Payne of Valour Exhibition at Puckapunyal, Part of Army 125

The Australian Army will commemorates 125 years of service to the nation through Army 125, a year-round program of events celebrating its history since Federation and the people, values and service that continue to define it today. As part of this milestone, bases across Australia will host Open Days featuring live demonstrations, interactive displays and family-friendly activities that strengthen the connection between the Army and the communities it serves, from Gallipoli Barracks to Puckapunyal Military Area, Karrakatta Barracks and Victoria Barracks. At the heart of the program, the Payne of Valour exhibition at Puckapunyal will serve as a reflective centrepiece, honouring the extraordinary legacy of Keith Payne VC, AM and reaffirming that true valour extends far beyond the battlefield.

As anticipation builds for Army 125, the Payne of Valour exhibition promises to be a centrepiece event at Puckapunyal, bringing together serving members, veterans, families and the broader community in a shared act of remembrance and respect. Learn more about Army 125 here.

Puckapunyal Military Area,  A Fitting Location

Located in regional Victoria, Puckapunyal Military Area is the spiritual heart of the Australian Army’s training and heritage community. It houses the Australian Army Museum and has long served as a centre for soldier development, leadership training and ceremonial commemoration.

Hosting the Payne of Valour exhibition at Puckapunyal connects past and present in a deeply symbolic way. Recruits training today walk the same grounds where Army history is preserved and honoured. By situating the exhibition here, Army 125 ties the story of Keith directly to the next generation of leaders.

The Story Behind Payne of Valour

At the centre of the exhibition is the story of Keith Payne VC, the oldest living Australian recipient of the original Victoria Cross, awarded for extraordinary acts of bravery during the Vietnam Wars and a figure synonymous with humility, resilience and mateship.

In May 1969, during intense fighting in Vietnam, Keith repeatedly risked his life to rescue wounded soldiers and reorganise defences under heavy enemy fire. Despite being wounded himself, he continued to move through dangerous terrain to locate missing comrades. His actions exemplified conspicuous bravery and leadership, earning him the Victoria Cross — the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

Yet the Payne of Valour exhibition does more than recount battlefield heroics. It also explores Payne’s decades of service after Vietnam, including his tireless advocacy for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and transition to civilian life. This broader narrative reinforces the idea that valour extends beyond combat.

Army 125: A Moment of Reflection and Renewal

The 125th anniversary of the Australian Army provides a rare opportunity to reflect on its evolution from colonial forces at Federation to a modern, professional force operating across peacekeeping, humanitarian and combat missions worldwide.

Army 125 is not simply about historical milestones. It is about recognising the people behind the uniform — the soldiers, families and communities who sustain the institution. The Payne of Valour exhibition aligns perfectly with this purpose, presenting one soldier’s story as a lens through which to understand the broader Army experience.

Visitors can expect:

✔ Archival photographs and historical artefacts

✔ Interpretive displays detailing operations in Vietnam

✔ Personal reflections highlighting leadership and mateship

✔ Educational materials connecting Payne’s story to contemporary service

By framing Keith's story within the Army’s 125-year journey, the exhibition highlights continuity of values: courage, initiative, teamwork and service.

Not a Story of One, But a Story of Many

The relevance of the Payne of Valour exhibition extends well beyond military audiences. In contemporary Australia, conversations around veteran wellbeing, mental health and transition are more prominent than ever.

Keith himself has spoken openly about the challenges faced by returned service members. His commitment to supporting fellow veterans has earned him national respect and positions him not only as a decorated soldier but as a moral leader.

The exhibition reinforces three important messages:

1. Courage is multifaceted. Physical bravery and moral courage are intertwined.

2. Service does not end with discharge. Many veterans continue to serve their communities in meaningful ways.

3. Leadership is about responsibility. Payne’s actions in Vietnam demonstrated personal accountability for his men — a timeless leadership lesson.

By telling this story in 2026, Army 125 ensures these values are carried forward.

A Tribute to Veterans and Families

An often-overlooked dimension of military history is the role of families. The Payne of Valour exhibition acknowledges that service is never undertaken alone. Families endure long separations, uncertainty and reintegration challenges alongside their loved ones.

Through interpretive panels and contextual storytelling, the exhibition recognises the broader support network that sustains soldiers. This approach reflects modern understandings of service — acknowledging both individual and collective sacrifice.

Educational Impact and Community Engagement

As part of Army 125 programming, the exhibition is expected to attract:

• Serving Army personnel

• Veterans and ex-service organisations

• School groups and cadets

• Defence families

• Members of the public interested in Australian military history

For younger audiences especially, Keith’s story provides a tangible example of character under pressure. His humility after receiving the Victoria Cross underscores that recognition is about honouring the team, not the individual alone.

Educational outreach tied to the exhibition may include guided tours, talks, and heritage materials that contextualise Australia’s involvement in Vietnam within broader geopolitical history.

Preserving Legacy Through Commemoration

Commemorative exhibitions like Payne of Valour play a vital role in preserving institutional memory, particularly as Australia’s living veterans grow older and the urgency to capture and share their stories increases. As part of Army 125, this milestone year provides not only an opportunity to celebrate achievement, but to ensure that lessons learned, both triumphant and challenging, remain embedded in the nation’s collective understanding. Whether attending as a historian, veteran, family member or member of the public, visitors will encounter more than artefacts; they will engage with a powerful story of endurance, loyalty and service that continues to shape the identity of the Australian Army.

By spotlighting Keith's life, the Army reinforces a key truth: honouring history strengthens future resilience. The Payne of Valour exhibition stands as both tribute and inspiration, reminding Australians that true valour lies not only in moments of crisis, but in a lifetime of commitment to others.