BERWICK
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Thursday, 24 August, 2023
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Veterans pay tribute
Local Vietnam War veteran Les Hall. 352347
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
The memories of Vietnam War veterans lost during and after the conflict lived on at the Berwick Returned and Services League sub-branch on Friday 18 August, as part of a commemorative service to mark 50 years since Australia ended its involvement in the war. RSL members and members of the broader community met at the cenotaph on High Street to honour all Australians who fought in the Vietnam War. The event also marked the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Berwick RSL president Pam Phillips said more than 60,000 Australian personnel served between 1962 and 1972, 523 of whom died and about 3000 wounded. “We will remember the sacrifices of those who died,” she said. “We pay tribute and reflect on their bravery and teamwork.” Story page 14
Bus service pain By Matthew Sims Pearcedale resident Robyn Williams has had to drive all the way to Hallam and back home to allow her legally blind husband Norm to take part in the Hallam Vision Australia recreational program, after Vision Australia discontinued its bus service across its recreational programs throughout the South East. The Hallam group meets every Thursday at the Hallam Senior Citizens Centre between 10am and 2pm, with more than 20 people attending to have a chat each week.
However, a Vision Australia spokesperson said they were unable to find enough volunteers to retain the bus service. “Vision Australia has made the decision to cease providing bus transport for participants in its recreational programs in southeast Melbourne,” the spokesperson said. “Vision Australia has provided this bus transport thanks to volunteer drivers, however challenges around ensuring there are sufficient adequately trained volunteers means the organisation can no longer guarantee a consistent and equitable service across the region.”
The Vision Australia spokesperson said they were aware the programs were an essential part of the participants’ weekly activities. “We understand the recreation programs provide an important social outlet for participants,” the spokesperson said. “Vision Australia is currently exploring options, including other regional community transport services, that may be able to support recreational program participants.” Mrs Williams said the program had become a highlight of her husband’s week and was invaluable to all participants.
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“They can actually speak to each other,” she said. “They all have something to chat about. “They learn things from each other.” Consisting of three buses with a capacity of nine people each, Mrs Williams said the bus service allowed her husband to make the halfhour trip to Hallam each week. “They want to be a little bit more independent,” she said. “I’ve never fought so hard for people.” Continued page 3
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