VIETNAM VETERANS' DAY 50th ANNIVERSARY
2023 marks fifty years since the official withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam in 1973.
The arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in August of 1962 was the beginning of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.
60,000 Aussie troops served in Vietnam. Of those who served, 3,000 were wounded or fell ill and, sadly, 521 lost their lives.
Two Defence students, Adison Bott and Travis McDougall, laid a wreath on behalf of the Ripley Valley SSC at the Vietnam Veterans' Day commemoration which was held at the Honour Stone at the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch.
Among the notable dignitaries and guest speakers from the Ipswich Vietnamese community, was the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Mr Albanese gave a speech where he issued the formal apology. He then took some time to speak with Defence students who were attending the service and to pose for a quick photo.
The commemoration was followed by a march through Ipswich. Veterans were joined by current serving ADF members, students from local Ipswich schools and Defence Cadets.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a day that allows us to pay the respects that Vietnam vets were often denied, but always deserved.
Lest we forget.
AVCAT SCHOLARSHIPS
Australian Veterans Children's Assistance Trust (AVCAT) scholarships open from Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18th August, and close 31st October and are valued between $4000-$6000 per year, up to 3 years for Vietnam Veterans' children and grandchildren. For eligibility and more info, visit
https://avcat.org.au/scholarships/
If you are deploying or posting, please let me or your student’s teacher know so we can best support them during this potentially challenging time.
THE DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY HOTLINE
1800 624 608
This is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community.
The Helpline can provide assessment, assistance, advice or referral depending on the family's needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information on the Defence School Mentor Program at RVSSC, please contact Tracey Cooper at tcoop203@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333.
DMFS SUPPORT
Defence Member and Family Support is a sector of the Australian Defence Force that provides Defence families with numerous programs and activities with an aim to support them as they face the unique challenges of being a Defence family.
You can find more information on the Defence School Mentor Program at:
https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp
To contact the Defence School Mentor: Tracey Cooper
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 0800 - 1430hrs
Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au
Phone : 3819 5333
Tracey Cooper
Defence School Mentor
Ripley Valley State Secondary College
Defence Member and Family Support
Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608
