21st Century Security
Australia News Releases
SYDNEY, 8 November 2023 – The Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group is thrilled to announce the launch of its official website, made possible with the support of Lockheed Martin Australia.
Set to expand the Group’s national reach and enhance its fundraising efforts through digital platforms, the official website provides a comprehensive overview of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, shedding light on its mission to assist veterans and their families re-establish social connections within the community to reduce the impact of mental health issues.
The website will also highlight a diverse range of events and programs organised by the Group, designed to foster camaraderie, improve health and promote well-being among veterans. From “Walk to Talk,” a bi-weekly gathering that allows veterans to connect through pleasant strolls and heartwarming conversations over hot beverages, to the rededication of ANZAC gravesites, assisting other ex-Service organizations to also look after the mental and physical well- being of our veteran community and our annual Digger Day event, the website provides key information about the Group’s initiatives.
Rick Meehan OAM, Chairman Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, backed up by the vice Chairman Fred Campbell OAM and all Keith Payne VC Veteran Benefit Group members, expressed his anticipation for the website's launch and its potential to reach and support more veterans.
“The primary focus of our program is to promote social connections, fitness, health, and wellbeing, all within a family-oriented approach designed to bring veterans together and foster camaraderie,” Mr Meehan OAM said.
Currently, the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group has assisted a great number of veterans on a daily basis. We deliver 8 veterans programs which sees over 250 veterans attending our various programs over the last 12 months alone, including 70 new veterans signing up to our programs. In addition, events, such as our annual Digger Day event have attracted over 2000 visitors in one day, including many veterans (serving and retired).”
“The support from our sponsors has been instrumental in making these incredible initiatives possible. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Lockheed Martin Australia for supporting the creation of our new website, through which we anticipate reaching and connecting with more veterans than ever before.”
The digital initiative forms part of Lockheed Martin Australia's three-year sponsorship of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, aimed at promoting the well-being of current and former Australian servicemen and servicewomen and their families within the Shoalhaven region.
Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive, Warren McDonald, said, “We are honoured to be supporting the important work of the Keith Payne VC Veteran Benefit Group through our sponsorship initiatives. At Lockheed Martin Australia, veterans comprise 22% of our 1,200 sovereign workforce, and we are wholly committed to supporting those who have served our nation.”
“Through our ongoing partnership with Keith Payne VC Veteran Benefit Group, we have seen the direct impact their programs have on the wellbeing of veterans, and we look forward to seeing the group’s continued expansion.”
Visitors to the website will also be able to purchase the book The Art of Sacrifice, authored by George Petrou OAM, with profits dedicated to various charities including the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefits Group.
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About the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group
Established in 2018 to honour and continue the work of Keith Payne VC AM, a former Australian soldier, Victoria Cross recipient, and renowned advocate for veterans’ rights and welfare, the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group is a fully formed Association and Ex-Service Organisation and a registered charity under the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission.
About Lockheed Martin Australia
Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,200 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, Defence and civil sectors.
Media Contact Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group:
Rick Meehan OAM, Chairman, +61 428 443 361; kpvcgroup@gmail.com
Media Contact Lockheed Martin Australia:
Stacey Ward, +61 439 369 305; stacey.l.ward@lmco.com