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Dateline - June 29, 2007
 Excellence rewarded for children of Vietnam veterans in Western Australia
  Eight Western Australian students whose parents served in the Vietnam War, have received bursaries from the Australian Government to support them with their studies in 2007, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today.
Mr Billson said this year, for the first time, 50 bursaries worth up to $9000 each had been awarded nationally. Previously 30 bursaries worth $6000 were available each year. A 2006-07 Federal Budget initiative provided an additional 20 bursaries annually and increased their value.

"Every year, Long Tan Bursaries are made available to tertiary students with a parent who served in the Vietnam War. They are awarded to students who have achieved academically and overcome personal challenges to successfully complete their secondary education," he said.

This year, eight* Western Australian students have received bursaries:
    * Dale Annison, Albany, Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Curtin University;
* Justin Barton, East Fremantle, Bachelor of Medicine (Surgery), Notre Dame University;
* Sebastian Colburn, Maida Vale, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), Curtin University;
* Luke McAdam, South Fremantle, Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, Central TAFE Northbridge;
* Kate Pearson, Malvern, Bachelor of Arts (Circus Arts), National Institute of Circus Art at Swinbourne University;
* Isabelle Roberts, East Fremantle, Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, Notre Dame University; and
* Kimberley Sheehan, Kallaroo, Bachelor of Science, University of Western Australia.
 


"I congratulate these students and wish them well in their tertiary studies," Mr Billson said.

The Long Tan Bursaries were named in honour of those who took part in the Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War. On 18 August 1966, some 108 men of D Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, encountered an enemy force of up to 2500 troops in a rubber plantation north of the village of Long Tan. With artillery and air support, D Company held out until the arrival of a relief force. Eighteen Australians lost their lives in the battle.

The bursaries are administered by the Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust for the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

* One of the Long Tan Bursary recipients has asked to remain anonymous.