Wednesday, 14 August 2024

 Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts, Minister for Creative Industries) (10:00): This Sunday is Vietnam Veterans Day, and I want to commend the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans association for the memorial service they held last Saturday at Greensborough War Memorial. I was really pleased to see such a strong community turnout for the service, which included young and old and representatives from local councils, as well as my colleagues the member for Eltham and federal member Kate Thwaites. So many contributed to making Saturday possible, but particular recognition ought firstly to go to Bob Elworthy AM, the president of the association, who also conducted the service. Added thanks also to Alan Comben, who did a power of work to help organise; to Dal Crocker, the president of Greensborough RSL; and to Peter Blackman, a past president of the association. Peter was one of the very first national servicemen called up and deployed and was a radio operator during the battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966.

A fantastic element of the morning was just how involved some of the local schools were with the commemorations. Playing throughout the day were the talented musicians from Viewbank College, and a beautiful address was also given by Max, the vice-captain of Parade College, Bundoora. It was very heartening to see such a strong reception from so many in the community who came to stop and give thanks to those locals who gave so much in the Vietnam War and remember those who did not return.