Gilgandra RSL sub-Branch

18/08/2026

Gilgandra Newspapers is looking for an Acting Editor to take operational leadership of the editorial direction, content generation, newsroom workflow, and print layout for Gilgandra Newspapers’ publication portfolio.

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

Today, on Vietnam Veterans Day, we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Lang Tan, one of the most significant battles involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War.

After the Australian base at Nui Dat came under attack, D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was sent to patrol the nearby Long Tan rubber plantation. What began as a search operation quickly developed into a fierce battle when just 108 Australian soldiers and three New Zealand artillery personnel encountered a much larger Viet Cong and North Vietnamese force.

For more than three hours, in torrential rain and under intense enemy fire, the outnumbered Australians held their ground, relying on accurate artillery support and extraordinary determination. Reinforcements eventually broke through, helping to repel the enemy and secure the position. The battle resulted in 18 Australians killed and 24 wounded, making it one of Australia's most significant and costly engagements of the Vietnam War.
Today we honour the courage, service and sacrifice of nearly 60,000 Australia’s who served in the Vietnam War.
Lest we forget.
Read stories from veterans who served in the Vietnam War: https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/nsw-stories/theme/vietnam-war-stories

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

21/07/2026

17 July, 2026

Bruce Receives Certificate of Appreciation
Bruce Recieves Certification of Appreciation
Contributed By Molly Shannon

Bruce Horwood with his Certificate of Appreciation, photo by Gilgandra Weekly: Molly Shannon
Bruce Horwood with his Certificate of Appreciation, photo by Gilgandra Weekly: Molly Shannon
by Molly Shannon

Last Friday, July 10, federal member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey, sat down for lunch with Gilgandra RSL sub-Branch members and presented Bruce Horwood with a certificate of appreciation for his years of dedication to the sub-branch.

Bruce has previously held the position of sub-branch president, and has been a supporter of the RSL for many years.

Reflecting on his years of service when being conscripted in 1969 during the time of the Vietnam War, upon receiving his certificate, Bruce said that he was left feeling a little stunned.

“I’m in a bit of shock,” said Bruce. “I have spent 12 years with the sub-branch, and I served in the Army over six years.

“I am really appreciative, I loved participating in ANZAC Day and delivering the sub-branch's tribute at funerals,” he said.

MP Jamie Chaffey said that it was special to be able to present a dedicated member of the community with a certificate of appreciation.

Travelling from Gunnedah, he joined six members of the Gilgandra RSL sub-Branch to surprise Bruce with his certificate.

“Whenever there is any significant acknowledgement or length of service or a special event where I can possibly be at an RSL to be part of giving thanks on behalf of the nation, then I'd love to be there and today is one of those opportunities,” MP Chaffey said.

“To see Bruce's surprise on his face to be given such an honour clearly meant something to him, he didn't expect that.

“It was a shock to him to be acknowledged today, but that's what service is all about.

“When people volunteer, when they put their hand up to make other people's lives better, they don't do it because they want the recognition, they do it because that's what's in their hear