For 40 years Keith Payne VC has lobbied, been an advocate for and fought for veterans' rights in Australia.
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Now approaching his 86th birthday, Mr Payne, who lives in Mackay, has decided to take a step back and has appointed two Nowra men to continue his important work.
Rick Meehan has been appointed chairman of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group and Fred Campbell vice-chairman.
The pair have built up a great relationship with Mr Payne, Australia's oldest surviving VC recipient, through the local Digger Day activities.
"Keith has been to every one of our Digger Days and has been a great supporter of our local event," Mr Meehan said.
"Fred and I are so humbled and proud to be asked to head his organisation.
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"It is such an honour."
"It's very interesting that such a strong army man like Keith would choose two navy men to head up his group," Mr Campbell said.
"But we are delighted and can't wait to carry on Keith's legacy.
"He has done wonderful work fighting for veterans' rights for 40 plus years.
"He has given veterans a voice. Through his standing, he has the ears of the government and we want to continue that work."
The pair have assembled a willing band of local volunteers which boasts more than 200 plus years of veterans experience.
The volunteer groups meets each Friday morning from 8.30am at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre for a coffee and a catch up.
"It's a chance for local vets to catch up, have a brew and a yarn," Mr Campbell said.
"The gathering is open to all vets and is a chance to support each other and continue the camaraderie," Mr Meehan said.
Those volunteers are focussed on the arrangements for this year's annual Digger Day event which will be held at Shoalhaven Rugby Club on July 27.
"Along with Keith Payne's group, the Vandenberg family have also come onboard as a major backer of the event, in memory of navy local Kane Vandenberg who passed away in 2013.
Another of the projects the group is keen to support, former big wave professional surfer and Gerringong Surf School owner, Rusty Moran, who has partnered with former army officer Glenn Kolomeitz to launch an Australia-first initiative, Defence Surf Therapy Program, to heal the wounds of defence personnel suffering from PTSD.