The service and sacrifice of our Anzacs and that of the Turkish forces have been honoured today at the unveiling of enhancements to the Ataturk Memorial by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson. Mr Billson was joined by His Excellency Mr Murat Ersavci, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, to unveil the newly enhanced memorial located on Anzac Parade in Canberra. “The Memorial symbolises the events that helped shape our nation, the first landings at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and honours the heroism and sacrifice of the Anzacs and the Turkish troops who took part in the Gallipoli campaign,” Mr Billson said.

The enhancements bring together five pillars depicting the service of Australian, New Zealand and Turkish forces during the campaign, with text and photographs. “The National Capital Authority managed the enhancements to the memorial and I am pleased the Australian Government, through my Department, was able to support this through $330,000 in funding,” Mr Billson said. The NCA manages the Australian Government's continuing interest in the planning, promotion, enhancement and maintenance of Canberra as the nation's capital, on behalf of all Australians.

Mr Billson said the Ataturk Memorial recognised the strong friendship between Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. “The Memorial, which is named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who led and inspired the Turkish forces at Gallipoli and later became the first president of Turkey, was officially opened in 1985 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings,” he said. “The memorial was part of a reciprocal arrangement with the Turkish Government to name the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula, where the Anzacs landed, Anzac Cove.”

Mr Billson said the Australian Government worked cooperatively with the Governments of Turkey and New Zealand to ensure dignified and respectful commemorations occurred each year for Anzac Day. “It is with the support and cooperation of the Government of Turkey that Australians and New Zealanders are able to gather in large numbers at Gallipoli on Anzac Day each year to remember the more than 8700 Australians, 2700 New Zealanders and 86,000 Turks as well as soldiers from other nations who lost their lives there,” he said. “The friendships forged over time with other nations ensure those who have fallen overseas will not be forgotten. Our nation is indebted to the courageous service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women.”