Queensland Committee for ANZAC Centenary

A new committee headed by retired Lieutenant-General Mark Evans is being established to oversee the commemoration of World War One centenary activities across Queensland between 2014-2018.

Minister Assisting the Premier Glen Elmes said the Queensland Advisory Committee for the Commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary would ensure that the contribution made by Queenslanders was recognised with appropriate dignity and honour.

“The period 2014 to 2018 will mark the centenary of World War One campaigns which established Australia’s reputation as a dedicated and tenacious fighting force,” Mr Elmes said.

“I’m pleased that such a distinguished soldier as Lieutenant-General Evans has agreed to take on the important role of leading the Centenary Advisory Committee.

“I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure the centenary of the contribution Queenslanders made to the Great War is commemorated in a significant and appropriate way.

“During the four years, there are also many important 75^th anniversaries for World War Two campaigns, as well as 50^th anniversaries for Vietnam War battles.

“I expect to be able to announce within the next couple of weeks the remaining membership of the Committee which will assist General Evans in his important work.”

Mr Elmes said the Committee would work with prominent groups such as the Returned & Services League, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Servicemen’s Association and the Queensland Anzac Day Commemoration Committee to give centenary commemorations across the State the recognition they deserve.

“In commemorating various campaigns and battles we will also be recognising the valour of the many Queensland men and women who have been the victims of war,” he said.

Lieutenant-General Evans said he was honoured to have been chosen to chair the ANZAC Centenary Committee.

“While the focus will be on 1914-18 commemorations, this is an opportunity to recognise the contribution made by servicemen and women in all theatres of war right up to Iraq and Afghanistan,” General Evans said.

“The largest concentration of commemorative events will obviously be around ANZAC Day 2015, but there have been many other significant campaigns and battles in which Queenslanders paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“While war is a violent and dreadful thing, it is important to recognise those individuals who have given so much in wars during the past one hundred years.”

[ENDS]  14 November 2012

Media contact: Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548

Lieutenant-General Mark Evans AO DSC

Lieutenant-General Mark Evans began his military service in the British Army in 1971.

He resigned his British commission with the rank of lieutenant in April 1976 to join the Australian Army. He was posted to the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment at Enoggera, of which he subsequently became Commander.

In 1985 he served with the United Nations in the Middle East.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for service in East Timor as a brigade commander.

General Evans was promoted to Major General in 2002 as Commander of the Australian 1st

Division at Enoggera’s Gallipoli Barracks.

He is a Member of the Order of Australia, and in June 2007, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia

In the same month, he assumed command of Australian Defence Force operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the North Persian Gulf.

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General in 2008, and became Chief of Joint Operations, a position he held until retiring from the Army in May 2011.