Visit to Gallipoli Peninsula; ‘Honouring Warrior Spirits’ Ceremony; Lone Pine Centenary Commemorative Service; Reception; Federal Executive Council

On Thursday 6 August 2015, in the Gallipoli Heritage Park, Turkey, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Governor of Ҫanakkale, Mr Ahmet Ҫinar, visited the 57th Regiment Memorial and laid a wreath in honour of Turkish soldiers who died during the Gallipoli Campaign.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, accompanied by Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell DSC AM, Mr Keith Payne VC AM, Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, Corporal Daniel Keighran VC and Mr Doug and Mrs Kaye Baird, parents of the late Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, visited The Nek and Walkers Ridge.

Later, at the Anzac Commemorative Site, the Governor-General attended an ‘Honouring Warrior Spirits’ Ceremony.

Then, at the Commonwealth Cottages, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, attended a lunch with Indigenous service personnel and Department of Veterans’ Affairs personnel.

In the afternoon, at Krithia, the Governor-General, accompanied by the Chief of Army and Australian Victoria Cross recipients, visited Alcitepe Lookout and Redoubt Cemetery, at which the Governor-General laid a wreath in honour of allied soldiers who died during the Gallipoli Campaign.

Later, at the Australian Lone Pine Memorial, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a service to commemorate the century of the battle of Lone Pine, at which Their Excellencies laid a wreath, and the Governor-General delivered the commemorative address.

In the evening, at the Kolin Hotel, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a reception for Turkish public officials in recognition of the support and assistance of the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the people of Ҫanakkale to Australian commemorative events held in the Gallipoli Heritage Park in the ANZAC centenary year.

Earlier, at Government House, Canberra, the Administrator, His Excellency the Honourable Paul De Jersey AC, presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.