Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare today called for expressions of interest from young people aged 18 to 23 years to participate in the 2015 Mateship Trek.
This the fourth Mateship Trek and this time Jason is taking young people to Turkey to retrace the footsteps of the Australian and Turkish soldiers who fought at Gallipoli in World War I.
The Mateship Trek is conducted every 2 years to bring together young Australians from different backgrounds to learn about each other, their potential and Australian military history through participating in the treks.
In 2009 Jason took a group from our local area across the Kokoda Track, in 2011 he took a group to walk the Sandakan Death March in Borneo and last year he took a group to walk the Black Cat Track in Papua New Guinea.
Next year is the 100th Anniversary of the battle at Gallipoli – Australia’s baptism of fire. In total 8,709 Australians died at Gallipoli and 17,924 were wounded.
“The journey will be a life changing experience for four young people from our local area who are interested in learning about the history of our nation. They will get the chance to walk in the footsteps of those brave young men on the sand and cliffs where they fought and died,” Mr Clare said.
Joining Jason at today’s announcement was Steven Tu from Bankstown. Steven completed the Mateship Trek in 2013 along the Black Cat Track in PNG. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. It was an honour to walk in the footsteps of young men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I really encourage young people in our local area to apply,” Mr Tu said.
Expressions of interest are sought from young people aged 18 to 23 years, who live in the Blaxland Electorate. Applicants must have a valid Australian passport and be fit and willing to meet a physical and emotional challenge overseas.
To lodge an application, write to us briefly about yourself including why you think you should be selected to participate in the 2015 Mateship Trek.
Applications via email should be sent to or via mail to PO Box 153 Bankstown NSW 1885.
Applications close April 2014.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Zogopoulos 02 9790 2466
