Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today encouraged secondary schools in Bonner to participate in the Australian Government’s Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans schools’ competition.

The competition encourages students in Year 9 and 10 to explore the service of Australia’s Vietnam veterans, and to reflect on the importance of remembering their involvement in the conflict.

“More than 60,000 Australian servicemen and women were deployed to Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, and over 500 were killed. While many returned home with physical and emotional scars, all came home with a personal story to tell,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans schools’ competition offers students an opportunity to research some of these stories and better understand their service.  Students can submit responses in a variety of ways, including multi-media, artworks, musical compositions or essays.”

The competition is open from Tuesday, 18 August 2015 until Friday, 8 April 2016, giving students two full terms to participate. Schools can enter their best individual student entry.

Winning students will be invited to attend a three-day Canberra Commemorative Programme in August 2016, where they will visit cultural institutions and attend the national commemorative event marking the 50^th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

The Honouring Australian Vietnam Veterans schools’ competition is one of several initiatives linked to the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary national programme. A key aim of the programme is to improve education and awareness about Australia’s wartime history, especially among younger Australians.

Further information, including entry details, the competition question, guidelines and frequently asked questions, is available at www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/competitions. 

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP has farewelled local Mansfield State High School students ahead of their exchange programme to France.

Ross was particularly proud to have Zac Look, one of Mansfield SHS’s Year 12 students, contact him directly to request the National Australian Flag to present to their sister school Jean-Baptiste de la Salle School in Rouen.

“It was such a privilege to be invited to see off this delegation,” Mr Vasta said.

“After seeing the quality of students embarking on this exciting adventure, I am filled with confidence knowing the Mansfield school community is being represented by these outstanding students.”

Mansfield SHS teacher Sarah Fryer, who will be accompanying the students, said the school was proud of the long-standing exchange program established in 1999.

“The program is invaluable for students to experience the culture and speak the language they are learning,” Mrs Fryer said.

“The students will be spending their September holidays immersed in French culture, history, language and of course, food!”

As local ambassadors for Bonner, Mr Vasta wishes the student group and the accompanying teachers and parents all the best for a safe and happy learning experience.