‘The Last Bell’ is one of four handcrafted brass bells made in Ba Ria, Vietnam from expended shell casings collected around Nui Dat.
Along with ‘The Bell’, ‘The Next Bell’ and ‘My Bell’, it was forged by a blacksmith using just over 2kg of recovered brass.
It was named ‘The Last Bell’ because it was uncertain whether enough brass could be collected for another batch. The man who gathered the brass, kept ‘My Bell’.
‘The Bell’ was purchased by the Mackay RSL Sub‑branch, and ‘The Next Bell’ was acquired by a private collector and is believed to remain in Vietnam.
‘The Last Bell’, now on display in Deniliquin for the next 12 months, and is owned by Leanne Peterson.
She is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran who served alongside Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch member John Harris.
The first three bells raised $7000 combined, which was donated to help children living in poorer conditions around Nui Dat stay in school, continuing a circle of support that began more than half a century ago.
Mr Harris said the story behind the bell is deeply meaningful.
“Proceeds go to a very good cause, and we have a lot of pride to be able to display ‘The Last Bell’,” he said.
“We were very lucky to get it (in Deniliquin), and it will resonate with all the Vietnam vets that come through the club.”
The story behind the bell display reflects a powerful connection between past and present, and is included on an information panel as part of the display.
“Australian soldiers came here to help the local people and fired thousands of rounds of ammunition,” the panel reads.
“Fifty‑plus years later, another Australian man wanting to help local children recovers the refuse left behind, turns it into something beautiful, and it gets used again differently to help the local people.”
The bell display is located in the main foyer of the club, near the hallway to the bistro and sports lounge.
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