Special Fundraising Tour
Patricia Amphlett OAM (Little Pattie)
At age 17, Little Pattie was the youngest Australian to entertain our troops in Vietnam in 1966
In 1966 the Department of Defence asked me to entertain our forces in Vietnam. At just 17 years of age, I was the youngest performer to go there. During the tour, along with ColJoye and the Joyboys, we performed three shows a day, wherever our forces were based. On the 18th August we travelled to the Australian Task Force Base in Nui Dat, where we performed to our most enthusiastic audiences.
During the afternoon shows I could hear the ever-increasing sounds of gunfire
in the nearby jungle. The Battle of Long Tan had begun.We were quickly evacuated and the rest
is history.
For me, my Vietnam experiences were life changing. I will always have much
respect and a big place in my heart for Vietnam Veterans and their families.
There is so much to know and learn about the wonderful legacy of your tour
organizers, the AVVRG,whose tireless work has resulted in great projects like
the Nui Dat Kindy and the Baria Orphanage.
As an added bonus, I will
be joined by Long Tan Battle Vietnam Dave Sabben , who will lead us on a trek
from Nui Dat to the Long Tan Battle site , where today, stands the Long Tan
Memorial Cross.
Little Pattie today is as energetic as she was when she took such a strong hold on the Australian music scene in the mid 60s as a bright fourteen year old school girl who dreamed of a career in Medicine.
With a succession of hits like “He’s My Blonde Hairded Stompie Wompie Real Gone Surfer Boy” and “Stompin At Maroubra”, and as a long standing member of the ‘Bandstand Family,’ Pattie established herself as a prominent force of the 60’s revolutionary times.
Her musical talents are credited with awards from the Radio and Recording Industry including ‘Best National Female Vocalist’ and Best Teenage TV Personality’ followed by a succession of Gold Records from her radio chart successes
A definite ‘all rounder’ in the Theatrical and Entertainment Industry, PATTIE’S talents span a broad spectrum from producing and performing in her own children’s pantomime, compering Charity and Corporate functions, hosting Game shows and Variety Concerts.
Her vocal treatment of the more serious 20th Century composer’s works like Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, Cole Porter etc.earns her wide respect among her musical peers.It is this popular music of the swing era which has been another part of PATTIE’S success story in recent years, beginning by representing Australia at World Expo in New Orleans, singing with the famous Bob Barnard Band.
In 1990 Pattie was the first Australian vocalist to perform in concert throughout China with the ledgendary jazz artist Graeme Bell and All Stars. She has represented her country many times performing overseas , including as an 18 year old, an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the USA.
A year earlier, at age 17, PATTIE was the youngest Australian to entertain our troops in Vietnam in 1966.
Since then she has committed much of her time to Vietnam Veterans, donating her services at many fundraising concerts and special events for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Her energy is also evident in other involvements including her appointment as Member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
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