Images tell their own story

VIETNAM War veteran Greg Carter will showcase his powerful collection of photographs and personal stories with his presentation Vietnam: Through the eyes of a Digger at Mount Gambier Library on Saturday, August 2, at 11am.

City of Mount Gambier Community Development Coordinator Kristi Brooks said community members, students and history enthusiasts are invited to attend this powerful event that preserves the voices of veterans and deepens our understanding of Australia’s role in the Vietnam conflict.

At just 19 years of age, Greg Carter served 12 months in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Always keen on taking photos, Greg purchased a professional camera during the war at the PX (Postal Exchange) American retail and gift shop that sold a variety of goods from alcohol to electronics to services members.

“I took lots of photos but didn’t get to see many of the results. War soldiers would send their films back to Australia for processing and many photos would end up lost, damaged or stolen,” Greg said. “I was then given access to a purpose-built darkroom in Vietnam where I could process and print all of my own photos.

“As soon as I saw the first image printed on paper I was hooked. I spent every spare moment in the last months taking photos and processing them, removing the risk of losing the irreplaceable photos.”

Upon Greg’s return from the Vietnam War, like many veterans, he couldn’t settle back into his everyday life.

He gave up his stable job and focused on photograph – a risk that paid off allowing Greg to have a successful 45-year career as a professional photographer, capturing more than 900 weddings.

Now retired from his professional photography business, Greg hopes this event will offer the opportunity for the public to understand the human side of the war through the eyes of someone who lived it.

Greg’s photographic collection offers insight into the living conditions, daily realities, camaraderie and human experiences of life during the Vietnam War.

“I hope that by sharing my Vietnam War photos, people will gain a greater understanding on what it was like to be a soldier during the war,” Greg said. “I’ll also share some lighthearted stories such as eating ration packs made in 1946 – the 20 year old biscuits were pretty hard, but edible, and when you are in a war zone, as long as you’ve had something to eat, that was fine by us.”

Bookings are recommended for this free event. Phone Mount Gambier Library on (08)8721 2540 or online at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/Library under ‘Programs and Events’ to secure your spot.