The Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, has encouraged members of the public who are interested in travelling to Gallipoli on the 100^th anniversary of the ANZAC landings to act quickly.

“The 100^th anniversary of the landing of Australian troops at Gallipoli is very significant and many Australians have expressed a desire to attend the official commemoration service,” Mr Coulton said.

“It is very important that we do everything we can to ensure the service is as safe, secure and comfortable as possible which is why this ballot is being conducted,” said Mr Coulton.

“Australia has 8000 places reserved for the event, and 6000 places will be allocated through the ballot process. The remaining 2000 will be allocated to special representatives including direct descendants, the veteran community and secondary school students.”

To be eligible for the ballot specific criteria must be met including Australian Citizenship or permanent residency and applicants must be at least 18 years of age by 25 April 2015.

The ballot which opened on 16 November 2013 will close at midnight on the 31 January 2014. The ballot is free to enter, however visitors must make their own travel arrangements. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the ballot in March 2014 in order for appropriate travel arrangements to be made for 2015.

“I encourage those who are interested to act quickly in order to have their application in before the ballot closes on Friday.”

Please visit www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au or contact the office of Mark Coulton on 02 6882 0999 for more information.