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Seymour honours local veterans in student-led tribute

By Billie Davern

Aug 19, 2026

Sixty years on from the Battle of Long Tan, the Seymour community came together in droves at the High St memorial to honour those who went to Vietnam, and those who did not return.

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It was the second year that Seymour College students led the local Vietnam Veterans’ Day service, held on Tuesday, August 18, and this time there were a number of significant features.

Local Vietnam veteran John Phoenix OAM, Seymour College Vocational Major students Ella Noble and Lyric Loder, and Seymour College defence mentor Kylie Quigg were the driving forces behind the day. Photo by Billie Davern

In a long line between the crowd of people gathered at the memorial, 18 Vocational Major students stood still and straight, each holding a photo of one of the 18 Australian soldiers who died in the Battle of Long Tan.

Inspired by the stories of local veterans, the school also opted to have two of its female Vocational Major students, Lyric Loder and Ella Noble, emceeing the event, which paid homage to the service and sacrifice of the many women involved in the war efforts.

Seymour College students form a line at the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk, each one holding the image of a soldier who lost their life in the Battle of Long Tan. Photo by Billie Davern

Ella said learning about the Vietnam War was now a staple in the Vocational Major curriculum at Seymour College.

“When we began, many of us knew very little about why Australia was there, what they experienced, and what happened when they came home,” she said.

“We did our research — some of our most important learning didn’t come from our textbooks, it came from the veterans themselves.”

Seymour RSL Club president Matt McLaughlin lays a wreath at the cenotaph. Photo by Billie Davern

Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the day was “a powerful reminder” of what Vietnam veterans had sacrificed.

“To our veterans, those we have here and those we have in memory, we thank you for your courage and your resilience,” Cr Dougall said.

Students stood in silence as The Last Post was played. Photo by Billie Davern

“The Vietnam War required incredible strength — not only on the battlefield, but in the many years to follow.

“Today we stand here to clearly say, to our veteran community, we see you, we thank you and we will continue to remember.”

Local Vietnam Veterans have praised the students’ efforts in delivering another successful ceremony.

Local Vietnam veterans Hank Kreemers, John Blackwell and John Phoenix were proud of the students for delivering another successful service. Photo by Billie Davern

“I want to sincerely thank the students for their work in putting together this ceremony,” Vietnam Veterans Association Mitchell branch president John Phoenix OAM said.

“It’s also thanks to (defence mentor) Kelly Quigg that this service was such a success.

“Their dedication to continuing our legacy doesn’t go unnoticed.”