Payne of Valour Photographic Exhibition
This was a photographic exhibition honouring the life of Keith and Flo and their contributions made together supporting veterans through an extraordinary life together over 70 years of marriage. The exhibition was at Puckapunyal in Victoria and the opening on 12th March.
Among the dignitaries and invited guests was Gerry Dellwo, who was the US Army medic who was Keith in the battle in Vietnam which resulted in Keith being awarded the VC. A number of elders from the Kimberley region attended and made Keith an honorary elder.
The Story Behind Payne of Valour
At the centre of the exhibition is the story of Keith Payne VC, the oldest living Australian recipient of the original Victoria Cross, awarded for extraordinary acts of bravery during the Vietnam Wars and a figure synonymous with humility, resilience and mateship.
The Payne of Valour exhibition does more than recount battlefield heroics. It also explores Keith’s decades of service after Vietnam, including his tireless advocacy for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and transition to civilian life, in conjunction with his wife, Flo.
This broader narrative reinforces the idea that valour extends beyond combat.
Not a Story of One, But a Story of Many
The relevance of the Payne of Valour exhibition extends well beyond military audiences. In contemporary Australia, conversations around veteran wellbeing, mental health and transition are more prominent than ever.
Keith himself has spoken openly about the challenges faced by returned service members. His commitment to supporting fellow veterans has earned him national respect and positions him not only as a decorated soldier but as a moral leader.
The exhibition reinforces three important messages:
- Courage is multifaceted. Physical bravery and moral courage are intertwined.
- Service does not end with discharge. Many veterans continue to serve their communities in meaningful ways.
- Leadership is about responsibility. Payne’s actions in Vietnam demonstrated personal accountability for his men — a timeless leadership lesson.