Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:58): It was a great honour to attend the Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration service in Croydon on Sunday 17 August. Standing alongside our local veterans, their families and the wider community at the Croydon war memorial, we paused to mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and to honour those who served during the Vietnam War. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the Victorian government and represent the Minister for Veterans the Honourable Natalie Suleyman MP. More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, including over 10,000 Victorians and 5000 animals, many of whom were working dogs, mules and US Navy dolphins, to name but a few. They faced extraordinarily difficult conditions, fought with incredible bravery and returned to a nation that did not always give the welcome or support that veterans deserved. Services like the one held in Croydon are a vital reminder of our enduring duty to say thank you, to ensure that the service, sacrifice and legacy of our Vietnam veterans are never forgotten and that they and their families receive the respect and ongoing care that they deserve. I want to extend my deep gratitude to the Croydon RSL sub-branch and the Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans Day committee for bringing our community together for such a moving and dignified service. To all our Vietnam veterans: we honour your service, we remember your mates who did not come home and we thank you. Lest we forget.