Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Public Transport, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:56): Something incredible happens in our community every August – Lower Plenty Football & Netball Club hosts a Vietnam Veterans Day round honouring those who served in that very difficult war, those who came home and those who never will. The respect and warmth shown to our veterans on this day is extraordinary, and I thank Grant Barden, everyone at the Bears and the Montmorency Eltham RSL for their continued commitment to making sure this day is special. It is very moving to see veterans walk out onto the ground and have their hands shaken by every player and umpire while those watching applaud. The event began a number of years ago through Grant Barden’s determination to support Vietnam veterans, and I thank him for making this game day such an annual institution, which will continue to grow in strength and popularity.

I also want to thank Montmorency Eltham RSL for their Vietnam veterans remembrance service with the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans, affectionately known in my community as the DViets. This year marks 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan, with 18 Australians killed and 24 wounded. We remember the more than 60,000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War and the 523 who never came home. To our Vietnam veterans, their families and all those who continue to honour their stories, I say thank you. To the Montmorency Eltham RSL, to their president Ash Graham and to their leadership and every volunteer and worker at the RSL I also offer my thanks. Every year they undertake these incredible, moving services, which show absolute respect to those who have served our country. Lest we forget.