Our pre-Digger Day walk-to-talk was HUGE this year with 71 in attendance. Our numbers were bolstered by this likely being Keith Payne’s last visit to the Shoalhaven. As well as Keith and the KPVCVBG regulars, we also had: Willie Apiata VC, the Shoalhaven Mayor, the Commanding Officer and Command Warrant Officer from HMAS Albatross, Andy Perry (HFV) and our Digger Day sponsors, Bendigo Bank.
The coffee group also enabled us to present a Digger Day jersey to Bendigo Bank and a framed citation, signed by the Governor General, for the award of the Victoria Cross for Australia to Able Seaman Teddy Sheean, KIA during WWII. Teddy Sheean is the RAN’s only VC recipient.