Live sites to boost Anzac Albany participation

• Four live broadcast sites with big screens to be established in key Albany locations for Anzac Albany commemorations

• Locals and visitors urged to plan ahead for historic event 

With one month to go, final planning is under way for the Anzac Albany commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the departure of the first convoy of ships carrying the Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to the First World War.

To meet anticipated demand, three live sites, jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments, will be created at Middleton Beach, Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence, providing vantage points for the convoy's symbolic departure on Saturday, November 1.

A fourth live site, funded by Lotterywest and the City of Albany, will be operating in the new Albany Town Square from Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 2. 

Veterans Minister Joe Francis said the sites would have big screens on which the troop march and commemorative service would be televised, as well as other historical footage.

Food and drink stalls and toilet facilities will also be available at the broadcast sites.

"Families in particular will find the live sites an enjoyable way to experience the atmosphere of the Anzac Albany commemorations, and will allow people to view the event away from the large crowds expected in the Albany CBD," Mr Francis said.

"With a large number of people expected in Albany for the commemorations, it's strongly recommended that you plan your activities in advance, especially on Saturday, November 1."

The Anzac Albany commemorative events are being hosted and delivered by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Australian Defence Force, the State Government, City of Albany and the Returned and Services League WA Branch.

Live sites hours of operation:

Thursday: Town Square - 10am to 10pm

Friday: Town Square - 9am to 10pm

Saturday: Town Square - 7am to 10pm; Mt Clarence - 7am to 2pm; Mt Adelaide - 7am to 2pm; Middleton Beach - 7am to 10pm

Sunday: Town Square - 9am to 8pm

       Fact File

• Events in Albany between October 30 to November 2 will include a commemorative service, troop march, symbolic ships departure, free community concert and the official opening of the National Anzac Centre

• While Albany was the point of departure for most Australian and New Zealand troops, the vast majority of Western Australian troops departed from Fremantle the day before on October 31, 1914.  A commemorative train journey and memorial service will mark the centenary of the first Western Australian troops' departure from WA for World War I

• For further information follow Anzac Albany on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; call 1300 765 531; visit http://www.anzacalbany.com.au and http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au 

Minister's office - 6552 6500