The Yorke Peninsula community has commemorated 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War with the creation of a powerful new tribute — the Vietnam War Memorial Walk, officially opened on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Monday 18 August 2025, in Edithburgh, South Australia.

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is a thoughtfully designed 3.7-kilometre stretch of the region’s popular Walk The Yorke trail, linking the townships of Coobowie and Edithburgh. Thie project recognises the courage, service, and sacrifice of all Australians who served in the Vietnam War.

Along the route, visitors can engage with 29 precision laser-cut signs, each containing detailed information about every Australian unit that served in Vietnam. This extensive information makes the Walk the only memorial of its kind in Australia.

Visitors can start the walk from either end, or near the middle. At the Coobowie end, a striking three-metre-high archway welcomes walkers. Further along, an honour roll board located off St Vincent Highway lists the names of the 523 Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Plans are in place for a dedicated carpark near this solemn site. And at the Edithburgh end, there is ample parking and amenities near the start of the walk, situated just inside the fence line of Edithburgh Golf Club.

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk concept was developed by Roger Hogben, a local Vietnam Veteran (4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) who envisioned a lasting memorial that would both educate and inspire. Working closely with community volunteer John Edwards, the pair selected this scenic stretch of coastline — chosen for its beauty and its proximity to two supportive townships with strong veteran connections.

“The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is about paying tribute to all who served in Vietnam. It has been built to stand the test of time and will be an educational tool for future generations,”
— Roger Hogben, Vietnam veteran and project founder

The project was delivered in partnership between Yorke Peninsula Council and utilised local contractors and community stakeholders. Major funding support came from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program and Veterans SA’s ANZAC Day Commemoration Fund.

Official Opening

The official opening ceremony took place at Edithburgh Golf Course before an audience of more than 1,000 people, including veterans, dignitaries, and community members. The event coincided with Vietnam Veterans’ Day, which marked half a century since the conclusion of the Vietnam War in 1975.

Presiding over the ceremony was General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), who officially declared the Walk open. He was joined by Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson PSM and Senator Marielle Smith, representing Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keough. Many other dignitaries attended from interstate, including Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia National President Max Ball.

“The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is a powerful and lasting tribute, not only to those who served but to the spirit of our community,”
— Yorke Peninsula Council Acting Mayor Richard Carruthers

The opening ceremony, along with the subsequent concert by John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew, was supported by $15,710 in grant funding from Veterans SA, including $10,000 from the ANZAC Day Commemoration Fund.

Special Guests

General Sir Peter Cosgrove

General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove served as Australia’s 26th Governor-General, following a distinguished career in the Australian Defence Force. A Vietnam Veteran himself, he first served in Malaysia and Vietnam before gaining national prominence as Commander of INTERFET in East Timor.

Sir Peter retired as Chief of the Defence Force in 2005, later serving on corporate boards and contributing to defence, health, and charitable causes. His presence at the opening brought deep significance to the event and a sense of shared camaraderie among veterans.

Matt Anderson PSM

Matt Anderson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, also addressed attendees. A seasoned diplomat and the son of a National Serviceman, Mr Anderson’s remarks reflected both personal pride and institutional recognition of the Vietnam veterans’ legacy.

His distinguished career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has seen him serve in Afghanistan, the UK, and the Pacific. He is also the Patron of the National Servicemen’s Association.

The Huey Helicopter

One of the most unforgettable moments of the opening was the arrival of a genuine Vietnam-era Iroquois “Huey” helicopter, model H model A2-703, which flew in from New South Wales courtesy of the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS).

Described as “the soundtrack to the Vietnam War,” this aircraft once served with 9 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, in South Vietnam and was later based at Amberley.

The Huey landed on the Edithburgh Golf Course just before the speeches began, before relocating to the Edithburgh Oval, where the public could view it up close and capture photographs. For many veterans, the sight and sound of the Huey was a powerful reminder of their time in service — and it is believed this event would mark the final time a Huey would ever be flown to South Australia.

Community Luncheons

Following the formal proceedings, attendees gathered for a public luncheon at the Edithburgh Sports and Community Club, which included a close-up viewing of the Huey helicopter.

A second luncheon was held for invited guests and dignitaries, celebrating the project’s completion and acknowledging the contributions of local veterans, sponsors, and community volunteers.

Both events reflected the strong community spirit that underpinned the project from its inception.

John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew in Concert

The day culminated with a sold-out concert by John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew — featuring the iconic voice behind “I Was Only 19.”

Held at Light Church, Edithburgh, the concert, Behind the Lines: Australia at War in Words and Music, was a moving and immersive performance blending music, storytelling, and archival imagery.

Local band Cruizin’ Blues opened the show, setting the stage for a heartfelt tribute. Actor Celine O’Leary delivered a poignant narrative interwoven with letters, poems, and reflections from wartime Australia.

The setlist included Schumann’s timeless classics — “I Was Only 19,” “Safe Behind the Wire,” “On Every Anzac Day,” and “Anzac Biscuits.” The performance offered both solace and celebration, closing the official opening day with emotion and unity.

 

Project Background and Development

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk was born from a grassroots vision by Roger Hogben and John Edwards to recognise the full breadth of Australian units that served in Vietnam.

Their concept gained momentum with Yorke Peninsula Council’s formal endorsement and support from Federal and State governments, including grant funding and project management oversight.

The Walk features:

• 2 entry/exit archways
• 2 honour roll boards
• 10 large and 15 smaller interpretive signs
• bench seating along the route

Each element was meticulously designed, verified, and approved in consultation with the Vietnam Veterans Association and the Australian War Memorial to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity of unit insignia.

Community Consultation and Collaboration

Yorke Peninsula Council undertook a public consultation process between 19 December 2023 and 10 January 2024, inviting community feedback on proposed locations, signage design, and safety features.

The process included:

• Direct communication with nearby property owners
• Public notices in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times
• Multiple social media updates
• Dedicated website information

Feedback led to design refinements, including revised entry points and safety adjustments. The final plan was endorsed by Council on 17 January 2024.

This collaborative approach ensured the project reflects both community values and veteran heritage, creating a memorial that will endure for generations.

Sponsor a Seat

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk now invites individuals, families, and organisations to sponsor a seat along the 3.7-kilometre route.

Each precision laser-cut bench seat complements the Walk’s distinctive design and offers a tranquil resting place for visitors. Sponsorships are acknowledged on the seat itself, allowing sponsors to leave a lasting tribute while supporting the ongoing enhancement of the Walk.

All funds raised are held by the Edithburgh Progress Association and reinvested into the continued development and maintenance of the Memorial Walk.

For more information or to express interest in sponsoring a seat or making a donation, please email admin@yorke.sa.gov.au with the subject line “Vietnam War Memorial Walk”.

A Legacy for Generations

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is more than a path — it is a journey through history, a tribute to courage, and a community’s promise to remember. As it stretches between Coobowie and Edithburgh, it connects not only two coastal towns but also generations of Australians who honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in Vietnam.