Helping vets pay respects

THE Victorian Government will provide free public transport to northern Victorian veterans to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Veterans and war widows will travel for free on regional public transport between August 17 and 19.

The free travel arrangements will help members of the veteran community and their families attend the Vietnam Veterans Day March and Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, which will mark the anniversary.

On Vietnam Veterans Day, free travel will be extended to members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as school students between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

The government is also helping northern Victorian schools send students to the special commemorations activities by helping with the costs of travel.

Schools can apply for subsidies of up to $1000.

To be eligible for free travel, veterans and war widows must carry their Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold or White Card, or Category V Victorian Public Transport Concession Card.

Veterans and war widows can also wear their uniforms – including service medals or exservice association or returned from active service or war widows’ badge – to demonstrate their eligibility for free travel.

For school subsidy registrations visit www.shrine.org.au/ vvdstudents.

For more information about Vietnam Veterans Day visit www.vic.gov.au/vietnam.

For more information about public transport visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au