Minister for Veterans, John Eren today officially unveiled the new and upgraded Geelong Vietnam Walkway and Commemorative Panel, which pays tribute to the service and sacrifices of Vietnam veterans.
The upgraded Memorial and Walkway on Melbourne Road and Swinburne Street, North Geelong, includes new signage, new trees, a paved walkway for greater accessibility, a panel that honours the 521 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, and depicting the story of Australia’s involvement in Vietnam.
The upgrade not only provides for appropriate improvements to the surrounds, it reflects the significance of the site as one of the key memorials to the Vietnam War in Victoria, and provides visitors with space to reflect, and commemorate Vietnam veterans.
The Vietnam Veterans Avenue of Honour is the only Avenue specifically commemorating the Vietnam War in Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government contributed $16,850 towards the upgrade of the Vietnam Memorial Walkway and Commemorative Panel under the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour grant program.
2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War. The Andrews Labor Government has committed $1 million to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (VVAA) Victorian Branch to deliver a program of educational and commemorative activities.
To learn more about the activities taking place to commemorate the Vietnam War please visit:
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Veterans John Eren
“This is a significant memorial for the Geelong and District Vietnam Veterans Association. Creating a defined site for the memorial is an appropriate show of respect for both the site and our local Vietnam veterans.
“Our Vietnam veterans have served to protect us, and it is our duty to ensure their service and sacrifice is never forgotten”.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“The upgrade to the Vietnam Memorial Walkway and Commemorative Panel will ensure it remains a place for continued reflection and significance into the future for the Geelong community.
“I commend the Geelong and District Vietnam Veterans Association for their hard work, dedication and advocacy to upgrade the memorial, so our community can learn about and commemorate the sacrifices of local servicemen and women”.
Reviewed 19 August 2020