Ryan Fletcher – Long Tan Bursary recipient
The Long Tan Bursary helps eligible children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans pay for their tertiary education.
Each year 37 bursaries are awarded to successful applicants across Australia. Each bursary is worth up to $12,000 over three years of continuous full-time study.
The Long Tan Bursary scheme is named after the Battle of Long Tan, a key battle fought by Australians during the Vietnam War.
Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust administers the Long Tan Bursary scheme on behalf of DVA.
A recent recipient was Ryan Fletcher.
‘Building design has been an interest of mine since primary school,’ he says. ‘I was really pleased to be accepted into the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) in 2021 after completing my Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural), both at Swinburne University of Technology.
‘This meant moving 550 kilometres away from my hometown to Melbourne. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I have been studying online. Through all of the uncertainty, my Long Tan Bursary has been constant. It means one less concern, and I have very much appreciated it. It has enabled me to have the right tools and materials to study remotely.
‘My father served in Vietnam in 3RAR, B Company in 1971. I have come to know many of his Army mates and have had the honour of hearing their stories first-hand. I have great respect for how their service has contributed to the many freedoms our country has today.
‘Army service is a big part of my family and family history. My paternal grandfather was a veteran of the Second World War, and my maternal great-grandfather was a veteran of the First World War. He received a Military Medal and Bar for his bravery.
‘I was honoured to receive the Long Tan Bursary during the second year of my Advanced Diploma. It has carried through into my Bachelor course and made a huge difference in easing financial worry and helping me on the way to achieving my dream.
‘I am proud of my Dad’s service in Vietnam, and to be awarded the Long Tan Bursary means a lot. I know my Dad, in turn, can be proud of me.’
Applications for this year’s round open on 18 August and close on 31 October 2022.
For more information, visit the Long Tan Bursary page of the DVA website.
Ryan surrounded by members of B Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.