General News
30 August, 2026
Vietnam vets honoured
THE Innisfail community has gathered in solemn reflection at the RSL cenotaph for Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the 60th anniversary of Australia’s commitment to South Vietnam.
The service centred on the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 soldiers from D Company, 6RAR, outnumbered 20 to 1, fought for more than three hours in torrential rain on 18 August 1966, displaying extraordinary courage, endurance and mateship.
Pastor Peter Gill opened the 18 August ceremony with a dedication prayer before Vietnam veteran Mick Levin (A Company, 6RAR) delivered the first address.
Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said “today is much more than just one battle”.
“It’s about remembering every Australian who served in Vietnam, on the ground, at sea, in the air, those who supported the fighting forces and those who came home carrying the physical and emotional scars of their service,” she said.
“May we continue to honour our veterans, not only on commemorative days such as this, but throughout the year by listening to their stories, supporting them and ensuring our future generations understand the price of freedom and service.”
Parade marshal BJ Price brought the parade to attention as piper Marc Darveniza played a moving lament during the wreath laying ceremony.
Wreaths were laid by Innisfail RSL president Lachlan Ogilvie, representatives for Long Tan veterans, National Servicemen, 6RAR, 9RAR, RAAF, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Regiments, 51st Battalion FNQ Regiment, SASR, and numerous community organisations including Innisfail Hospital, QPS, SES, Volunteer Coastguard, Lions, Probus, Sikh Community, Greek Orthodox Community, Freemasons and local schools.
A highlight of the service was a powerful rendition of the Last Post and Reveille performed by Oscar Van Haaren, a year 11 student from Innisfail State College. A minute’s silence was observed, along with the reciting of the Ode and playing of the National Anthem.
Innisfail State College captains Lochlan and Jara, and vice captains Caleb and Sophie (surnames withheld), laid a wreath on behalf of the college.
The students later shared how deeply the service affected them, saying it was “very stirring as veterans recalled their time in this hideous war, the loss of mates and the toll their service had on their physical and emotional health when they returned.”
The Battle of Long Tan remains one of Australia’s defining moments of bravery and teamwork. By the end of the Vietnam War, more than 60,000 Australians had served, with 521 lives lost and over 3,000 wounded.
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