Vietnam veteran leads push for Queenscliff service

A QUEENSCLIFF resident and Vietnam veteran is leading the charge in establishing a service, honouring those who lost their lives during Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, here on the Bellarine.

Immediate past president of the Geelong & District Vietnam Veterans Association and former serviceman Graham Christie has lodged an application with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to host a commemoration at Fort Queenscliff on May 13 next year, on the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Coral–Balmoral.

Mr Christie, a former Borough of Queenscliffe councillor, said it was time a service was held on the Bellarine, honouring men who gave the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. Similar services have been held in Bendigo and Geelong previously.

“It would be magnificent if this could all come together for next year, we’re hopeful the department gives us the all clear before the end of the year, and we can start preparing it at the start of 2025,” Mr Christie said.

“We understand these things take time, so we’re being patient, it’s a conflict that took the Australian Government of the time 50 years to acknowledge the battle took place.

“We’ve lost a few men from the Vietnam War and more work needs to be done here at home, however, we hope this service helps us along that path.”

Mr Christie received a unit citation for gallantry for his service in Vietnam and was also awarded the Shrine of Remembrance annual medal in 2018.

He believes a service would not only celebrate the fact Australia won the battle but would also help connect Vietnam veterans who may be isolated across the state.

Mr Christie said there were not many other locations more suitable than Fort Queenscliff to host such an event.

“In military terms, you have the Shrine of Remembrance is the head of commemorations, the next one is the Victoria Barracks in St Kilda, then it’s Fort Queenscliff.

“The fort dates back to 1853, so it is one of the most significant and protected sites in the state. It’s also a notable location and has also been home to key historical figures, like John Monash who studied there.”

Mr Christie said he had already received verbal approval from Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant for the commemoration to go ahead.