|
|
|
EXTRA
! ! EXTRA ! ! EXTRA ! !
|
| <
NEWS |
|
|
|
|
Dateline
- June 15th, 2006
$37,270 in Grants
for NSW Vietnam Commemorations
|
|
|
The
Australian Government had provided three grants worth a total
of $37,270 to help New South Wales communities commemorate the
40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the Minister for Veterans'
Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said the funding
would support events organised by the Vietnam Veterans' Association
of Australia in Gosford, on the far north coast, and at Holsworthy
Barracks. These are: |
| |
~
$7020 for a Vietnam Veterans' Day march, memorial service and
dinner at Ettalong Reach War Memorial Club, Gosford;
~ $10,000 for a similar event in Lismore, attracting veterans
from Casino, Kyogle, Grafton, Ballina and other coastal towns;
and
~ $20,250 towards a memorial service and reception at the Holsworthy
Sergeants Mess, Holsworthy Military Camp. |
|
"The Australian
Government committed $4.5 million in the 2006-07 Federal Budget
to commemorate Australian service in Vietnam and the 40th anniversary
this year of the Battle of Long Tan - arguably the best-known
Australian action during the Vietnam War," he said "On
18 August 1966, Australian soldiers from D Company 6th Battalion,
The Royal Australia Regiment, encountered an enemy force of
more than 2500 in a rubber plantation north of the village of
Long Tan. Although heavily outnumbered, the Australians held
firm with a remarkable display of courage and determination
until a relief force arrived.
"This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to recognise
and commemorate the service of all Australian servicemen and
women in
Vietnam," he said. The Minister said part of the Budget
commitment had been set aside for grants to fund major commemorative
activities throughout Australia. "Funding is available
for major State/Territory-based commemorative events and reunions,
while smaller, local activities will continue to be funded through
the Saluting Their Service grants program." Other initiatives
funded by the Government include:
|
|
|
~ a commemorative service at the Australian Vietnam Forces National
Memorial and a concert at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra;
~ developing an online nominal roll of Vietnam veterans and establishing
a website focusing on Australia's involvement in Vietnam and other
South-East Asian conflicts;
~ grants for museums that record Australia's experiences in Vietnam;
and
~ expanding the Long Tan Bursary Scheme from 30 $6000 bursaries
to 50 $9000 bursaries paid as $3000 a year for three years. |
Mr Billson said
the Australian Government had consulted Vietnam veteran organisations
in developing this range of initiatives and would continue
to work with them in the implementation to ensure their great
service and sacrifice is acknowledged.
|
|
|
|
|
|