Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has honoured veterans of the Vietnam War, paying tribute to one veteran in particular, Rick Bensley from Kiama.

Rick was called up for national service on 30 June 1965 during the first intake and joined C Company of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. He rose to the rank of Corporal, Section Commander, and was in charge of nine front-line soldiers.

During the NSW Legislative Assembly on 2 August 2023, Ward acknowledged the Vietnam Veteran Remembrance Vigils that were held across the Illawarra last month, and paid tribute to Rick and his contributions during the conflict.

In 2022, Rick was recognised for his role in the aftermath of the Battle of Long Tan and was awarded by the Vietnamese Community in Australia with the Republic of Vietnam’s Gallantry Cross Medal, given by South Vietnam to their troops to recognise valour and gallantry while serving in combat. 

Rick’s Gallantry Cross was originally awarded to a Vietnamese soldier, who requested that when he died, the medal be given to an Australian soldier who had fought alongside the South Vietnamese soldiers.

Following his military service, Rick was the manager of NAB from 1983 to 1990 before retiring.

Rick told The Bugle that he was incredibly humbled and thankful to Gareth Ward for honouring him during Parliamentary proceedings, which is now permanently recorded in Hansard.

“I was intensely proud to receive such an honour and recognition for my service in Vietnam,” Rick said. “To be rewarded and remembered with such recognition puts me in an incredible state of pride.

“It is wonderful to know that members of Parliament still remember and appreciate and recognise the involvement of the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.

“I take this recognition not only for me, but also for all my fellow mates who I proudly served with during the conflict. We were together then and we are still together now.”