Vietnamveteranshistory

Welcome to the Qld Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans MC. The club was established to provide social and welfare support for bikers who are Vietnam Veterans. The VVMC Qld Chapter is not only a motorcycle club, but is also recognized as an Ex Service Organization and Welfare Group in its own right by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and other various government and veteran groups.

The Qld Chapter was officially formed on 18th August, 1990 (Vietnam Veterans Day, also known as Long Tan Day) in Anzac Square in Brisbane and consisted of just 7 members. Today, apart from the Queensland Chapter, there are now other Chapters in Qld, all separate, autonomous bodies, but with a common goal. Apart from the obvious biker related activities, we are a large presence at Anzac Day and Vietnam Veterans Day marches and activities. Charity work is also high on our list of priorities.

The Queensland Chapter became officially incorporated and registered with the Office of Fair Trading in 1995 (number 1A15267).

The origins of our Colours are derived from the biker cult movie 'Stone'. This movie depicted disgruntled and dispossessed Vietnam Veterans known as the 'Grave Diggers' riding bikes and living the biker lifestyle. The centerpiece of Skull and Slouch hat was adopted by the Vietnam Veterans MC and new top and bottom rockers were added and the actual colours changed to black and gold. In 1993 a Stone memorial run was held and the original 'Grave Diggers' colours were escorted by 12,000 bikes led by the VVMC, to a ceremonial burning. The 'Grave Diggers' died and the Vietnam Veterans MC was properly recognized.

To become a member of the Qld Chapter requires two basic things. You must be a bike rider and a Vietnam Veteran. Proof of service and ownership of a bike must be produced when applying for membership. These details will be checked with the relevant authorities, before membership can commence properly. Attempts have been made by wannabes to infiltrate the Chapter, but these have been quickly detected and sorted out.

The wearing of the VVMC Colours by non Vietnam Veterans is not permitted in the Qld Chapter.

Having the two above requirements does not automatically lead to full membership in the Chapter. There is a fairly strict and non too short, probationary or Nominee period, during which the Nom will be required to show commitment to the Chapter and demonstrate the ability to fit in. Of course, the Nom period also acts as a deterrent to any patch collectors. The finer details of this period will be explained to any prospective new members.

We have our own club premises at Kingston and apart from planned events such as Poker Runs and Bike Shows, we have Friday night socials commencing at 5pm and the general public and prospective members are welcome to come along and get to know us.

The clubhouse is situated at 132 Meakin Road, Kingston and the phone number is (07) 3804 3242. Alternatively the postal address is PO Box 549, Springwood, 4127.