Militaria group supports vets

BALLARAT’S branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia recently received a donation another community group.

The Ballarat Arms and Militaria Collectors Society donated $1500 to the VVAA Ballarat earlier this month when society committee member Graeme Davenport dropped into a barbecue at their Ballarat East Men’s Shed base.

VVAA Ballarat secretary Gordon Hunt said it was a wonderful gesture.

“The donation of $1500 from the Ballarat Arms and Militaria Collectors Society… will assist the Ballarat Branch of Vietnam Veterans Association, in meeting the needs of Veterans and their families within the Ballarat District,” he said.

“Rather than age reducing our ranks, veterans from later conflicts such as East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan are now joining our sub-branch, which has an established history of assisting any veteran.”

Mr Davenport said the society is a not-for-profit aiming to preserve and promote historic militaria, and military history.

“A recent successful militaria fair has allowed us to make several financial contributions, and we are pleased to help a local community group who can benefit from a modest donation,” he said.

“With this contribution BAAMCS members would like show our support and acknowledge the returned service personnel who served their country during the Vietnam War.”

The VVAA has offered welfare, support, advocacy services, and a sense of community to Ballarat’s Vietnam veterans for over 40 years.