Dr Robert Webster OAM, FCPA, FAPI, FRICS is president of the Victorian RSL. While studying accounting at Swinburne Robert was drafted and spent twelve months in Vietnam as a National Serviceman in 1970, serving with the Australian forces at Nui Dat. Robert felt that in the Vietnam War his personal experiences there were life changing. The effect it had on the course of his life, and how he came to grips with those significant personal challenges were discussed in his talk.
Robert talked about how each year on the 18th of August also known as Vietnam Veterans Day, we honour and commemorate all those who served in Vietnam, including the 521 Australians who died and more than 3,000 people who were wounded, injured, or became ill as a result of the conflict.
The Battle of Long Tan, which erupted on 18 August 1966, was
one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War, involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR. A total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds. 53 years on we still remember these brave men and women and will never forget the sacrifices they made. 
Robert has had his own experience with PTSD which resulted from an incident at Christmas 1970 at the air base. As a result, he could never fully engage in his son's birthdays (both born in December), and Christmas. Later counselling has helped him, but he retains a strong interest in helping front line emergency workers and service personnel overcome the effects of PTSD and trauma more generally.