Memorial Park Gun Refurbishment Fired by Community Spirit

Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorations in Tin Can Bay on 18 August were very special this year.

Not only did we commemorate Vietnam Veterans on the anniversary of the battle of Long Tan, and unveil commemorative plaques to mark the loss of five of our veterans, we also had our first look at the refurbishment of the Bofors Gun that sits proudly in Memorial Park.

The recent refurbishment has been a joint project between Tin Can Bay RSL sub-branch, Tin Can Bay Community & Men’s Shed, and Gympie Regional Council. The RSL drove and funded the project, the Men’s Shed did the hands-on work, and the Council facilitated approvals and site safety.

The Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun was installed in Memorial Park in the 1980s by staff from Camp Kerr and RSL sub-branch members. In recent times it had begun to show signs of 40 years of weather damage, so it was decided to instigate a joint community refurbishment project – and the finished product looks great!

As Councillor Jess Milne said on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, “The Tin Can Bay RSL sub-branch, Men’s Shed, and Gympie Regional Council all worked together in their own capacities to give new life to this monument of reflection and respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I take pride that I live in a community that collaborates to give support where it is needed.”

To all those involved in this terrific community project – thank you for your service.

Ross Carruthers