FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN TRAVELLING TO VIETNAM IN 2016
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the Australian Government, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has provided additional support to the Vietnam veteran community to assist in their commemoration of this significant milestone.
A Vietnam Veterans Stakeholder Committee has been established, which includes representatives from relevant ex-service organisations and individualsand has provided valuable input into planning for this year’s Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations which will mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Eligibility
Eligible veterans are those who:
- Were involved in the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966 in one of the following units:
- D Company 6RAR
- A Company, 6RAR
- 3 Troop, 1 APC
- Identified veterans of 103 Battery
- Identified veterans of 105 Battery
- 9 Squadron
- are travelling to Vietnam to attend the ceremony at the site of the Long Tan Cross on 18 August 2016.
Eligibility has been determined by the Vietnam Veterans Stakeholder Committee. The Committee’s membership is comprised of the following:
- Long Tan Association;
- 6RAR Association;
- Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia;
- Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia;
- TPI Association;
- RSL;
- LTCOL Harry Smith SG MC;
- ADF; and
- DVA
What is available?
- DVA will reimburse up to $1500 towards the cost of travel to Vietnam (travel dates must include 18 August 2016) for each veteran and one travelling companion, that is a total of $3,000).
- We cannot pay travel costs up front. This is not a grant as overseas travel is specifically excluded from funding under Saluting Their Service Grants Program.
- All reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed (up to $1,500) including tickets to the two privately organised dinners in Vung Tau (at Maxims on 17 August and at the Pullman on 18 August).
- Reimbursements can only be processed for costs covered by receipts. Boarding passes must also be provided. Copies will be accepted.
Interested Long Tan veterans should contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for further information by telephone on 133 254 or by emailing .
MEDIA RELEASE
The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC
3 August 2016
Assistance for Long Tan veterans returning to Vietnam on 18 August 2016
The Australian Government will provide travel assistance to Australia’s Long Tan veterans who travel to Vietnam to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battle on 18 August.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan was an important milestone that should be marked accordingly.
“Some Long Tan veterans have chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the battle in Australia and some veterans have chosen to return to Vietnam,” Mr Tehan said.
“In line with the assistance provided to Long Tan veterans who wish to attend commemorations in Australia, the Australian Government will provide some financial assistance to Long Tan veterans who wish to travel to Long Tan in Vietnam on 18 August.
“The Australian Government will provide assistance to these veterans to commemorate this important anniversary in a way and in a place that is most important to them.”
A Long Tan veteran and their travelling companion will each be entitled to claim AUD$1500 for travel expenses. Any Long Tan veteran seeking details about reimbursement of travel costs can contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs by telephone on 133 254 or by emailing .
The Battle of Long Tan took place on 18 August 1966. It was one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War, involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR. D Company were greatly assisted by an ammunition resupply by RAAF helicopters, close fire support from New Zealand's 161 Field Battery, together with additional artillery support from the Australian task force base at Nui Dat, and the arrival of reinforcements in APCs as night fell.