Inverell’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial has a new lease on life after the local RSL Sub-Branch secured grant funding to refurbish the monument, so that generations to come can pay their respects.
Sub-Branch President Mal Dixon said the original memorial was built in the 1980s by locals.
“It was done quite well at the time,” Mr Dixon said.
“But over the years, with age and weather, it deteriorated. There were cracks in the marble and it was getting to the point where it really needed attention.”
The issues were discovered as the Sub-Branch was planning a memorial recognising veterans of modern conflicts.
When monumental stonemasons from Armidale inspected the site, they were concerned about the condition of the Vietnam memorial, and assisted with securing a $10,000 Department of Veterans’ Affairs Saluting Their Service Grant.
Mr Dixon said Inverell has 174 Sub-Branch members, with many Vietnam veterans actively involved.
“When we have meetings, you’d probably find between 20 and 25 attendees are Vietnam veterans,” he said.
“They’re very active within the Sub-Branch and particularly on commemoration days.”
While the Vietnam memorial has now been refurbished, the Sub-Branch has also recognised a new generation of veterans.
They first discussed a Modern Conflicts Memorial in 2017, but it wasn’t until 2023, when more younger veterans became involved, that it was confirmed.
Honorary Secretary Nathan Gibbs, an Afghanistan War veteran, said the growing number of younger veterans within the Sub-Branch helped the project.
“With younger veterans coming through, that’s where the major push came from,” Mr Gibbs said.
“There was consultation between older and younger veterans to make sure the design was right. It can be a sensitive area, so we wanted to ensure it truly reflected the service given in modern conflicts.”
The memorial acknowledges service since the end of the Vietnam War, including peacekeeping and peacemaking operations.
Office Manager Tracey Collins said Inverell was the second NSW sub-branch to establish a dedicated modern conflicts commemoration.
The Sub-Branch holds a commemoration service for younger veterans on the Saturday closest to September 11 as many are still working and have family commitments, so a Saturday suits their lifestyles.
Mr Dixon said the decision reflected the realities facing younger veterans.
“They’ve got mortgages, jobs, and families,” he said.
“We have to strike that work-life balance so they can come together with their mates and commemorate properly. At the end of the day, it’s all part of the Anzac spirit.
“We’ve long recognised our Vietnam veterans. It’s only appropriate that we also recognise those who’ve served in more recent conflicts. They’ve faced many of the same situations and sacrifices.”
The next major remembrance occasion for veterans across the region is Anzac Day, with Inverell, like other sub-branches, in the final stages of planning their commemoration services in the town and surroundings.
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