OFFICIAL
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
18 August 2025
REMEMBERING THE BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE OF AUSTRALIA’S VIETNAM VETERANS
This Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we honour the 60,000 Australians who served our nation in the Vietnam War, recognising their commitment, service, and sacrifice.
Australia’s commemoration of service in Vietnam is held on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Australia’s most costly engagement in the Vietnam War, and is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the courage, commitment and resilience of all who served in the war and worked in support of its operations.
We remember the 524 service members named on our nation’s Roll of Honour who lost their lives in Vietnam, and two others who lost their lives in Thailand while supporting Vietnam operations.
Countless Vietnam veterans experienced wounds, injuries and illness during their service, and for many, those scars, both seen and unseen have not disippated in the decades since.
Regular and National Service personnel served side-by-side in Vietnam, forging an enduring bond of comradeship, all returning home to a country divided by the war.
How they and their families supported each other, and supported the veterans who came after them is a testament to their legacy - the catalyst for what is now Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling.
More than 50 years on from the conflict, the Australian Government is proud to support the higher education of descendants of Australia’s Vietnam veterans through the Long Tan Bursary.
Applications are now open for the 2026 program, providing the opportunity for 37 children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans to pursue their dreams and access up to $12,000 over three years for their tertiary studies.
Since its inception 25 years ago, more than 1,000 children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans have been supported while undertaking further education. They’ve pursued qualifications across a wide range of fields including commerce, law, medicine, teaching, and science.
For eligibility details and how to apply, visit the Long Tan Bursary page on the DVA website.
Applications close at midnight AEDT on October 31.
MEDIA CONTACT:
DVA Media: [email protected]
Contact details:
DVA media: [email protected]