EXCELLENCE REWARDED FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS IN NEW SOUTH WALES

Eight university and TAFE students in New South Wales, the children of Australian veterans of the Vietnam War, have received bursaries from the Australian Government to support them with their studies in 2006, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today.

"Each year, the Long Tan Bursaries are awarded to tertiary students with a parent who served in the Vietnam War and who have achieved academically and overcome challenges to successfully complete their secondary education," Mr Billson said.

This year, Long Tan Bursaries worth $6000 each have been awarded to 31 students across Australia, including eight* from New South Wales:

• Louise Bateman, Milperra, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Western Sydney;
• Beau Davis, Manilla, Bachelor of Science, University of New England;
• Leah Nathan, Ocean Shores, Bachelor of Arts, University of New South Wales;
• Stephanie Smith, Bomaderry, Bachelor of Early Childhood/Bachelor of Nursing, Charles Sturt University;
• Julie Avis, Moruya; and
• Jamie Walsh, Boambee East, Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Media, Arts and Production), University of Technology Sydney.

"These students have demonstrated an impressive tenacity to achieve and a commitment to excellence and I wish them well in all their future endeavours," Mr Billson said.

"Even more students in New South Wales will be eligible for the Long Tan Bursaries in 2007 after the Federal Government announced an additional 20 bursaries nationally as part of the 2006-07 Budget.

"Increased Budget funding to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan will provide 50 bursaries annually from next year, worth $9000 each over three years.

"The Long Tan Bursaries were named in honour of the brave Australians who fought in the Battle of Long Tan on18 August 1966, when the determined and courageous soldiers of D Company 6 RAR fought off up to 2500 enemy troops in a rubber plantation north of the village of Long Tan.

"The Australian Government, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, is committed to honouring and remembering the great sacrifice made by our Vietnam veterans and the Long Tan Bursaries are part of this important remembrance," Mr Billson said.

Media inquiries: Shane Fairlie 0408 680 442

*Two of the Long Tan Bursary recipients have asked to remain anonymous.