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MEDIA RELEASE
13 August 2007
For immediate release
Australia honours places of historical significance
The Australian Government has recognised the Kokoda Track as a place of remarkable historic significance to Australia.
The track was included in the inaugural List of Overseas Places of Historic Significance to Australia (LOPHSA) along with Anzac Cove in Turkey and Howard Florey’s laboratory, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology in the United Kingdom.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, said LOPHSA celebrated overseas places of the greatest historic importance to Australia in a way that was respectful of the rights and sovereignty of other nations.
“This List will enable us to tell and symbolically recognise the most important stories in our history that occurred outside our borders. It will not impact on another country’s sovereignty,” Minister Turnbull said.
“The first three places to be listed – Anzac Cove, Kokoda Track and Howard Florey’s laboratory, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology – represent extraordinary achievements by Australians overseas.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said that Anzac Cove and Kokoda Track were both evocative places for Australians.
“The stories of the battles that took place at these sites are ones of courage, endurance and mateship – qualities that have since become part of our national identity,” he said.
Minister Turnbull said the List would have high thresholds for inclusion, and only comprise the most truly significant places of historical value to Australia.
“It will be an indelible reminder of how our nation has been shaped by significant events and individual achievements by Australians overseas,” Minister Turnbull said.
Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Diplomacy Manager, T: 325 9333 ext 275