"Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli attract the largest gathering of Australians at a single event outside Australia. Honouring the sacrifice of those who served at Gallipoli with dignified commemorations is a priority for this Government, as is providing those who travel to Gallipoli with a safe and educative experience. The Anzac Commemorative Site is part of a national park with no fixed infrastructure and limited access. Transforming the site, in a remote location 14,000 kms away, to accommodate around 10,000 visitors is a significant logistical operation. All infrastructure needs to be transported in and erected on site, including seating, waste management, sound, lighting and staging, first aid and toilets."

"The success of the 2006 event was a culmination of many months of planning and high level cooperation between Turkey, New Zealand and Australia, not to mention close collaboration with numerous Government agencies as well as community and veteran organisations. All parties shared a commitment to the best possible experience for all who attended, watched or read about Anzac Day at Gallipoli. This level of attention is continuing for next year's event and the appointment of Definitive Events for four years will ensure that the expertise and experience behind the delivery of the commemorations will only strengthen as we prepare for 2010," the Minister said.

The Department's Request for Tender, issued in June 2006, placed particular emphasis on the provision of infrastructure and a professionally presented and relevant interpretive program during the prior evening. Definitive Events has been contracted for four years with an option for one additional year, with a contract value of $8.8M.