The Gathering of The Clan 2004 By Matt Lawson, Vietnam Veteran

On departing WA, we took nine days to travel to Kalpowar Station in Queensland, thinking we’d arrive late and miss out on a good campsite.  As it was, we arrived to take up our 2003 site, now called “Diggers Rest of WA Campsite”.

Each afternoon at 4pm we met at the RAP for “Meet and Greet” Tipple Time and many yarns and funny jokes were told!!  When dusk came, folks wandered off to their campsites for their evening meal. From 16 August onwards, we enjoyed entertainment from the “Country Drover” (a Vietnam Vet from Townsville) and his wife. He played guitar, harmonica, and sang, and his wife played the Lagerphone.  We all cheered and shouted for more!!

On the 17^th we were entertained by John Williamson on stage – which was two tray-back utes placed back to back, and it was really well received by all!!  John played “Only 19” and sang songs such as “Crocodile Roll” and “Old Farts In Caravan Parks” plus “Old Man Emu”.  It was a really fantastic show, appreciated by us all!!  John later said he was moved by the atmosphere of this audience and it was a pleasure to play for us all!!

Since being at Pandanus, wives were commenting how their husbands had smiles on their faces, had laughed, talked and joked, and that this was more therapeutic than any amount of pills.  R&R at Pandanus Park is beneficial for both husbands and wives of all Veterans, TPI or not.

Val and Matt Lawson

The memorial has been blessed with a new plaque for All Veterans and the service again supplied by Padre John Newman of Atherton.  John Williamson also gave a speech and was beside himself because of the efforts made by the Vets and the Service for Veterans’ Day on the morning of the 18th.  He commented on their camaraderie and dedication to help each other and he supports the Pandanus Park Project 100% and would like to see one of these retreats in each state!! See ya’s all at Bruce Rock, 2004!!

Thoughts of Pandanus 2004
From Val Lawson, wife of a Veteran
In 2004 the Vets returned to Pandanus once more, for peace, rest, and relaxation,
In anticipation of hearing a man named John Williamson,
Who’d come to sing them a song (maybe “Only 19”).
The Country Drover and His Lady had sung their melodies the eve before
And the crowd had all shouted and roared for more!!
There’s a croc on his log, keeping watch, doing his job
(Look out those who may be on the grog!!)
And the trees bend in the Springtime breeze,
Some to their knees, the flowering variety full of bush bees!!
The Eve of “Remembrance of Long Tan”, from whence this all began, with many memories of ALL who had participated in South Vietnam.

We Honour
We Marvel
We Respect
We Revere

All these men who were once so young, strong and clear,
And who we, their Loved Ones, hold Dear.
Now rest, and Living in Peace is Their Quest,
For This we all Realize is by far The Best,
For This we all thank them for fulfilling The Request.