Bundaberg District Women Veterans will commemorate the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War thanks to a grant from the Saluting Their Service program.

The Saluting Their Service program ensures Australia’s wartime history is preserved and those who have served during wars, conflicts and peace operations are appropriately remembered.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated Bundaberg District Women Veterans on its successful grant and dedication to honouring our region’s military history.

“An event will be held at the Bundaberg War Nurses Memorial in July and new plaques will be installed to commemorate nurses from the Bundaberg area who served in the Vietnam War,” Mr Pitt said.

“This project is a wonderful way for us to commemorate and reflect on the sacrifice of all those who have served from our communities.”

Bundaberg District Women Veterans Commemorations Officer Angella Hillis said the commemoration will form part of the association’s 55-year anniversary.

“During the weekend of July 15-17, there will be a dinner and luncheon of current and former women veterans from throughout Australia and a community service will be held on the Sunday where the new plaques will be dedicated,” Mrs Hillis said.

“There will be four plaques: one in remembrance of Australia’s war nurses during the Vietnam War; another to commemorate South East Asian conflicts; an honour roll of local nurses who served in Vietnam; and a plaque to commemorate 75 years of peacekeeping.”

Anyone wanting to get more information about the 55-year anniversary can contact the Secretary, Bundaberg District Women Veterans via email secretary@bundywomenveterans.org.au or check their website https://bundywomenveterans.org.au.

More than 80 successful recipients, which cover a wide variety of projects, were put forward by ex-service organisations, clubs, schools, and community groups right around Australia.

The funding is part of the Australian Government’s $32 million investment in Veterans’ Affairs grant programs this year.

The next round of the Saluting Their Service program is open, and applications can be submitted until 9 June 2022. For more information visit: https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/2021-6131