Wangaratta will host a group of visiting Vietnam veterans from 17 to 21 November, as the 2025 reunion of the Headquarters of the 1st Australian Task Force (HQ1ATF) is held in the rural city.

Locals are invited to attend a service at the Wangaratta Cenotaph from 4.15pm on Thursday, 20 November, which will be part of the group's activities while staying locally.

Ross Benton, a local resident who was part of HQ1ATF, said about 80 people would travel to Wangaratta for the four-day reunion, which was always a special time for those involved.

"Each one as we get older is more important," he said.

"From my first day of being in this group for reunions, there was a real sense of camaraderie; something happens when we gather together.

"Even on civvie street, there is an amazing bond.

"We're very appreciative to the RSL for hosting us."

The group will gather for dinner at the Wangaratta RSL on Monday evening, with a commemorative dinner also planned to be held the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway on Thursday.

The 1st Australian Task Force, whose headquarters is referred to as HQ1ATF, played its role in the Vietnam War between April, 1966 and October, 1971.

Established as a brigade-sized formation, to replace the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) which had been in Vietnam since 1965, its main base was at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province, with a separate logistical support group based in Vung Tau.

HQ1ATF was responsible for commanding Australian and New Zealand forces in the area, including infantry battalions, artillery and armoured units, and was involved in numerous operations and significant battles.

While under national command from Headquarters Australian Force Vietnam (HQAFV) in Saigon, 1ATF was operationally commanded by the US Army's II Field Force Vietnam (HQ II FFV).

Its primary mission was to secure Phuoc Tuy Province, a task that involved both combat operations and civil affairs activities, and to operate in conjunction with US and other allied forces.

1ATF was involved in many key battles of the war, including the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, Operation Bribie, and Operation Coburg in 1968.

The Nui Dat base was developed over time to include an airstrip (Luscombe Field) and landing zones, and became a secure hub for the task force's operations.

Its headquarters frequently deployed away from its base for specific operations, such as the reconnaissance-in-force operation in the Thua Tich area in 1967.

The task force was withdrawn from Vietnam in October, 1971, when the Nui Dat base was handed over to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.

Thursday's service will see veterans march to the cenotaph from the steps of nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral, and will include addresses from Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch president Ash Power and Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant.

Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church Pastor Steve Van Der Poel will preside over the service, which will also feature a flyover arranged by Doug Hamilton.

Other activities planned for the week include tours of the district's wineries and places of interest, before members depart the rural city on Friday.