GovernorGeneral, Major General Sir Michael Jeffery and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson.
CVNZ’s General Manager, Martin Peperell said, “Conservation Volunteers New Zealand is pleased to be invited by to assist at the Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli. It is very exciting to see that a genuine Anzac volunteer team will once again serve at Gallipoli, albeit in very different circumstances to the young Anzacs of 1915.” “The volunteers will play a number of roles in assisting the many thousands of visitors who attend the Anzac Day dawn service to enjoy their visit and pay their respects to the original Anzacs. As well as enhancing the experience for others, I know that the volunteers will find it a wonderful and deeply satisfying experience.” Mr Pepperell added.
Manager of the joint CVNZ CVA World Conservation Program, Denise Castro has previously been a volunteer leader at Gallipoli. “It was a wonderful experience and I’ve never before seen a group of people develop such a bond in such a short period of time. The volunteers worked hard through a long, cold night, but then felt immensely satisfied about their contribution,” she said.
“Having volunteers with tears in their eyes telling you it was the most wonderful experience in their life is very special. Volunteering at Gallipoli is just such a unique experience,” she added. “There are only 25 places available so anyone interested should contact us as soon as possible.”
In addition to assisting with the dawn service at the Anzac Commemorative Site, the Australian service at Lone Pine and the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair, the volunteers will visit other significant sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula including Anzac Cove, Shrapnel Valley, Quinn’s Post, the Nek, Hill 60 and Cape Helles. They will also enjoy a cruise along the Anzac coast on the quiet waters of the Aegean Sea.
The tasks undertaken by the volunteers will be in accordance with the commemorative services management plan which is developed by New Zealand and Australian Veteran’s Affairs.
Anyone interested should contact Conservation Volunteers New Zealand to register their interest.
Program fee: $5,755, reduced rate $5,255 available for volunteers under 35 years. Program price includes return international airfares departing, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, all meals, twin share hotel accommodation at Gallipoli and Istanbul, transportation, an experienced Gallipoli guide, a Turkish interpreter, battlefield tours and the Aegean cruise. New Zealand-Australia connections are not included.
For More information visit www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz or call 09 3767040
For interview opportunities please call Gallipoli tour leader, Garry Snowden at Conservation Volunteers Australia on +61404 828 902.