The secondary school is hosting a fundraising dinner this Wednesday in an effort to raise money to bring 10 students and teachers from Gelibolu High School to Ballarat. 

Event organiser Steve Biggin said nothing ever had, or was about to, stop the two schools from interacting in the 16 years since the sister school relationship was established.

“We always go over to Turkey, but this year with the political instability the travel warnings are groups shouldn’t travel,” he said. “The next thing was to look at what to do instead.

“It’s been 11 years since the last group came over from Turkey, so we thought we would look about bringing a group over.”

He said the school teamed up with the Australian Turkish Business Council to raise more than $20,000 to fund an all-expenses paid trip for the Turkish students.

A number of items, including a signed AFLW Adelaide jumper donated by former Mount Clear College student and current Adelaide footballer Sally Riley, signed Tony Lockett Sydney Swans jumper and a weekend trip to Torquay will be auctioned off on the night to help contribute to the cause.

Mr Biggin said many Turkish students would never have the opportunity to travel to Australia without financial support.

“This means so much to them,” he said.

Established by retired Mount Clear College teacher Ian Simpkin, the sister school relationship has seen numerous Turkish students visit Ballarat and Mount Clear College visit important sites and participate in rituals at Gallipoli over the years.

Talking about its important, Mr Biggin said the relationship had become a way for students to share their experiences and keep the stories of WWI alive.

“It’s about acknowledging the history of WWI and to show that you can move on and become friends and work together,” Mr Biggin said.

Tickets to Wednesday’s 6.30pm event at the North Ballarat Sports Club can be purchased for $40 by calling 5330 1500 or emailing biggin.steven.w@edumail.vic.gov.au