Wednesday, 16 August 2023

 Steve McGHIE (Melton) (10:00): This coming Friday, 18 August, marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, which began in August 1962 and lasted until March 1972. Over 60,000 Australian troops served in the Vietnam War; 523 died and more than 3000 were wounded in battle. We paused on Vietnam Veterans Day to reflect on the courage and bravery of all the service men and women who fought for this country but also to remember and honour the 523 troops who lost their lives during battle. Whilst the war may have ended 50 years ago, the ongoing physical and mental scars have never left those who returned or their families. Therefore the accessibility of Vietnam War veteran specific support groups is so important.

I would like to thank the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, Melton, their president Wayne Gillies and their committee and members. I have been grateful to have worked closely with this incredible group for numerous years now and seen the welfare services they provide to veterans and their families as well as the younger generation of veterans. Throughout our chats I have been able to meet with members, and many veterans are associated with the Melton RSL. Every single person highlights to me the importance of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, Melton, and the welfare support they provide to Melton veterans. The camaraderie and mateship continue on today through the Melton Young Diggers association. The young diggers’ use of dogs as a support mechanism for veterans has been such a successful initiative, and I always look forward to their annual calendar. I would like to personally thank all veterans for their service to our country and pay my respects to all those who have served and continue to serve.