2008 Ballina RSL Gallipoli Tour – the experience of a lifetime!

Following a successful club tour to Gallipoli in 2007, the Ballina RSL has again extended ‘the experience of a lifetime’ to members in 2008.

To date, 13 club members have signed up to go on the tour and there are up to 12 spots still available for any interested members.

Ballina RSL Marketing Manager, Cathie Johnston, outlines:

“Last year, a party of 10 club members journeyed over to Turkey for the special ANZAC Day pilgrimage. All confirmed upon their return that they found the experience to be one that they would long remember”.

“Some members say that their reason for going is because a relative actually served at Gallipoli, others say that it’s something they consider as being important for them to do as an Australian.”

The 2008 Ballina RSL Gallipoli Tour takes place over 8 days/7 nights from 20 April to 27 April. Itinerary highlights include the sights of Istanbul and 4 nights in Canakkale – the heart of the Gallipoli region. Expert local guides and Australian War Historians accompany the tour.

Tour costs AUD$1579 pp twin share (ex airfares) / Single Supplement AUD$399. Special Group Flight departures are available on application. All monies are due by 15 February 2008.

To view the complete tour itinerary and the amazing photo galleries from last year’s Ballina RSL Gallipoli Tour … and the Channel Seven News coverage involving Ballina RSL members, visit www.ballinarsl.com.au

For tour booking details, phone the Ballina RSL on 66819 504.

When asked about why the club includes the Gallipoli Tour in its overall repertoire, Ballina RSL Chairman Gary Hooley emphasises that:

“The Ballina RSL is an organisation that places much importance on heritage and understands the important role to be played in nurturing a sense of greater understanding and belonging. As an RSL Club that enjoys a close relationship with its local community, we constantly take great pride in offering experiences that foster learning, empathy, remembrance and community celebration.”

“Both the Gallipoli Tour and our Ballina RSL Sub-Branch Museum located on the Ground Floor at the Ballina RSL Club stand as testament to an ongoing and strong commitment to our origins - it’s wonderful for our members to be able to participate in these kinds of activities together and with their families.”

“Of course, we will also always play an integral role in major community events including the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day Ceremonies … but do take great delight in going the extra mile. Another example of this is the exciting program we offer every year in support of Ballina’s Australia Day Celebrations, highlighting what’s great about being Australian and being part of our fabulous Ballina community.”

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For more details on this media release, please contact Cathie Johnston (Marketing Manager, Ballina RSL Club Ltd) on ph. 66819 504.