DIGGER Day 2015 is going to make history, with the largest gathering of Victoria Cross recipients in the southern hemisphere for more than 40 years to be held in the Shoalhaven.
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Six VCs from around the world, including Australia’s four living recipients, will be in Nowra on July 18 for Digger Day, which this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli.
Australians Keith Payne, Mark Donaldson, Ben Roberts-Smith and Daniel Keighran will be joined by New Zealand’s Willie Apiata and Johnson Beharry from the UK.
Eighteen months ago Nowra RSL Sub Branch secretary and Digger Day co-ordinator Rick Meehan had the idea of marking the centenary with a special event.
He set his heart on having all the Anzac VC recipients in the Shoalhaven for the event.
“I was told by some it would and could never happen,” Mr Meehan said.
“But I’m a pretty persistent guy.”
Mr Meehan paid credit to Australia’s oldest surviving VC, Keith Payne for his support.
“He has been down to every Digger Day, is someone I respect, and was willing to give advice and guidance and steer me in the right direction to achieve the goal.
“The Bomaderry RSL Charity Trust has been a massive help, funding Johnson Beharry’s trip from London which ultimately was the carrot that attracted everyone.
“I thought if he could come all the way from London, the rest from Australasia would also come and that has been the case.”
The six VCs will fly into Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Shoalhaven Rugby Park onboard helicopters from HMAS Albatross to witness the celebrations and Shoals match with Kiama.
That evening, television personality Ray Martin, will host a special black tie event at Worrigee House where former Chief of Army and current chairman of Soldier On, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, will be keynote speaker.
During the evening all six VC recipients will be interviewed by Ray Martin and two Digger Day 2015 jerseys signed by the five southern hemisphere recipients will be auctioned.
“This has the potential to put Nowra in the national if not international spotlight,” Mr Meehan said.
“Personally, I think it would be the biggest thing to ever come to Nowra.”
The last time there was such a gathering like this in the southern hemisphere was in the 1970s, when eight recipients gathered on Norfolk Island.
“No sub branch in the country can boast getting this many VCs in one location at the one time,” he said.
“For us to get six shows the tenacity and hard work of our members and committee to work for veterans and their causes.”
This year will be the fourth year Digger Day has been held with Mr Meehan hoping the event can be embraced by other sporting codes.
“We have Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, which are both important days on the national calendar and rightfully so, but I would love to see Digger Day spread across the country to pay respect to our servicemen and women.”
Information on tickets for the black tie function at Worrigee House will be announced shortly with corporate packages also available.