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A Gallipoli Scholar’s Journey of Commemoration and Connection
Eja Collins, recipient of the GSF Mustafa Kemal Atatürk memorial bursary, shares her profound experience representing the connection between Australia and Türkiye at Gallipoli. Her journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs offered insights into shared history and friendships, embodying the spirit of ANZAC.
“As the inaugural recipient of the GSF Mustafa Kemal Atatürk memorial bursary, it was a great honour for me to represent the connection between Australia and Türkiye, born from our shared history at Gallipoli, by being a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Gallipoli Service delivery team this year. I feel particularly privileged to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know the Turkish university students that DVA engages as translators on the commemorative team. Learning from each other as we discussed our understandings of shared history and commemorative practices was incredibly enriching, and led to some truly wonderful friendships. Another highlight was talking to the visitors who attended the ANZAC Day service at Gallipoli."
The 2024 Gallipoli Scholarship Fund Awards, held in Canberra this year, marked a significant chapter in the Scholarship’s 26-year legacy. Read: 2024 Gallipoli Scholarship Fund Awards: Honouring Legacy, Empowering Scholars
"Working in the accessible seating area of the ANZAC commemorative site, I was incredibly moved to hear the stories behind why so many Australians had travelled such a distance to commemorate the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. Most everyone I spoke to had a personal connection that inspired them to attend, and the energy on the peninsular as we all waited for dawn together was unforgettable. This energy truly felt like the embodiment of the ANZAC Spirit, manifesting particularly in the qualities of solidarity and mateship – between citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and Türkiye. I came away from my time at Gallipoli feeling especially galvanised about the role our countries’ youth have to play in continuing this commemoration and preserving the unique bond our nations share for years to come.
The Gallipoli Scholarship Fund actively invests in the preservation of the ANZAC legacy, which is why GSF’s partnership with DVA for the ANZAC Day Gallipoli service is so special. I am both grateful and honoured to have contributed to the delivery team this year.”
Eja’s journey highlights the importance of nurturing ANZAC spirit and legacy. Your support enables us to foster future leaders who embody these values. Join us in continuing this vital mission. Learn more about the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund here.
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