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We host a range of programs and events for veterans within the Shoalhaven region, many of which are especially for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety. Our aim is to help these veterans form meaningful social connections and as a result, improve their overall health and wellbeing.
While designed for veterans, our programs and events are also open to the public. This is to help ensure the contributions of our servicemen and women are understood, acknowledged, and valued by the broader community.
We regularly meet with the Minister for Veterans Affairs to raise concerns and propose strategies to improve the support available to our veterans and their families.
KPVCVBG is made up of a dedicated team of approximately 25 volunteers, many of whom are also veterans. A registered charity, we rely on corporate sponsorships, private donations, and government grants to develop and implement our activities.
Chairman, Keith Payne Veterans’ Group
Rick Meehan OAM JP joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1979 as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, retiring in 2009 after 30 years’ service. Throughout his career he was mostly based at HMAS Albatross serving mainly on HS817 Squadron maintaining Sea King Helicopters. During his career Rick served on numerous warships, Aircraft Carrier HMAS Melbourne, Destroyer Tender HMAS Stalwart and Amphibious ships HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Kanimbla. Rick attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to RAN in the Australia Days Honours List in 1999.
Upon retirement Rick founded a veteran’s charity event called Digger Day. Keith Payne VC AM has been a family friend for over 15 years and was invited to the inaugural event, attending every event since. Now Digger Day has become an international event with a living Victoria Cross recipient from every Commonwealth country attending. With Digger Days success and Keith Payne VC AM not getting any younger, Keith approached Rick and asked would he consider starting up a new registered charity under his name with the main aim to carry on his legacy. Hence the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group was founded.
Vice Chairman, Keith Payne Veterans’ Group
Fred Campbell OAM JP joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1982 as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, retiring in 2017, after close to 36 years’ Service. He served at HMAS Albatross, Nowra on 723 and 816 Squadrons working on UH-IB Iroquois, 206B1 Kiowa, AS350B Squirrel and S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters. He additionally served on HMA Ships Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Darwin, Melbourne, Stuart and Parramatta. His theatres of operations include: Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Solomon Islands. Fred attained the rank of Warrant Officer and was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to RAN in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Prior to and after retirement Fred has been involved with many Veteran Charities and groups with his long-time and great mate Rick Meehan OAM JP, including the very coveted Digger Day Charity, founded by Rick. Rick Meehan OAM JP approached Fred to join him as one of the founding members of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Group, with the request and full blessing of Keith Payne VC AM. The friendship Rick and Fred have for each other and for Keith Payne VC AM, along with their passion for wider Veteran community is steadfast and remains a strong driver in all their great work.
KPVCVBG would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
© 2023 Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefits Group. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
ABN: 435 539 254 20
KPVCVBG would also like to thank our partner, Lockheed Martin Australia, for its sponsorship and support in creating this website.