HISTORIC STATE VISIT TO ISRAEL

11 March 2008

The Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, and Mrs Jeffery will travel to Israel at the invitation of the President of the State of Israel, His Excellency Mr Shimon Peres, in late April to represent the government and people of Australia at the 60th Anniversary of the State.

The visit is the first by an Australian Head of State.

Australia greatly values its strong and long-standing friendship with Israel, a friendship based on shared democratic values, strong cultural ties and commercial relations. The visit will provide an opportunity to reinforce these relationships at the very highest levels.

The Governor-General and Mrs Jeffery will also participate in a range of World War I commemorative events including the official opening by the Governor-General and Mr Peres of The Park of the Australian Soldier in Be’er-Sheva on 28 April.

The Park features a landscaped recreational area and innovative playground catering for children with disabilities. The central feature is a sculpture by renowned Australian sculptor, Peter Corlett, commemorating the charge of the Australian Light Horse Division’s 4th Brigade against the Turkish positions at Beersheba (now called Be’er-Sheva) on 31 October 1917. The charge of the 4th Light Horse was a significant Australian military event.



Media Contact:
Stephen Jiggins
02 62833519
Government House
Canberra
11 March 2008