Dream to reality
Vietnam Veterans Walk completed
It was a pipe dream that started way back in 2005, but on Friday it officially became a reality.
The third and final stage of the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk — which comprised the installation of military artefacts, pavers, landscaping and carparking works — was officially opened by Senator Bridget McKenzie on Friday.
The walk honours the more than 60 000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War, and has become one of our region’s premier tourist attractions.
Stage one of the project, the Luscombe Bowl, was created on the back of hundreds of man hours and donations from the local community, while stage two comprised the digiglass commemorative panel wall — one of the most eye-catching features — which has the name of every person who served in the conflict.
Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk committee chairman Ross Stewart said it had been a long road, but it had all been worth it.
‘‘In 2005 this was just a talking point and simply an idea, but somewhere along the journey it has eventually become reality,’’ he said.
‘‘We have been able to source and secure the articles you see here today — the Hoey, the M113A1 APC, M2A2 and the 60 40 boafer gun.
‘‘Here we stand today for the final stage to be officially opened by Senator Bridget McKenzie.’’
Stage three of the project has become a reality thanks to contributions from the Australian Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund ($500 000), Regional Development Victoria ($243 000), Mitchell Shire Council ($100 000) and the Veterans Association ($81 000).
Mitchell Shire Mayor Sue Marstaeller joined Senator McKenzie in unveiling the plaque to commemorate stage three of the project.
‘‘The Walk is a noble tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans who we thank for their partnership and vision throughout this project,’’ Mayor Marstaeller said.
‘‘With Seymour’s proud military connection and the completion of the new amenities at the VVCW, we are attracting higher visitation rates to the town.
‘‘The economic flow-on effects are already being noticed and we hope to further develop these benefits through partnerships to connect all of the area’s military heritage attractions going forward.’’
MP Steph Ryan, who also attended the opening on Friday, said it had taken an amazing community effort to see this project come to fruition.
‘‘The project has had bipartisan support and I am proud The Nationals invested in the community’s vision at both a state and federal level,’’ she said.
‘‘Bill Melbourne and the Vietnam veterans who had the original vision more than a decade ago should be proud of what has been accomplished.
‘‘The project has put Seymour on the map but even more importantly it has given long overdue recognition to those who served in Vietnam.’’
Veterans Minister John Eren said the commemorative walk’s glass panels, inscribed with the names of those who served in the conflict as well as photographs, were something that future generations could visit to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice made by Australians.
‘‘The background comprises stunning photography that give visitors a real sense of what our brave servicemen and women endured in Vietnam,’’ Minister Eren said.
‘‘Our veterans gave us an extraordinary gift. It’s our duty to preserve their legacy for future generations to cherish.’’