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Sixty years after the Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam Veterans’ Day provided an opportunity for the Hinchinbrook community to pause and remember those who served during one of Australia’s most significant and difficult military conflicts.
Veterans, families, community members and Hinchinbrook Shire councillors gathered at Ingham’s cenotaph on Tuesday 18th August to honour those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who carried the impact of the war.
The commemoration also reflected on the experiences of Vietnam veterans after returning home and the importance of ensuring their service and stories continue to be remembered by future generations.
By Victoria Velton
Vietnam Veterans’ Day was commemorated across the region on Tuesday 18th August, marking 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan and remembering the Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
At Ingham’s cenotaph, veterans, Hinchinbrook Shire councillors, families and community members gathered to honour those who served, including the 18 Australians who lost their lives at Long Tan on 18th August 1966.
Herbert River RSL President Rodger Bow addressed those gathered, reflecting on the battle, the experiences of Vietnam veterans and the importance of continuing to remember their service.
“Families and friends, today we come together to mark 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan. We gather in remembrance, we gather in gratitude, and we gather in respect for those whose courage and sacrifice have become an enduring part of Australia’s military history,” Mr Bow said.
The Battle of Long Tan took place in a rubber plantation in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, where D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, faced a much larger enemy force.
In heavy rain, poor visibility and with ammunition running low, the Australian soldiers held their position, supported by Australian, New Zealand and United States artillery, Royal Australian Air Force helicopter crews and armoured and infantry reinforcements.
“Together, they showed the strength that comes from training, leadership, teamwork and mateship,” Mr Bow said.
The 18 Australians killed at Long Tan were remembered, along with those wounded and the families who continue to carry the loss.
Mr Bow also acknowledged the broader experiences of Vietnam veterans, noting that for many, the effects of their service continued long after they returned home.
“Some carried visible wounds; others carried wounds that could not be seen,” he said.
The ceremony also recognised the many Australians who served throughout the Vietnam War, including regular soldiers, national servicemen, sailors, airmen, nurses and support personnel.
Mr Bow reflected on the delayed welcome received by many Vietnam veterans when they returned to Australia, saying time could not undo what happened but could strengthen understanding and gratitude.
The community was encouraged to keep the stories of Vietnam veterans alive through families, schools and local communities.
“The values shown at Long Tan still speak to us today. Courage under pressure, loyalty to mates, calm leadership, commitment to duty,” Mr Bow said.
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The ceremony concluded with veterans invited back to the Herbert River RSL Club for refreshments and an opportunity to continue the commemoration together as a community.
“We will remember them, lest we forget.”
Junior briefing on the jetty with MBSC Commodore Lachlan Heath, Camden Heath, Hayden Brachna, Carmen Walker, Chloe Brachna, Liam Rayner-Pink, Bee Stokeld, Xanthe Henderson, Quinn Henderson, Josie Heath Photo Credit Rachel Brachna
Mission Beach Sailing Club has delivered a new kind of sailing experience, with its inaugural Adventure Sail bringing 37 participants and 15 vessels together for a weekend on the waters surrounding Dunk Island.
Held across 22–23 August after three years of planning, the event swapped traditional racing for adventure, connection and the relaxed spirit of island time, with Dunk Island serving as base camp.
Sailors took on courses around Purtaboi and Timana islands, while the weekend also featured hiking, fishing, jetty jumping, wildlife spotting and foil boarding.
By Sian Bantock
Mission Beach Sailing Club (MSBC) held an inaugural adventure sail between 22nd -23rd August, bringing together 37 participants and a fleet of 15 off-the-beach dinghies and catamarans, for a unique adventure sailing experience with Dunk Island serving as base camp.
The event was highly anticipated, having been 3 years in the making. Most adventure races focus on the competitive aspect, but MB Sailing Club intentionally embraced the spirit of ‘island time’, encouraging sailors to slow down, build connections and share their passion for sailing.
MBSC Commodore, Lachy Heath was impressed by how well the first Adventure Sail panned out.
”We were able to provide a different take on sailing events, focusing on adventure rather than racing. Many juniors had their first experience sailing to an island and navigating around an island."
The two-day itinerary offered a range of activities whilst remaining flexible should the conditions change. Sailors made the most of everything Dunk Island had to offer, including hiking, jetty jumping, wildlife spotting, fishing and foil boarding in the sheltered waters between Dunk and Purtoboi Islands.
Adventure sailing requires not only physical endurance but also mental resilience.
“The challenging Saturday afternoon sailing course sent juniors around Purtaboi Island. Navigating the island's rocky shores tested their sailing skills and extended their mental capabilities. The senior fleet sailed a longer course around Timana Island. and Purtaboi Island,” said MBSC Secretary Carmen Walker.
“We get a buzz out of being able to facilitate sailing, social connection and watching the sailors progress their skills and confidence.”
It wasn’t just the juniors that were learning something new. Rob Lattimore sailed with his 17-year-old nephew Lars Gatti on their Nacra 5.8 catamaran.
"This event reminds me of the adventure sails we used to do as kids back in the 90s,” Rob said.
“The sailing stretched our skills, put us out of our comfort zone and fuelled our adventurous spirit,”
The club is now looking ahead to the 44th Mission Beach Regatta, which will be held on 24th and 25th October and is expected to attract sailors from all over North Queensland.
Anyone wishing to join the Sailing club can reach out to them on; info@missionbeachsailingclub.com.au or follow their Facebook page for more updates.
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