By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
IF the pen is mightier than the sword, how potent is a Powerpoint presentation?
Canis Nugroho, of Narre Warren, created a 10-minute animated experience of the Vietnam War, its horrific battles and the heated domestic politics, to win one of 10 places on a Victorian student tour of Vietnam in September.
Canis said the project – which presented the war through the eyes of a soldier and veteran – was an “extreme eye-opener”.
“It made me realise how the Vietnam War and the Battle of Long Tan … seemingly so small compared to other wars Australia had been in, played a significant role in shaping and changing the nation.
“The war is the main reason for today’s Vietnamese Australian population (and) the reason why Australia abolished the ‘White Australia’ rule.”
The Gleneagles Secondary College student said she felt Australians needed to know more about the war and its controversies.
“When Australia entered this war, everyone was excited. But once media publicised napalm, Agent Orange and killing, Australia’s perceptions were completely changed.
“Australian soldiers were seen as evil killers rather than heroes. They were told to forget about the war, and this is what saddens me.”
Canis said listening to an interview with veteran Patrick O’Hara on an Anzac portal website first gave her an insight into being unexpectedly conscripted to war service.
The Vietnam Veteran Association of Australia competition that marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan attracted more than 600 entries.
The study tour includes significant sites such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Long Tan and War Remnants Museum.
The Battle of Long Tan, commemorated on 18 August, featured a remarkable resistance by 108 men in D Company 6RAR against up to 2500 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong attacking troops in the Vietnam War.
Canis will attend a commemoration at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on the day.
As for the Vietnam tour, she looks forward to treading the battle sites she’s now heard so much about.
Canis has also recently won other battles of the pen – most notably, an Olympic-inspired 2016 Pierre de Coubertin Award for her essay on ‘how sport changed your life or community’.
