The economy of Vietnam has been an absolute rocket ship over the past few years. By 2035, CNBC believes that globally they’ll have the most rapid rise in wealth. Long gone are the days of turmoil and war. In this episode, we’ll take a look at Vietnam’s fascinating economic rise.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s call for “One Flag, One Country” highlights a growing frustration among Australians who feel their nation’s unity is being undermined. Speaking on Friday, Mr. Dutton said Australians are tired of being told to feel ashamed of their history and identity.

Labor’s focus on division, categorising people, and emphasising past wrongs risks deepening rifts instead of fostering progress. Mr. Dutton’s message resonates with parents who want schools to prioritise education over ideology. “Parents have had enough… they want their children educated, not indoctrinated,” he stated.

This is not about erasing history but embracing it—acknowledging our challenges while celebrating our achievements. Australia is a land of shared values and diverse contributions. Unity and pride in our national identity should drive us forward, not divisive rhetoric or guilt about the past.

As a country, we must work together under one flag, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for all Australians. Only through unity can we build a future worthy of pride. Mr. Dutton’s vision offers hope for a nation striving to reaffirm its identity and shared destiny.

Boeing B-52 static display with weapons, Barksdale AFB. Image: Creative Commons.

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, a symbol of endurance and adaptability in U.S. military aviation, is set to receive a revolutionary upgrade through the ambitious B-52J modernization program. At the heart of this transformation is the Rolls-Royce F130 engine, recently certified in December 2024 after two years of rigorous development—a major milestone for the program.

Despite delays, the B-52J’s upgrades promise to redefine the aircraft’s capabilities. A comprehensive overhaul will introduce advanced radars, digital avionics, modernised engine pylons, satellite-aided navigation, and robust communications systems. These enhancements ensure the B-52J remains a formidable long-range asset capable of delivering massive payloads, supporting future technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

The program’s setbacks haven’t diminished its advocates’ enthusiasm. They emphasise the bomber’s enduring role in U.S. air strategy, paralleling Russia’s continued use of its Tu-95 fleet. With plans to extend its service life into the 2050s, the B-52J is poised to complement cutting-edge platforms like the B-21 and F-15EX, ensuring versatile, multi-role capabilities.

The B-52’s storied legacy and adaptability highlight its value. As it evolves, the Stratofortress remains a testament to engineering ingenuity, proving its worth in an ever-changing strategic landscape.

WARNING – REPORTED AS A SCAM

ED: The other day I posted an article about a $4,100 dollar payment to carers – I have since been advised by a number of veterans, who attended Centrelink that they have no knowledge of this payment and that it may be a scam.

Below is the link to the message as I received it from https://www.msn.com I was of the opinion the opinion that MSN was a trusted source of information. I feel guilty that this story may have caused inconvenience to some members who like me believed the article.   

https://www.msn.com/en-au/money/government-support-and-welfare/4-100-one-time-centrelink-payment-offers-vital-support-for-australian-carers/ar-AA1xyzBj#:~:text=In%202025%2C%20the%20Australian%20government%20introduced%20a%20%244%2C100,individuals%20with%20disabilities%2C%20chronic%20illnesses%2C%20and%20age-related%20needs

The Australian Army’s Townsville-based units are gearing up for their most significant training year since World War II, with 2025 set to mark a historic milestone in military cooperation and modernisation. The year’s activities will feature an unprecedented level of international engagement, highlighted by Exercise Talisman Sabre, which will involve participation from more nations than ever before. This biennial exercise is a cornerstone of Australia’s defence strategy, fostering joint operational capability and interoperability between allied and partner nations. The increased scale of the exercise underscores Australia’s growing role in regional security and its commitment to working alongside global partners to address shared challenges.

In addition to the expanded multinational training efforts, the 3rd Brigade, headquartered in Townsville, will lead the charge in the modernisation of the Australian Army. The brigade is set to receive the first deliveries of cutting-edge equipment as part of the Defence Capability Program, signalling a new era of technological advancement and operational readiness. These upgrades, which include advanced armoured vehicles, weapons systems, and communication technologies, will significantly enhance the brigade’s combat effectiveness and ability to respond to diverse threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

The dual focus on international collaboration and capability development reflects Australia’s strategic priorities in a shifting geopolitical landscape. With its robust training agenda and investment in modernisation, the Townsville Army base is solidifying its position as a key hub for the Australian Defence Force and a critical partner in maintaining stability in the region.

Good morning, for info: Ray Payne – FRONTLINE

Today – Australia Day, the ABC On-line News includes an item on recovering Vietnam War dead titled: “South Vietnamese want to find and bury their war dead. Why is it so hard?” – see:

CLICK LINK

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-26/south-vietnamese-soldiers-long-to-bury-dead-soldiers/104828764  .

The article includes reference to the post-War efforts of Dr Bob Hall (8RAR 1969-70) – ie his “Wandering Souls” program, in finding grave sites in South Vietnam and returning artefacts to grieving families.

The on-line ABC item is also accompanied by a short video titled “Finding Shorty” that relates the recent assistance given to the 76-year-old Newcastle-based Vietnam veteran 2790576 Alwyn Melville Craig – Pte 6RAR Vietnam 8 May 1969 – 12 May 1970.

Best wishes,

Ernie Chamberlain