Schools from the Gippsland East electorate are able to apply for State Government funding to encourage students to attend the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said schools were able to apply for funding packages of up to $1000 to help them cover costs of travelling to the free service and march at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

“The Vietnam Veterans Day (August 18) service in Melbourne is a great opportunity for students to pay their respects to the veterans who fought so hard for our freedom,” Mr Bull said.

“This funding, covering basics costs of the travel to Melbourne, makes it possible for teachers to educate their children in a way they cannot inside the classroom.”

Mr Bull said about 60,000 Australians fought in the Vietnam War, with 521 paying the ultimate sacrifice.

“2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 soldiers from D Company 6 RAR resisted an attack of more than 2000 Viet Cong soldiers,” he said.

The Vietnam Veterans Day March will start at the Police Memorial on St Kilda Road, ahead of the service at the Shrine.

To register your school, visit www.shrine.org.au/vvdstudents. For more information, visit www.vic.gov.au/victoriaremembers/vietnam.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016