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The
VVMC-Gippsland Chapter came into being to give more Victorian Vietnam Veterans
the opportunity to be part of the VVMC in Victoria.
At no
time with malice, a member of the Victorian Chapter, with the assistance of
other bike riding Vietnam Veterans, started the process of getting the
acceptance of the Vietnam Veteran M.C. chapters around Australia.
Other
M.C. clubs were also notified of the intent to start a VVMC chapter in
Gippsland, receiving only positive feedback.
On the
15th of August 2003, with six riding Vietnam Veterans, the Gippsland Chapter was
accepted by all VVMC chapters and was ratified on the 21st February 2004 by the
Presidents of all the chapters of the VVMC.
In
August 2004, a building in Rosedale was acquired and modified to suit the needs
of the Chapter.
Then
in January 2006 after the needs of the Chapter changed, the members
went in search of a new club house .We found an old disused and dilapidated hall
in Longwarry Nth. After several months of submissions by our
Members, discussion with State Government Departments, local council and
local residents. The perseverance and commitment of the members was rewarded. On
the 30th of August 2006 we were granted a permit and licence to use the premises.
It is now more
than a Club House it is a home for the members, also a drop in centre and
pension office for all Veterans and their families.

Any
Vietnam Veteran,
and
you must be a Vietnam Veteran,
can
approach the VVMC Gippsland Chapter and get to know the members. If
it is seen that you could be a benefit to the Chapter and the Chapter to you,
and after certain requirements are met, your name will be put to the
Committee by a Full Member.
Associates
If you are not a Vietnam Veteran you may (after
certain requirements are met) be invited to
be
part of the VVMC Gippsland Chapter
as an Associate. At no time can an Associate wear a Back Patch .
All riding
Members must own
and ride an approved cruiser style bike set down by the Committee.
We are an outlaw
motorcycle club, but we are not 1%.
It is an
Honour for a Vietnam Veteran or Associate to be part of the VVMC Gippsland
Chapter. Membership cannot be sought. Membership is by invitation only and you
will earn the right to ride with us.


The
Back Patch (colours) must be worn with pride and will only be
presented to a Vietnam Veteran riding member after he has proven to the committee and other members
that he is worthy to wear the colours. The colours are symbolic in that they represent
not only mates lost but also those still living, who must go on in their memory.
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