Over the weekend, I had the privilege of joining our community in Corrimal for a commemoration of the Vietnam War and to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. The arrival of two iconic 'Huey' helicopters at the Corrimal Rangers football ground was one of the most powerful moments of the day. For veterans, their sound and sight brought back strong memories of their service. These helicopters were a constant presence in Vietnam, transporting troops, evacuating the wounded and supporting operations in dangerous conditions. Their landing reminded us of what so many went through and gave the community the chance to connect more directly with that history.

This year marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. It is an important milestone and one that asks us to pause, to remember and to honour the more than 60,000 Australians who served. They did so with bravery and commitment, in conditions that tested every part of them, yet, when they returned home, they did not always receive the recognition or the respect that they had earned. This commemoration also carried special significance for our region as it was the final event for the Vietnam Veterans Association of the Illawarra. For decades this organisation has been a voice for local veterans, providing mateship, advocacy and remembrance. Their contribution has been immense and, while this chapter closes, their legacy will continue through the Corrimal RSL sub-branch.

We remember Warrant Officer Kevin 'Dasher' Wheatley, VC, MG. In Vietnam, when his mate was badly wounded, Dasher refused to leave him. He stayed at the cost of his own life. That decision remains one of the most powerful examples of Australian mateship and courage, and it is why he was awarded the Victoria Cross. It was an honour to acknowledge Dasher's wife Edna, his son George and their family, who have carried the weight of his sacrifice. Their story reminds us that service does not only affect those who wear the uniform but also the families who live with it every day. Veterans, families, cadets, scouts, emergency services and local organisations all stood side-by-side on Sunday, and I thank the Corrimal Rangers Football Club, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Illawarra sub branch, the Corrimal RSL Club, the Corrimal RSL Sub-Branch, Corrimal Fire Rescue 269, the New South Wales Police Force, the 1st Bulli Scout Group, the 1st Russell Vale Scout Group, Scouts New South Wales and the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Aviation Museum at Albion Park. They all came together on the day, and each played an important role in ensuring the commemoration was safe, respectful and memorable. I also acknowledge the Vietnamese community in Wollongong for their leadership on the day and for their ongoing work in recognising their heroes and building remembrance in our region.