Operation Unity SA

I apologise ahead of time to our diggers from the Vietnam War, I won't be attending any ceremonies because I go in for an operation Monday, hopefully out Tuesday , but won't be able to attend functions. To all my mates Thank you for your service, keep your heads up and you can call me Wednesday if you want to talk.
On 8 October 1966, 12 men of C Company, 5RAR were wounded - one seriously - when two booby-trapped grenades exploded. One of six men hit by shrapnel in the first detonation, Private David Riik, is assisted to a 'dust-off' chopper by Lance-Corporals Ron Shoebridge (left) and David 'Stretch' Bryan. Riik was fortunate in that he did not lose a limb and was not blinded; others during the conflict were not so lucky. But even men who got off 'lightly' could have ongoing medical problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) from the explosion. AWM COA/66/0877/VN.
Cite this page
DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2026 ), Vietnam Veterans' Day 18 August, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 15 August 2026, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/days/vietnam-veterans-day

The day Australians breathed a sigh of relief!

Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day
VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day, also referred to as Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, is celebrated on 15 August. This date commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender on 14 August 1945.

For Australians, it meant that the Second World War was finally over.

Collection Item C224740

A shout out to all in South Australia. We have received information there is a lady who would like to donate furniture and possibly home wares to a Veteran in need. If you know of someone contact us asap and we will obtain further details.
SHOUT OUT!

Due to our helping another Veteran, and receiving goods donations from him, we were able to donate about $1,000.00 estimate of new and near new clothing to JLC today for Veterans who attend and are in need. This donation included shirts, jeans, throw rugs, dressing gown and plush hoodies, especially good at this time of the year.
Thank you to our anonymous Veteran.

Alison, Social Worker with Pro Active Health down south, contacted Operation Unity SA to see if we could help a Veteran to clear some property out of his rental premises. Darrell went out with his trailer and cleared a lot of gear, some of which we will find new homes for in the Veteran community. Alison and Candice gave up some of their weekend to come along, do some tidying and spent some quality time with the Veteran.
Operation Unity SA has a great working relationship with Pro Active Health, we have done a few jobs together.
Pro-Active Health

A very generous son of a Veteran donated some nice furniture to Operation Unity SA on 3 August. Just the home for that furniture was RSL Care SA, Ricky came out with us, north of Gawler to collect the furniture. Included 3 sets of drawers, 2 display stands, king single bed base and a 3 seater manual recliner lounge all in very good condition. Estimate only, from new would be at least $3,700.00 value. This furniture is destined for needy Veterans.
Thank you to our anonymous donor.
RSL Care SA

With Pro Active Health Gawler & Elizabeth – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

With Salisbury City Centre – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers 🎉