Tasmania - $2,100

The Australian Government has provided a grant of $2100 to the Tasman RSL Sub-branch, as part of the Government's support for activities by the veteran community in Tasmania, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Announcing the grant, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today that the Tasman RSL Sub-branch would receive the grant to hold a commemorative dinner at the Tasman Ex-services Club on 18 August 2006.

Queensland - $9,729

The Australian Government has provided six additional grants totalling $9729 to help the Queensland veteran community commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said the funding was being used for projects that honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Australia's servicemen and women in Vietnam.

New South Wales - $24,030

The Australian Government has provided nine additional grants totalling $24,030 to help the New South Wales veteran community commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said the funding was being used for projects that honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Australia's servicemen and women in Vietnam.

South Australia - 12,179

The Australian Government has provided five additional grants totalling $12,179 to help the South Australian veteran community commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said the funding was being used for projects that honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Australia's servicemen and women in Vietnam.

Western Australia - $6,500

The Australian Government has provided three additional grants totalling $6500 to help the West Australian veteran community commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said the RSL sub-branches in Kalgoorlie and Albany, and the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association WA Branch would all receive grants for events that recognise the contribution of Australian servicemen and women in Vietnam, particularly at the Battle of Long Tan.

The Kalgoorlie RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 to hold a memorial service at the Kalgoorlie War Memorial, followed by a commemorative reception at the Kalgoorlie Ex-Service Club, on 20 August 2006. The Albany RSL Sub-branch will receive $3000 to hold a commemorative service at the East Asia Memorial on Mt Adelaide, followed by a barbecue at the Stirling Club in Albany, on 18 August 2006. The RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association WA Branch will receive $500 to hold a commemorative service, followed by a barbecue, at Kings Park on 20 August 2006.

"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 Australian 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.

Other initiatives funded by the Government include: