Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Western Australian Branch Incorporated

The Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Western Australian Branch Incorporated is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting Vietnam War veterans and commemorating their service in Western Australia. It operates as part of the broader national Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (VVAA), which was originally established in 1979 to address health and welfare issues faced by Vietnam veterans, particularly those related to the effects of chemical agents like Agent Orange[1][3].

History and Background

The Western Australian Branch of the VVAA was formed to provide local support for veterans within the state and to foster community recognition of their service and sacrifices. The association's home is located at the historic Anzac Cottage in Mount Hawthorn, Western Australia. This cottage was originally built in a single day in 1916 by the local community as a memorial to the ANZAC soldiers of World War I. By 1991, the building had fallen into disrepair, but the VVAA Western Australian Branch restored it and used it as a meeting place and for community events until recent management was transferred to the National Trust[1].

Activities and Services

The branch actively participates in commemorative activities and supports veteran welfare. Key events include:

• Anzac Day Services: The branch holds events at Anzac Cottage and participates in statewide Anzac Day commemorations.
• Vietnam Veterans Day: A memorial service is held annually at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Kings Park on the Sunday before August 18, which is Vietnam Veterans Day. This service honors Western Australians who lost their lives during the Vietnam War[1].

The branch also contributes to the management of the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Kings Park, a significant site for remembrance and public education about the Vietnam War and its veterans.

Mission and Vision

Aligned with the national body’s objectives, the Western Australian Branch aims to support men and women who served in the Australian Defence Forces during the Vietnam War. The association focuses on honoring veterans' contributions, advocating for their rights and welfare, and ensuring public awareness of their experiences[3].

Legal and Organizational Status

The organisation is incorporated in Western Australia with the Australian Business Number (ABN) 51940820438RR0001, which designates its formal status as a registered nonprofit entity committed to charitable and veteran support activities[4].

This branch remains a vital part of the veteran community in Western Australia, providing support to ex-service members and ensuring their legacy is remembered through community engagement and commemorative events.

[1] http://www.vvaawa.org.au [2] https://www.vvaa.org.au/contact.htm [3] https://www.vvaa.org.au [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/2844ae11-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [5] https://www.whitepages.com.au/vietnam-veterans-association-of-australia-w-a-branch-inc-10039234/mt-hawthorn-wa-10039235B