$1 lease for Vietnam Vets

Published 30 October 2020

Bribie Island’s Vietnam Veterans’ Association will continue to be the caretakers of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Bongaree, with a formal lease signed for the first time for the storage shed and shipping container at the site.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the group had long maintained the land at 94 Toorbul Street in Bongaree, but this $1-a-year arrangement would provide them with more certainty moving forward.

“The Bribie Island Vietnam Veterans' Association has had an agreement to do the ground maintenance works within the park since 1996,” Mayor Flannery said.

“The love and care that goes into manicuring the feeling of peace in this park is evident on first visit.

“It provides a place of peace and remembrance for those who served in the Vietnam War, directly opposite the Bribie RSL.

“As an ex-serviceman I think it’s particularly important we honour our Vietnam Vets, because the politics of that war often means they’re overlooked compared to the World War commemorations we have like Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and VP Day.”

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) said it was a great outcome for an outstanding local organisation.

“The maintenance agreement was renewed in July this year and will go through to 2025, but it was important to grant the association a lease to formally use the Council-owned storage facilities on site,” she said.

“The organisation has operated without formal tenure arrangements in place for the shed and storage container, so I’m thrilled Council has rectified this for them.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to provide a space for this important group for literally just $1.

“It’s just a small way Council can help them continue their amazing work with security and certainty.”