Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan we gathered together as the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Motorcycle Club Gippsland Chapter at Longwarry, supported by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rider MC Gippsland Chapter, state member Gary Blackwood, Councillor David Balfour and motorcycle riders and supporters from all over Victoria. Our MC, Mr Denny van Maanenberg, also known as 'Skull', asked us all to assemble before the cenotaph. The RAAF Sale fly past began and the catafalque party from 5/6 RVR assembled. The President of the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Motorcycle Club Gippsland Chapter, 'T Rat', Russell Oakes, addressed the gathering and introduced Joseph 'One-Eye' Weeks with his story of guts, courage and incredible survival after being literally placed in a body bag in Vietnam. Bubba from the God Squad led us in prayer and his wife gave a moving story about having your husband home called 'The Boots'. The wreaths were laid. The Last Post was played by bugler Garyth Hampson. I applaud the efforts of our Vietnam Veterans on behalf of the returned servicemen of this Great South Land.

I just witnessed Julia Banks, the member for Chisholm, give her first speech. I saw the tears in her family's eyes as she addressed this parliament. It is wonderful to have people with a story like that of Julia Banks, the member for Chisholm, in this House.