Mudgee RSL Sub Branch

22/08/2026

A small gathering of veterans and supporters were in attendance at the Mudgee Victory in the Pacific and Vietnam Veterans day service at Robertson Park on Tuesday 18/8/26.

President of the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers & Peacemakers Association Ken Atkinsons, welcomed all in attendance and addressed the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It was a brutal fight where 108 Australian and New Zealand solders fought a pitched battle against more than 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan. After fighting in torrential rain for four hours, 18 Australians lost their lives and 24 were wounded.

Ken reminded us of the other battles fought by Australians such as the Battle of Binh Ba and the Battle of Coral and Balmoral. This years’ service is to commemorate those and many more fought by the ANZAC’s through the war.

The 18th of August is the day when we recall all those who gave everything in the darkness of war so we can stand here enjoying the freedom we have in this wonderful country Australia.

61,000 men & women served in the RAN, Army & RAAF in Vietnam or in waters adjacent to Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict between 23rd May 1962 and 29th April 1975. More than 3,000 Australians were wounded and 521 were killed.

Events such as Vietnam Veterans Day are important for young and old alike to serve as a reminder of the sacrifice made by our military personal. Since 1947 Australia has had Military Personal serving as Peacekeeping forces in 41 different countries as well as the well-known ones like Korea, Iran & Iraq, East Timor, Sudan and Afghanistan.

President of the Mudgee RSL Sub-Branch Geoff Robinson then spoke about Victory in the Pacific Day celebrated on the 15th of August each year to commemorate Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender on the 14th of August 1945 making the end of the World War II in the Pacific.

The announcement of the end of the war was understandably greeted with joy and relief throughout the areas of conflicts and here in Australia and New Zealand. That joy, however, was tempered by the knowledge of the death and destruction brought by the war on this side of the globe from China to South East Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, and here in Australia in Darwin, Broome, Sydney Harbour and surrounding seas of this island continent.

The war in the Pacific, along with the European war that began in 1939 would touch every Australian Family in some way. Whether having family members serving in the Navy, RAAF or AIF, or working in factories or on farms, as many women did, to produce the materials required to sustain the war.

All three branches of the service would see action in the Pacific.

The RAAF would be the first to engage the enemy, attacking Japanese forces on the 7th and 8th December 1941, and by September 1942, the RAAF Command had been formed with 27 Squadrons across the South West Pacific working with the US Fifth Air Force.

The RAN with 337 vessels escorted troops, supported land operations, sank submarines, defended the Netherlands East Indies, and supported the US Navy.

The AIF was in action at the fall of Singapore in 1942, and the most famous battles of the war for Australia being Kokoda 1942, Milne Bay 1942 and Borneo in 1945. These contributions by Australia from 6th, 7th and 9th Divisions (the 8th Division largely decimated and taken into captivity at Singapore) 3rd & 5th Divisions of the Australian Military Forces and various members of the 11th, were vital in resisting the advance of Japanese troops southward and perhaps to Australia.

However, it would take the vast resources of the United States to turn the tide in the war, contributing, 5 Marine Divisions, 19 Infantry Divisions and one Airborne Division along with their extensive Naval Power and Air Force.

Many would give their lives in the Pacific’s fierce and bloody battles of the Second World War. We here today and ever since owing our freedom and lifestyle to their bravery and sacrifice. Today we remember their sacrifice.

Father Tim St Quintin then read the Prayer of Remembrance.

All in attendance then said the Lords Prayer.

Ken then read the names of the Diggers from the district who died in Vietnam.

Edward Brophy 7 RAR Gulgong

Dennis Donnelly 104 Sig Sqn Mudgee

Ronald Gaffney 9 RAR Mudgee

Barry George 9 RAR Rylstone

Paul Large 6 RAR Coolah

Henry Sutton 5 RAR Mudgee.

Ken then recited the ODE, the bugler sounded the last Post, one minutes silence was held and then the Revielle was sounded.

Thank you for all those attended this service.

18/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans' Day Commemoration
Tuesday 18 August 2026
4.00pm
The Cenotaph, Robertson Park, Mudgee

This year’s commemoration marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and provides an opportunity to recognise all Australians who served during the Vietnam War. The service will honour their courage, sacrifice and service, while reflecting on the lasting legacy of the conflict.

Mudgee RSL Sub-Branch will include commemoration for Victory in the Pacific Day (14 August) at this service. These ceremonies are open to all RSL NSW members, veterans and their families, and members of the public.

Picture: Australian and New Zealand troops at Long Tan, Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam, 19 August 1966.

16/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans Day was originally known as Long Tan Day, chosen to commemorate the men of D Company, 6RAR who fought in the battle of Long Tan on August 18 1966.

Now 60 years later we pause on 18 August to reflect on the bravery, teamwork and endurance that Australians displayed throughout the war. It’s a day when we recognise all who served in Vietnam, and in 2026 we will specifically commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Join Mudgee RSL Sub-Branch as we commemorate 53 years since the proclamation that ended Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. On Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 4.00pm at the Cenotaph, Robertson Park, Mudgee.

14/08/2026

Victory in the Pacific Day Commemoration - 15 August

Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day), commemorated annually on August 15, marks the day in 1945 when Japan accepted the Allied terms of surrender, effectively ending World War II.

This year’s service marks the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day and commemorates the cessation of hostilities in the Second World War. The service will honour all Australians who served during the conflict, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned carrying the enduring impacts of war, and the families and communities who supported them.

General Sir Thomas Blamey signing the Japanese surrender on behalf of Australia aboard the USS Missouri in 1945.

Mudgee RSL Sub-Branch will combine a commemoration service for Victory in the Pacific Day with the Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration on Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 4.00pm at the Cenotaph, Robertson Park.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (...

12/08/2026

Victory in the Pacific Day Commemoration - 15 August

This year’s service marks the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day and commemorates the cessation of hostilities in the Second World War. The service will honour all Australians who served during the conflict, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned carrying the enduring impacts of war, and the families and communities who supported them.

General Sir Thomas Blamey signing the Japanese surrender on behalf of Australia aboard the USS Missouri in 1945.

Mudgee RSL Sub-Branch will combine a commemoration service for Victory in the Pacific Day with the Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration on Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 4.00pm at the Cenotaph, Robertson Park.

Picture: General Sir Thomas Blamey signing the instrument of surrender on behalf of Australia aboard the USS Missouri in 1945.

11/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans Day & Long Tan Day 60th
On 18 August each year, Australia pauses to remember the 60,000 men and women who served in the Vietnam War, and in 2026, we mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Vietnam Veterans Day honours the service and sacrifice of all Australians who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, and acknowledges the difficult homecoming many veterans faced on their return. (text: Clear Path Veterans)

Come and join Mudgee RSL Sub-Branch at the Cenotaph, 4.00pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026 for a commemorative service.

27/07/2026

Members of the Mudgee RSL Sub branch attended the opening of LUSTRE: Contemporary Artists in Greece & Crete at the Mudgee Arts Precinct. Lustre is an exhibition that brings together artists from Australia and New Zealand, some with Greek heritage and family connections to soldiers who served during the Second World War. In October 2025, the artists undertook a two-week journey from Northern Greece to Crete, retracing the footsteps of Australian war artist William Dargie, who documented the sites where ANZAC forces fought during the 1941 Greece and Crete campaigns. In response to the landscapes, battlefields and contemporary Greek communities, the artists created new works reflecting on shared histories of endurance, protection and sacrifice.

The artists told us a little about their journey and their work then Brad Maera from the ANZAC War Memorial spoke during the opening.

He spoke about the exhibition and Lustre Force and also mentioned two diggers from Mudgee in his speech. They were NX8667 Private Walter Leslie Legge who served in the 2/4th Battalion and saw fierce fighting against the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hi**er Division at Vevi in Greece. Legge was killed in action on 22 April 1041 as his battalion was withdrawing near Larissa. Also NX5617 Private Henry Williams who served in the 2/3rd Battalion and helped defend the Pinios River near Tempe Gorge. Wiliams survive the campaign and was evacuated to Egypt in May. He went on to serve in New Guinea and the Netherlands East Indies. Both diggers are remembered on the Mudgee War Memorial in Robertson Park.

It was fascinating to hear Brad speak about the Greece and Crete campaigns and we would highly recommend you popping down to the Mudgee Arts Precinct to view the exhibit. It is on display until the 20th of September.

26/07/2026

Korean Veterans' Day - On 27 July each year, we commemorate the anniversary of the 1953 armistice that ended the fighting in Korea. We remember the almost 18,000 Australians who served during the war, including some 340 who died.

(Picture: A group of soldiers from C Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), pause for a break as they haul a stretcher carrying 22192 Corporal (Cpl) Don 'Joey' Wilson up a steep snow-covered slope. The soldiers around the stretcher are, left to right: Private (Pte) John Davies; Pte J Young; Pte Pat Murphy. Cpl Wilson was wounded in an assault on Hill 614 held by Communist Chinese troops. Sokkong Valley area, Korea, 23 February 1951. AWM P01813.744)

22/07/2026

If anyone is free on Friday afternoon /evening, come on down to the Mudgee Arts Precinct for a great exhibition.

EXHIBITION Q&A SATURDAY 25 JULY

Go beyond the gallery walls and into the stories behind the art.

Join the artists of LUSTRE: Contemporary Artists in Greece & Crete for a fascinating conversation exploring the experiences, places and personal connections that shaped this captivating exhibition.

Hear firsthand about their creative journey through Greece and Crete and discover how history, landscape and remembrance have inspired their work. Stay curious – audience questions are warmly welcomed.

LUSTRE: Contemporary Artists in Greece & Crete
24 July – 20 September 2026
Opening & Floor talk: 5:30pm Friday 24 July 2026
Q&A: 10:00am Saturday 25 July 2026

Mudgee Arts Precinct
90 Market St, Mudgee NSW 2850
Open daily 9am – 5pm
FREE Entry

www.mudgeeartsprecinct.com.au





featured Image:
Deirdre Bean Vale of Tempe (Greek WW2 War Cross for military merit) 1940, 2026, oil on board, 30 x 28 cm © the artist.

22/07/2026

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when the Korean People's Army of North Korea invaded South Korea. The North Koreans captured South Korea's capital, Seoul, within days.

The United Nations Security Council declared North Korea the aggressor and set up the United Nations Command, a joint force to support South Korea.

Australia was one of 21 members of the United Nations to send military forces to help South Korea.

The Korean War became one of the most destructive conflicts of the modern era. Many of Korea's major cities were affected. The death toll rose to approximately 3 million, including many civilians.

Fighting formally ended on 27 July 1953 when an armistice was signed by officials from the United States, North Korea and China.

Some Australian defence personnel remained in Korea until 1957. They served as part of a multinational peacekeeping force in the post-armistice period.

The Korean War is sometimes referred to as the 'forgotten war' because it occurred between two very high-profile conflicts, World War II and the Vietnam War.

(Picture: General Van Fleet, General Officer Commanding, 8th US Army (far left) inspects members of the 3rd Battalion (3RAR) when bestowing the Presidential citation in recognition of the Unit’s action at Kapyong. US Major General John W O’Daniel is to Van Fleet’s left. Kapyong, Korea, 4 December 1952. AWM 083857)