Queensland’s ANZAC Centenary preparations

A new ANZAC Centenary website launched today will give Queenslanders a focal point for co-ordinating, promoting and getting information about events to commemorate the centenary of World War I between 2014 and 2018.

Premier Campbell Newman said Queenslanders would have the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices of those who served Australia in the First World War and the significant contribution of those on the home front.

“This website will be a tool for accessing the State Government’s community grants program, designed to provide funds for Queensland centenary activities,” Mr Newman said.

“The ANZAC values are one of the key Queensland themes for the commemorations - resilience, teamwork, courage, sacrifice, mateship, service, initiative, compassion, adaptability and toughness.

“In a time of unprecedented devastation and turmoil, these values helped establish what it is to be Australian.

“The government focus on the ANZAC spirit between 2014 and 2018 will provide a unifying inspiration for Queenslanders of all backgrounds and ethnicities across the state.”

Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans Affairs Glen Elmes emphasised how the government would focus on the values of ANZAC in planning the commemoration, with the new website being used as a key tool to support the activities.

“I encourage everyone to get involved in their ANZAC Centenary because it belongs to all of us,” Mr Elmes said.

“The Queensland Government has established the Queensland Advisory Committee for the Commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary to ensure that the contribution made by Queenslanders in war is recognised with appropriate dignity and honour.

“The committee will oversee activities to ensure the centenary of the contribution Queenslanders made to the Great War is commemorated in significant and appropriate ways.”

Mr Newman and Mr Elmes said the Queensland Government would support communities and organisations which wanted to enhance their commemorative events and projects.

The ANZAC Centenary website is at qld.gov.au/anzac100

[ENDS] 23 April 2013

Media Contact:

Premier’s office: 3224 4500

Minister’s office: Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548