Fact Sheets & Video - Vietnam

Bai Ria-Vung Tau is a province just south of Ho Chi Minh City in Southern Vietnam. It was in the province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau where the former Australian Task Force Base [1ATF] at Nui Dat and Australian Logistic Support Group Base [1ALSG] at Vung Tau were located during the Vietnam War.

Paul Murphy is a Vietnam Veteran who was based at Nui Dat from 1967, the year following the Battle of Long Tan. Paul visited Vietnam in 1990 and was shaken by the devastation of the social and physical infrastructure caused by the war and the country's 20 year isolation by the West.

This was most evident in the rural areas where facilities were limited or non-existent so Paul established contact with the People's Committee to identify areas where assistance could be given. After lengthy discussions and formalities, the Australia Vietnam Veterans Reconstruction Group (AVVRG) was established in 1994, and incorporated, and a nationwide membership and fund raising program was launched to support the first project.

The objectives set up by the AVVRG are to provide practical aid and assistance to the people of Vietnam, in particular within the Province of Bai Ria -Vung Tau. This includes assisting in building, medical, educational, agricultural, aqua cultural and reconstruction projects throughout Vietnam. The association also aims to assist/implement educational programmes and improve relations between the people of Australia and Vietnam.

The AVVRG is now supported in its funding by AusAid and since the AVVRG's inception, it has put $1.3 million in direct aid to the province. All the AVVRG's workers are voluntary and, to date, over 200 have visited for restoration and as part of medical teams where they teach in 9 hospitals.

Today, Paul Murphy and the AVVRG are the keepers of the Long Tan Cross Memorial. With the permission of the local Long Tan authorities, the AVVRG go to the Cross twice a year to clean and hold memorial ceremonies. The Long Tan Cross was renovated in April 2006 for the 40th Anniversary commemorations.

Paul Murphy says that the Long Tan site has a very poignant/eerie feeling to it, even though nothing actually remains to indicate it was a battlefield. Long Tan is not a tourist attraction as such but members of the public can apply for visitors' permits through the local tourist companies. Permits cost around US$10 per person and the Long Tan police provide an escort for visitors.

Further Information:

World Expeditions - Highlights of Vietnam from $2390 a person, $390 Long Tan extension. Includes internal flights, transfers, 20 nights accommodation, guides & most meals. Prices correct at 21/4/07. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Call 1300 720 000.

Thai Airways International - Fly return to Ho Chi Minh City from $1190 ex west coast and $1240 ex east coast. Prices correct at 9/3/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.