Page 1321 - Week 04 - Thursday, 7 April 2016

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In conclusion, I would like to again thank the organisers for all their work, the volunteers for the hours they spent setting up the stalls on that beautiful day, as well as the main sponsors of the event, Bendigo Bank, Morgans Group, McGrath real estate, and Yeend & Associates—Family Lawyers. Congratulations again to Communities@Work, My Gungahlin and the Gungahlin Community Council on all of their hard work. I look forward to taking part next year and seeing the festival grow and become bigger and better every year.

VetRide

MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Racing and Gaming and Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations) (4.45): I rise to speak about the event I attended on 20 March, the 2016 VetRide, to support ex-Vietnam personnel.

VetRide is an organisation dedicated to cycling to raise awareness and funds to support the welfare of all service and ex-service personnel of the Australian defence forces. At the same time it provides something meaningful that older veterans can do for their younger compatriots, consistent with closely held values of camaraderie given rise to while in uniform.

Riders made the week-long trek from Seymour to Canberra, stopping at Benalla, Bandiana, Kapooka, Cootamundra and Yass as part of their Victorian VetRide Service and Sacrifice tour. The annual event aims to raise awareness for Vietnam vets’ issues and to honour and remember the 521 Australians killed in the Vietnam War, with nearly 100 riders attending this year’s event.

The riders were greeted on their entry into Canberra by members of the Australian Defence Force Academy riders club, who rode with them through to their arrival at the Vietnam veterans memorial located on Anzac parade, the final stop before arrival at Old Parliament House.

This year’s event was particularly important to riders, with 18 August this year seeing the 50th anniversary of the Long Tan conflict. Dave Sabben, one of the team’s Long Tan veterans, addressed the event, highlighting the importance of the conflict and of taking this time to honour our veterans who have historically not received proper recognition for their service. It is important to note the importance of their service at this battle.

When riders arrived at Old Parliament House at lunchtime on the 20th it was clear to see the dedication of these veterans in raising the awareness of their fellow veterans, with many playing large roles in the extremely complicated logistics that come with a seven-day bike ride. I would like to especially note the work done by organiser Ron Hall and his team, who made sure the ride and the final event all went according to plan.

The Service and Sacrifice ride helps to highlight the importance of the physical and mental health of our veterans. VetRide is commended for its efforts in raising


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