“The bursaries are awarded to hard working students who have overcome personal challenges to successfully complete their secondary studies, and are now looking to further their education at university, TAFE, business or art school and other tertiary institutions,” Mr Billson said. “Each of the 2007 recipients of the bursary has their own story of triumph to tell. They are strong-willed young Australians who are seeking to achieve their long-term goals of gaining a tertiary education.”

Mr Billson said the students are all looking forward to completing their tertiary studies and beginning careers in various occupations such as doctors, nurses, architects, ballet dancers, psychologists, teachers and scientists. “These 48 students are very deserving of this support and I was pleased to be able to present each recipient with their award personally at ceremonies with their families,” he said. The Long Tan Bursary scheme, commenced in 2000, has assisted more than 200 sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans. A 2006-07 Federal Budget initiative increased both the number of bursaries, from 30 to 50, and the value, from $6000 to $9000 over three years.

The bursaries are administered by the Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and were named in honour of those who took part in the Battle of Long Tan, where some 108 men of D Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, held out against an enemy force of up to 2500 troops until the arrival of a relief force. Eighteen Australians lost their lives in the battle.

“The courage and determination displayed by our troops at Long Tan is echoed in the fortitude of these young Australians to succeed academically, despite the odds. I am pleased that these bursaries will contribute to their future success,” Mr Billson said. Applications for the Long Tan Bursary open annually on Vietnam Veterans' Day, 18 August each year, and close on 31 October. Application forms are available from the Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust on 1800 620 361.

· Kathryn Cromarty, Seville, Diploma in Hospital Management, Box Hill Institute;

· Shannon Egan, Wodonga, Bachelor of Science, Melbourne University;

· Sam Gordon, Young, NSW, Bachelor of Rural Business Management, Marcus Oldham College;

· Calvin Hannaford, Camberwell, Diploma of Dance, Australian Ballet School;

· Nicole Lee, Scotsburn, Bachelor of Psychology, Ballarat University;

· Kate McCallum, Brunswick, Bachelor of Health Science, Southern School of Natural Therapies;

· Jane McInerney, Warrnambool, Bachelor of Education, Deakin University; and

· Duncan McIntyre, Condamine, QLD, Bachelor of Business, Marcus Oldham College.

· Jane Alexander, North Tamborine, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Tasmania;

· Jesse Cree, Howden, Bachelor of Arts, University of Tasmania;

· Katherine Crombie, Kingston, Bachelor of Arts, University of Tasmania;

· Stuart James, Granton, Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Law, University of Tasmania;

· Andrew McCausland, Longford, Bachelor of Business, University of Tasmania; and

· Verity McGrath-Kerr, Hobart, Bachelor of Business (Hons), University of Tasmania.

· Tania Franklin, Bachelor of Interior Architecture, University of South Australia;

· James Keimeier, Bachelor of Science (Sustainable Environment), Adelaide University;

· John Reschke, Bachelor of Arts, University of Adelaide; and

· Amelia Russell, Certificate 3 in Justice Studies at the Adelaide TAFE.

· Annalise Curran, Newington, Bachelor of Visual Arts, University of Sydney;

· Andrew Dunbar, Lane Cove, Bachelor of Science, University of New South Wales;

· Sarah Hilt, Theresa Park, Bachelor of Economics, University of Sydney;

· Hannah McLean, Mudgee, Bachelor of Arts, University of Wollongong;

· Justine Myers, Double Bay, Bachelor of Education, Macquarie University;

· Rebecca Radburn, Bathurst, Bachelor of Education, Bathurst University;

· Yasmin Remynse, Thirlmere, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching, Australian Catholic University;

· Shaun Roberts, Earlwood, Bachelor of Arts, University of Western Sydney;

· Alice Saunders, South West Rocks, Bachelor of Commerce, University of Newcastle; and

· Tamara Sewell, Greenway, Bachelor of Education, University of Canberra.

· Renee Anderson, Mooloolaba, Bachelor of Arts, University of the Sunshine Coast;

· Brianna Bullock, Evans Head, Bachelor of Law, Queensland University of Technology;

· Alison Comollatti, Koongal, Bachelor of Learning Management, University of Central Queensland;

· Cassandra Croyden, Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Psychology, Griffith University;

· Naomi Gray, Sippy Downs, Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Marketing), University of the Sunshine Coast;

· Tanya Halford, Burpengary, Bachelor of Business, Queensland University of Technology;

· Ewen Hay, Cairns, Bachelor of Nursing, James Cook University;

· Tenille King, Geebung, Bachelor of Art/Bachelor of Education, Queensland Institute of Technology;

· Emma Lyall, Wishart, Bachelor of Science (Health/Podiatry), Queensland University of Technology; and

· Emmaleigh Pedersen, The Gap, Bachelor of Arts, University of Queensland.

· 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.