Australians are being called on to share their ideas on how the Anzac Centenary is commemorated in the lead-up to 2015, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, said today. Mr Griffin said between 2014 and 2018 marks 100 years since the First World War.

“The Anzac Centenary provides an opportunity to remember those who have fought and served in all the wars of the last hundred years, and those who stayed behind,” he said. “On Anzac Day the Australian Government announced a National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary involving former Prime Ministers the Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser PC, AC, CH and the Honourable Bob Hawke AC, and the National President of the RSL Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO (Retd)."

“The role of the National Commission is to listen to the Australian community about how we as a nation should honour and remember 100 years of service. All Australians – every school, community and ex-service organisation – are asked to think about how we, as a nation, should commemorate the Anzac Centenary and put ideas and suggestions forward to the National Commission,” Mr Griffin said.

Addressing the first meeting of the National Commission in Sydney today Mr Griffin welcomed three new members of the Commission; editorial cartoonist and journalist Warren Brown, former ADF serving member and peacekeeper Major Matina Jewell (Retd) and veterans advocate and nurse Kylie Russell.

The Commission – these six Australians – have a vital role to play in seeking Australia’s ideas on how to mark this historic milestone and will report to government on the way forward by early next year.

“Although there are no living links to the First World War – the legacy has continued through to the men and women who have served in the Australian forces since. During the Anzac Centenary we will honour this legacy,” he said.

For more information about how to make a submission visit www.anzaccentenary.gov.au. Submissions close on 17 September 2010.