The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

VA035 Thursday 5 May 2005

CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS AWARDED LONG TAN BURSARY

The children of 32 Australian Vietnam veterans have each received a $6000 Long Tan Bursary from the Australian Government, to help them commence tertiary education.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, said the Long Tan Bursary scheme assisted eligible children of Vietnam veterans to continue their education after high school.

"Every year, bursaries of $6000 each are awarded to students across Australia, on the basis of academic merit and taking account of their personal circumstances," Mrs Kelly said.

"Through this program, the Government recognises the achievement and potential of young people who have overcome some difficult challenges to successfully complete their secondary education.

"Since its launch in 2001, the Long Tan Bursary scheme has assisted 119 sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans to commence tertiary studies in a range of academic and vocational disciplines."

Mrs Kelly said bursaries had been awarded for courses as diverse as music, law, education, psychology, information technology, electronic engineering, nursing and accounting.

While the program ordinarily provides 30 bursaries each year, Mrs Kelly said
32 had been awarded in 2005, as one had been held over from last year and another awarded from accrued funds. Recipients received their bursaries when they accepted their offer and will be presented with certificates in the near future.

Australian Vietnam veterans' children who are under the age of 25 and planning to enrol in their first full-time year of post-high school education may apply for the Long Tan Bursary, which is administered by the Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust.

Bursaries are offered to students choosing either university or vocationally-oriented courses, such as those offered by TAFE institutions, business colleges and art schools.

Applications for the 2006 Long Tan Bursary will open on 18 August 2005, Vietnam Veterans Day, and close on 31 October 2005.

Information about the Long Tan Bursary:
www.dva.gov.au/health/vvcsp/long_tan.htm