FUNDING FOR NEWCASTLE AND HUNTER REGION VIETNAM VETERANS
THE HON GREG COMBET AM MP
Federal Member for Charlton
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Minister for Industry and Innovation
MEDIA RELEASE
2 August 2012
The Newcastle and Hunter Region Vietnam Veterans will receive $2,250 from the Federal Government to host a commemoration dinner at the Wallsend Diggers Club on the 18th of August, 2012.
The dinner will be the formal conclusion to a day-long remembrance program honouring local servicemen involved in the Vietnam War. It is the 36th annual remembrance day held by the club, which involves a march down Hunter Street, Newcastle, a service at the Vietnam veteran’s memorial in Civic Park, and the dinner.
2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the commencement of the Vietnam conflict, with the 18th of August also being infamous as the date of the Battle of Long Tan.
Member for Charlton, Greg Combet, has congratulated the organisation on their successful application for funding through the Saluting their Service grants program, which supports projects that commemorate Australian men and women who have served and continue to serve Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
“The Newcastle and Hunter Region Vietnam Veterans do an invaluable job with the local veteran community through support, outreach and advocacy services,” Mr Combet said.
“I am very proud of the Government’s support for this important day.”
There were 19 servicemen from the Newcastle and Hunter Region who lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict.
The Saluting their Service program provides several rounds of funding each year to help communities honour and promote appreciation and understanding of those who have served and helped shape our nation.