Photos: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY KYLIE HOOPER
Sixty years have passed since The Battle of Long Tan, yet for those who were there, the memories remain vivid. Among those brave Australians is Douglas Fabian, a veteran who stood alongside his mates during one of the most courageous actions in Australia’s military history and who, sixty years later, continues to carry the legacy of service, sacrifice and mateship.
On 18th August 1966, in a rubber plantation in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, a small Australian force faced overwhelming enemy numbers. Despite torrential rain, limited visibility and relentless enemy attacks, the Australians held their ground through extraordinary courage, discipline and determination. The Battle of Long Tan became one of the defining moments of the Vietnam War and remains a lasting symbol of Australian courage, resilience and mateship.
For Douglas Fabian, Long Tan was not simply a battle – it was a life-changing experience. Like so many Vietnam veterans, he returned home carrying memories that would remain with him throughout his life. Yet, rather than allowing those experiences to define him, he chose to build a future founded on resilience, family and community.
Today, Douglas is remembered not only for his military service but also for his continued dedication to supporting veterans. His commitment to helping others reflects the same values that carried him through Vietnam – service, loyalty, courage and mateship.
His legacy has inspired the next generation. His daughter, Kylie Hooper, proudly served in the Australian Defence Force for six years, continuing the family’s tradition of service to Australia. Although they served in different generations and under different circumstances, both father and daughter share a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by those who wear the nation’s uniform.
Today, Douglas Fabian and Kylie Hooper continue that commitment as members of the Wynnum RSL Board. Together, they volunteer their time to support veterans, serving members and their families through welfare initiatives, commemorative services, community events and advocacy. Their work ensures that those who have served are respected, supported and never forgotten.
As Australia marks the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Douglas stands among the remaining veterans who can say, “ I was there”. His presence at commemorative services is a powerful reminder that history is not confined to books – it lives in the men and women whose lives were shaped and their sacrifice.
For Kylie, serving alongside her father on the Wynnum RSL Board is both a privilege and a continuation of the values instilled in her from an early age. Together they represent two generations of Australian Military service united by a shared commitment to honouring veterans and preserving their stories for future generations.
The Battle of Long Tan is remembered not only for the courage shown on the battlefield but also the enduring spirit of those who returned home. Veterans like Douglas continued to serve their communities long after the war ended, while families like the Fabians have carried that legacy forward through military service and volunteer leadership.
To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the community is warmly invited to attend the commemorative service at the Wynnum RSL Sub Branch on Tuesday, 18th August 2026.
The morning will commence with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 10.15am, followed by the Commemorative Service at 10:45am. This important occasion provides an opportunity for veterans, serving members, families and the wider community to come together in remembrance of those who fought at Long Tan, to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to recognise the service of all Vietnam veterans.
On this 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, we honour Douglas Fabian for his courage under fire, and his lifelong service. We also acknowledge Kylie Hooper for her own military service and her ongoing dedication to supporting the veteran community.
Together, Douglas Fabian and Kylie Hooper demonstrate that service to Australia does not end when military service concludes. Through their work with the Wynnum RSL, they continue to uphold the values of courage, mateship and selfless service, ensuring the Legacy of Long Tan lives on for future generations.
Their story is one of family, service and remembrance – a powerful reminder that the greatest tribute we can pay to those who served is to continue supporting those who serve today.
