Payne of Valour Exhibition Celebrating Keith and Flo Payne

The Payne of Valour Exhibition stands as a powerful tribute to courage, service and quiet resilience, celebrating the lives of Keith Payne, VC, AM and his wife Flo Payne, OAM. More than a military exhibition, it offers a deeply human perspective on service, one that honours not only battlefield bravery, but also the enduring strength of family, commitment and character that underpin Australia’s military heritage.

At its heart, the Payne of Valour Exhibition invites visitors to engage with the story of one of Australia’s most respected soldiers and the woman who stood beside him throughout a lifetime shaped by service. Through artefacts, storytelling and historical context, the exhibition preserves a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Australians.

Payne of Valour is a multimedia exhibition created by photographer/artist Rebecca Fagan, which highlights Keith's career and his partnership with his wife, Flo. The Exhibition is featured as part of the 2026 Australian Army Open Days at Puckapunyal Military Area, 10 km west of Seymour, Victoria on 14 March 2026. The exhibit will be available for public viewing during this event, which runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and will feature static and dynamic displays, as well as the Annual National Servicemen’s Day gathering.

The Meaning Behind Payne of Valour

The name Payne of Valour carries layered meaning. It reflects both the surname of Keith and the concept of valour itself; courage demonstrated not for recognition, but out of duty and moral conviction. The exhibition explores how true valour often exists quietly, expressed through actions taken under extreme pressure and sustained through years of service beyond the battlefield.

Rather than focusing solely on medals or military rank, the Payne of Valour Exhibition presents a broader narrative. It acknowledges that acts of bravery are supported by unseen sacrifices, including the steadfast support of family members who share the burdens of military life. In doing so, the exhibition offers a more complete and authentic understanding of service.

Honouring Keith Payne, VC, AM

Keith Payne is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most humble and principled soldiers. He is the oldest living Australian recipient of the original Victoria Cross, awarded for extraordinary acts of bravery during the Vietnam War, where his actions exemplified leadership, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to his comrades. Over the course of his military career, he earned 23 service medals, in addition to being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. His life and service is a living embodiment of the values, sacrifice and enduring legacy that define the 125 years of the Australian Army.

The Payne of Valour Exhibition provides visitors with insight into the circumstances surrounding his award, while also placing his service within the broader context of his military career. It highlights not only moments of combat, but the discipline, training and moral courage required long before and long after such moments occur.

Importantly, the exhibition avoids glorification of conflict. Instead, it focuses on character — the values that guided Keith throughout his service and life. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on leadership under pressure, responsibility to others and the personal cost of service.

Recognising the  Role of Flo Payne

A defining feature of the Payne of Valour Exhibition is its recognition of Flo Payne, whose role reflects the experiences of countless military spouses. While Keith served in uniform, Flo carried the responsibilities of family, resilience and emotional strength that often remain unspoken in traditional military narratives.

The exhibition honours Flo as an essential part of the story, acknowledging that service extends beyond those who wear medals. Through personal insights and historical context, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by families who support military service across decades.

This inclusion reinforces one of the exhibition’s most important messages: valour is not limited to the battlefield. It is also found in loyalty, patience, and quiet strength at home.

A Window Into Australia’s Military Heritage

The Payne of Valour Exhibition contributes meaningfully to Australia’s broader military heritage. By centering on personal experience rather than abstract history, it makes military service accessible and relatable to visitors of all ages.

Artefacts, photographs and interpretive displays help place Keith’s service within the context of Australia’s military history, including the Vietnam War and the evolving role of the Australian Army. The exhibition balances historical education with emotional connection, ensuring visitors leave with both knowledge and understanding.

This approach aligns with contemporary heritage practice, where storytelling and lived experience are central to preserving national memory.

Why Exhibitions Like Payne of Valour Matter

Commemorative exhibitions play a vital role in ensuring that stories of service are preserved beyond official records. The Payne of Valour Exhibition serves as a bridge between generations, offering younger Australians the opportunity to learn about service through real lives rather than distant events.

By highlighting values such as courage, integrity, humility and service, the exhibition reinforces principles that extend beyond the military. These values resonate within communities, schools and families, making the exhibition relevant well beyond its immediate historical focus.

The exhibition also supports respectful remembrance, encouraging reflection without spectacle and honour without exaggeration.

Education, Reflection and Community Engagement

The Payne of Valour Exhibition functions as both an educational resource and a place of reflection, offering meaningful insights into Australian military history through personal narrative. It provides educators, students and community groups with material that supports learning grounded in lived experience, helping to contextualise service within broader historical and social frameworks.

For veterans and their families, the exhibition offers recognition and understanding by acknowledging shared experiences and the often-unseen dimensions of service. It affirms that military service, in all its forms, is valued and remembered, extending respect not only to those who served in uniform but also to those who supported them throughout their lives.

Community engagement remains central to the exhibition’s impact, encouraging thoughtful dialogue about service, sacrifice and the responsibilities carried by those connected to military life.

Preserving Legacy for Future Generations

Legacy sits at the heart of the Payne of Valour Exhibition, shaping every element of its storytelling and presentation. The lives and experiences of Keith and Flo are not presented as distant historical records or static moments in time, but as enduring examples of service, character and commitment that continue to influence Australia’s national story. Their legacy is portrayed as something living that is carried forward through values, actions and shared responsibility rather than confined to the past.

By capturing personal experiences alongside historical context, the exhibition ensures that future generations encounter military history through empathy as well as information. This approach strengthens national remembrance and deepens respect for those who serve.

A Lasting Tribute

The Payne of Valour Exhibition presents an impactful tribute to courage, partnership and service. In celebrating Keith and Flo, it honours not only individual achievement, but the shared journey of military life.

Through thoughtful presentation and authentic storytelling, the exhibition reinforces why stories of valour matter, not for acclaim, but for the values they carry forward. As a contribution to Australia’s commemorative landscape, Payne of Valour ensures that service, sacrifice and quiet strength remain recognised, respected and remembered.