Honouring My Father And All Who Served

A Personal Reflection This Anzac Day

OPINION PIECE

This Anzac Day, I will pause to remember my father, a Vietnam veteran.

From a young age, he instilled in me the importance of respecting those who served. That sense of respect grew into a broader appreciation for all people, regardless of their background or identity.

My father served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1961 to 1974, rising to the rank of Petty Officer Marine Technical Propulsion. Throughout his service, he was posted to several ships, including HMAS Sydney, HMAS Diamantina, and HMAS Kuttabul.

HMAS Sydney, a converted aircraft carrier, made 22 voyages to Vietnam between May 1965 and February 1972. It transported over 16,000 troops, 6,000 tonnes of cargo, and 2,375 vehicles—earning it the affectionate nickname "The Vung Tau Ferry."

In later years, my father became part of the Mackay Veterans Support Group at 2 Leisure Court, Mackay South. Veterans gather there every Wednesday and Thursday morning to connect and support each other. The facility also houses a fully equipped work shed that caters to a wide range of projects. All current and former ADF members are welcome, as are their families. For information or support, you can contact the group on (07) 4953 2575.

My family has seen firsthand how vital veteran support services are. Many organisations—including Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, RSL Australia, and Soldier On—play a crucial role in providing counselling, treatment programs, self-help tools, and community workshops.

This Anzac Day, I honour the service and sacrifice of my father and all veterans. Let us continue to stand with them—not just in remembrance, but in real, ongoing support.

Neil Wallace, Labor candidate for Dawson

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Neil Wallace wearing his father’s jacket and medals as a mark of respect and honour to his late father. Photo supplied

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