The Vietnam War had great significance on Australia's history while it occurred and its significance remains even today. Many Australians were lost fighting for our nation and did not return home. Today, many Vietnam War veterans, who have been affected are sharing their stories, which provide us with accounts of hope, perseverance and bravery. Associations have been set up to aid these veterans who fought in what was the "cause of the greatest social and political dissent in Australia since the conscription referenda of First World War."¹

The experiences of veterans in the Vietnam War are central to how they now feel, think and behave, which shape our Australian nation.² Their values of determination, resilience and teamwork are what we strive to uphold today.

One of the most significant and visible changes in Australia is the Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese shops, restaurants and communities are flourishing all over Australia. The Vietnam War saw many Vietnamese refugees coming to Australia, and there now are over 200 000 Vietnamese-born who call it home.³ The cultural changes include celebrations, food, restaurants, communities and people. These changes are significant in Australia: our nation can now enjoy the Vietnamese culture.

Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment in a meeting on July 13, 2021. They have expressed commitment to the Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy, with the goal to ensure recovery post-pandemic and plans to become stronger trading partners. Australia has also provided aid of 40 million Australian dollars and 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to help Vietnam fight COVID-19, which is only a sign that the relationship between Australia and Vietnam is getting stronger. Hanoi Times

The Vietnam War has a special place in Australia's history. It is an insightful, significant, and impactful event in the history of our nation. Footage and images from over 50 years ago provide us with chilling accounts of the bravery, persistence, and commitment our soldiers demonstrated to the Australian nation. These values displayed by the Australian soldiers are those that we can strive for today.

The significance of the Vietnam War in Australia's history is evident as we can see the effects it had on the veterans' health and the wider community. We are proud of the sacrifices that the Australian troops made and commend these soldiers on their commitment to our country when they faced many hardships. The relevance of the Vietnam War, fifty years on, is a testament to its significance in Australia's history.