Australia’s last living recipient of the original “Imperial” Victoria Cross is the latest addition to Mackay Airport’s prestigious Hall of Fame.
Keith Payne VC, a Mackay local and distinguished national personality, was immortalised on the eye-catching display during an official unveiling event on Friday morning.
The Hall of Fame, prominently located in the airport’s popular outdoor area, pays homage to community heroes and sports stars, past and present.
Australian sportsman Cooper Whitestyles, 23, who was added to the display in 2017, was also celebrated on Friday with a new Hall of Fame photograph and updated profile, as his list of exceptional achievements continues to grow.
Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said members of the Mackay community had been calling for Mr Payne to be added to the Hall of Fame for a number of years.
“Mr Payne is the true definition of a hero, and we know how important it is to our local community to have him recognised here,” he said.
“We are also privileged to have Mr Whitestyles in our Hall of Fame and we want to ensure his many achievements are up to date.”
“The Hall of Fame is a source of pride for locals and shows visitors to our region how successful members of our community have been over the years, across a variety of endeavours.”
Mr Payne, 89, is the last living Australian recipient of the original "Imperial" Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry.
His VC was awarded for his actions during the Vietnam War. In May 1969, he was struck by a grenade, leaving shrapnel lodged in his skull, arms, and hands. Despite his serious injuries and while under fire, he spent a further three hours rescuing about 40 other men.
Mr Payne has dedicated years of his life to counselling sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder and was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 in recognition of his “significant service to veterans and their families as an ambassador, patron and advocate for veterans’ health and welfare”.
The mental health ward at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane is named after Mr Payne and he recently attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
He said he was humbled by his inclusion in the Hall of Fame and would happily “say g’day” to his photograph during his regular travels through Mackay Airport.
“It’s a very nice gesture,” he said.
“I’m joining a group of people who have achieved great things. It shows travellers that Mackay has a lot to offer and showcases some of the many successes our town has produced.”
Mr Whitestyles has represented Queensland and Australia many times for his prowess in multi-disability lawn bowls and basketball.
It was recently announced that he had secured a prestigious contract with the Australian Institute of Sport as an Emerging Para Jackaroo, as part of the Australian Jackaroos lawn bowls squad. It places him in a strong position ahead of the 2026 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Mr Whitestyles said it was “pretty special” to be listed on the Hall of Fame next to some of Australia’s most successful sporting figures.
“They are people I have looked up to and had great respect for,” he said.
“Their work ethic is what motivates me to be better every day. I believe the harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Mr Payne’s and Mr Whitestyles’ Hall of Fame profiles were revealed at a celebration in front of almost 100 guests, including some who travelled interstate for the event.
