Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Pte Jake Healy of 31/42 RQR, Errol a Timor Veteran, Lt Col Merrick Lalor CO 31/42 RQR with Vice President RSL Randall Russell in the centre, Piper Jock Reid, WO1 Glenn Herbert RSM 31/42 RQR and Pte Egide Ndazimana 31/42 RQR. Photo supplied
60 Years On From The Battle Of Long Tan
Communities across the Cassowary Coast stood together in remembrance on Tuesday 18th August, commemorating Vietnam Veterans’ Day and marking 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan.
Services were held at Wongaling Beach and Cardwell, bringing together veterans, families, school students, community organisations, service personnel and residents to honour the more than 60,000 Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
At Wongaling Beach, approximately 80 people gathered for the Tully RSL Sub-Branch service, where a new memorial obelisk dedicated to Vietnam veterans was unveiled, creating a lasting tribute to those who served, those who returned and those who never came home.
In Cardwell, the community also gathered in solemn reflection, ensuring the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Vietnam veterans continues to be remembered six decades on from Long Tan.
Lest We Forget.
The Cassowary Coast community came together at Wongaling Beach on Tuesday 18th August to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of Australia’s most significant military engagements of the Vietnam War.
Approximately 80 people gathered at Rotary Park for the Tully RSL Sub-Branch memorial service, paying tribute to the Australians who served during the conflict and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On 18th August 1966, soldiers of Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment fought an estimated 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan.
The anniversary is now commemorated nationally as Vietnam Veterans’ Day, recognising the more than 60,000 Australian servicemen and women who served throughout Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Tully RSL President Karl Adams said he was grateful to see such strong community support for the local commemoration.
“A big shout out to the local schools, the ladies from Legacy, Lions club, red cross, CleanCo and Officers and Soldiers from the Jungle Training Wing and 31/42 RQR,” Mr Adams said.
The service also marked the unveiling of a new Vietnam Veterans memorial obelisk, created by local blacksmith Brent Cook to provide a lasting tribute to those who served.
“This obelisk was created thanks to donations from Cassowary Coast Community Association, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and the RSL. Next year Tully RSL intends to get a second obelisk made dedicated to the Afghan Veterans,” Mr Adams said.
The Mission Beach Community Association contributed $500 towards the new memorial, as did the Lions Club of Mission Beach, helping establish a permanent place of remembrance at Wongaling Beach.
“May it stand as a tribute to those who served, those who returned, those who still carry the impact of their service, and those who never came home,” the association shared.
“To our Vietnam veterans and their families – we remember, we honour, and we thank you.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor Trudy Tschui also attended the commemoration and reflected on the importance of ensuring the sacrifices of veterans are carried forward by future generations.
“Let us pledge to honour their legacy by ensuring that their sacrifices are never in vain,” Cr Tschui said.
“And in their honour let us continue to build a society that cherishes the values they fought to defend-courage, mateship, and an unwavering dedication to our Country.”
With local schools, community organisations, veterans, service personnel and residents standing together, the commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect not only on those lost during the Vietnam War, but also on the enduring impact of service on veterans and their families.
The newly unveiled memorial will now stand at Wongaling Beach as a permanent reminder of their service and sacrifice.
Lest We Forget.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
