24 April 2025
Captain Rhiannon Lever's appointment as Australia's Federation Guard (AFG) contingent commander for the 2025 Anzac Day commemorations in Turkiye is a career highlight.
The Royal Australian Army Ordinance Corps officer was a member of the panel that selected the troops travelling to Turkiye, oversaw the travel administration and training, and will ensure ceremonial tasks are executed with precision.
“We held a board of selection to determine who would represent AFG at key ceremonial events on this trip," Captain Lever said.
"We trained, and rehearsed our drill movements, and prepared our ceremonial uniforms.”
Leading up to their departure, the team engaged with Turkish authorities to request access to the Gallipoli sites for the 110th commemoration.
The team coordinated with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Veterans’ Affairs to confirm the schedule and receive in-country briefs.
“I think the team realised early in the planning that this was not just a logistical task; we were travelling to Gallipoli, the birthplace of the Anzacs' legend,” Captain Lever said.
The AFG contingent will perform ceremonial activities at Gallipoli, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair on April 25, and tour the battlefields at Gallipoli and Cape Helles on April 29.
