$15m Anzac plan to mark centenary

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, pictured last week attending a naming ceremony for HMAS Canberra at the BAE shipyard in Williamstown, with Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs and Minister of Defence Stephen Smith, will announce boost to Anzac commemorations today. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: WAR memorials will be restored and schools given cash for Anzac-themed projects under a $15 million grassroots scheme to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli landing.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard today will announce grants worth $100,000 will go to every federal electorate and could include money for interpretative displays or exhibits of memorabilia.

"These grants will give communities an opportunity to remember our Anzacs in their own way," Ms Gillard told the Herald Sun yesterday.

"Just about every town, city and community in Australia has ties to the Anzacs or our diggers who fought and died in the Great War."

Communities will choose their own projects but they must relate to the involvement, service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women.

Projects can cover any World War I battles, including those on the Western Front.

They can include remembering significant anniversaries that have particular meaning to a community, restoring memorials and honour boards, creating interpretative displays and exhibits of memorabilia.

Schools will be able to apply for money for extra study or projects related to World War I.

Community committees will be created in all 150 federal seats and include veterans' groups such as the RSL, as well as businesses, schools and the local federal MP.

Ms Gillard said the grants were being made because the community was keen to remember the service and sacrifice of those who went to the Great War.

"The centenary of Anzac Day gives us special reason to pause and reflect on the great sacrifices made by our Diggers," she said.

"Almost 62,000 Australians were killed in the First World War (and) some 8700 died at Gallipoli."

The plan to boost local involvement coincides with thousands of Australians likely being denied the chance to be at Gallipoli for the 2015 dawn service.

Australia, New Zealand and Turkey have agreed that only 10,500 people will be able to attend.

There will be 8000 places for Australians, 2000 for New Zealanders and 500 for official guests and diplomats.

The Government said the number was set by an independent report based on safety, geographic limits and heritage factors.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon said one million Australians were able to trace a direct family link to the Gallipoli Diggers. A public ballot will be held next year to decide who gets the tickets.

anzaccentenary. gov.au

phillip.hudson@news.com.au

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