MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann will attend the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Vietnam Veterans Day Service on Friday 18 August to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
The commemorations will start with a service at 9:30am at the Soldiers Memorial Hall and Honour Stone followed by a march at 11:00am from d’Arcy Doyle Place to Tulmur Place, where a small ceremony will take place, and culminate in a morning tea for veterans and families at Club CSI in North Ipswich.
Mr Neumann said he expected this year’s memorial service to be well attended by local veterans and families, other dignitaries, representatives from schools and community groups, and members of the Vietnamese-Australian community.
“More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, over 3,000 were wounded and 523 lost their lives in the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th Century,” he said.
“This included many servicemen and women from Ipswich and the Somerset Region, and local Vietnam veterans have gone on to make an outstanding contribution to our ex-service and wider community.
“However, this was a war that was at times contentious at home, and for some veterans their service was not recognised as it should have been. So, these commemorations are about giving our veterans the respect they deserve.
“The Vietnam War was also the first major conflict to be covered extensively on television, and it had a profound effect on Australian society, politics and popular culture.
“2023 marks 50 years since the cessation of hostilities in the Vietnam War, and throughout this commemorative year the Australian Government is holding a range of official ‘Vietnam 50’ commemorations to honour the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families,” Mr Neumann said.
DVA is recognising this significant anniversary through a broad awareness campaign throughout 2023 including a documentary series on the ABC, and providing historical and educational resources to schools, ex-service organisations and community groups.
This will culminate in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August, in Canberra, recognising the service of all Australians who served in the Vietnam War and honouring the sacrifices that they and their families made.
In addition, the Government has launched a commemorative medallion and certificate to honour those who served in the Vietnam War. These can be applied for by Vietnam War veterans, widows and other family members of veterans.
For more details on the medallion and certificate, including how to apply, or for more information about the other commemorative events planned, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website: https://www.dva.gov.au/recognition/commemorating-all-who-served/commemorative-services/commemorative-services-australia-6
All Vietnam Veterans and National Servicemen, even if they were not deployed, are eligible to claim through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and entitled to a White Card that includes mental health support.
Veterans and families can contact Mr Neumann’s Blair Electorate Office for assistance with any of these matters on (07) 3201 5300 or at [email protected]
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au.
Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072.
Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or defence.gov.au/health/healthportal.
Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608.
