Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch

17/08/2026

Today we remember and honour , not only our brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan, but all of our Service Men and Women who fought in Vietnam.
Lest We Forget. 🌺

18 August 1966, these very brave Australians (and some 800+ Vietnamese) died in a rubber plantation called Long Tan in South Vietnam.
105 Australians and 3 New Zealanders, fought for their lives for more than 3.5 hours against an overwhelming North Vietnamese and Viet Cong force of 2,500. With incredible support from 1 x New Zealand Artillery Battery, 2 x Australian Artillery Battery's and 1 x U.S. Artillery Battery, a heroic ammunition resupply mid-battle by 2 x Huey's from 9 Squadron, RAAF, the ANZAC force was able to hold out long enough for their mates from B Coy and A Coy on board APC's from 3 Troop, 1 APC Squadron to arrive in the last minutes of daylight, just as the ANZAC's were almost out of ammunition and with the enemy gathering for a last massive assault.
We remember all those fought and died in this extraordinary battle; Australian, New Zealand, American and Vietnamese.
We also remember all those who served and sacrificed in all the other battles throughout the Vietnam War and all those gallant veterans who have passed away since.
Lest We Forget......

27/04/2026

27/04/2026

We commemorated ANZAC Day 2026 with a Dawn Service, Gunfire Breakfast, Beechworth Correctional Facility Service, Beechworth Health Service, Main Service followed by Refreshments and Traditional Activities in ANZAC Hall/RSL Rooms.
We had great attendances at all services and thank the members of our community for their continued support and involvement.
In our main service we honoured Martha (Lucas) Witherow.
Jade Lawrence and Kalum Porteous delivered a speech on Marta's service as a Nurse in WW1.
Martha's granddaughter Rosie Bennett then read a poem she wrote about Martha.
Geoff Jackson then recited a poem called The Red Cross Nurse.
32 Wreaths were laid by community groups.
Sarah Lockwood sang the anthems beautifully as usual.
These were the last Wreaths to be made by Gina Kromar of Beechworth Floral Designs. We have been blessed to have had Gina making our Wreaths for the last 10 years. The RSL wishes Gina all the best in her retirement.

21/04/2026

Edit : Positions are now filled. Thankyou to everyone that reached out with offers to help.

Can anyone help us please ?
We are in need of two able bodied people to carry the flags in front of the ANZAC Day March down Ford Street on Saturday morning at 11.00am.
If you can help please call RSL Vice President Alison J. Williams on 0438538253.
Lest We Forget

21/04/2026

BEECHWORTH RSL SUB-BRANCH
ANZAC DAY 2026
PROGRAM

5:45am -Veterans Assemble - RSL Ford Street

6:00am -Dawn Service -Cenotaph, Town Hall Gardens

7:30am-Gunfire Breakfast – Servicemen's Memorial Hall Ford Street

10:00am-Beechworth Health Service - Sydney Road

10:00am-Beechworth Corrections Service- BCC Malakoff Road

10:45am-Parade Assembles - Corner of Ford & Church Streets

11.00am-ANZAC Day March down Ford Street

11:20am-Commemoration Service - Cenotaph, Town Hall Gardens

12:15pm-Refreshments, Fellowship & Traditional ANZAC Day Activities- RSL Rooms/ANZAC Hall Ford Street