History will be made this August on the Yorke Peninsula with the launch of South Australia’s first and only Vietnam War Memorial Walk.
The trail, honouring all Australians who served during the Vietnam War, will officially open with a special ceremony featuring a genuine Huey helicopter from the era, a performance by John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew, and a host of distinguished guests.
The memorial is the brainchild of local resident and ex-National Serviceman Roger Hogburn, who, along with a small group of peers, turned a simple conversation over coffee into a meaningful community project.
“It's amazing to see it come together. This wasn’t council-driven—it started with just a few of us tossing ideas around,” Roger said.
Stretching along a 4km section of the Yorke Track between Coobowie and Edithburgh, the walk will feature 30 custom-designed information boards. These will guide visitors through a respectful and detailed history, set against the scenic backdrop of the southern coastline.
Nick Perry, Manager of Economic Development at Yorke Peninsula Council, highlights its uniqueness: “There’ll be honour boards, not just for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but for medics, journalists—everyone involved. It's the only memorial of its kind in Australia.”
The project is rooted in rigorous research. Each board was fact-checked through the Australian War Memorial and reviewed by veterans for accuracy.
“We wanted their voices heard. It’s not about politics or the war’s justification,” Roger added. “This is about recognising people—telling their stories, accurately and respectfully.”
The memorial is designed to be educational and inclusive, welcoming all visitors to reflect and learn for generations to come.