True Blue History - Kane Vandenberg Digger Day

True Blue Conversations Podcast

Kane Vandenberg Digger Day

Digger Day was founded in 2012 as a fundraising event in support of veterans in the local community who had sustained physical or psychological disability from their military service. It is organised through the totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex- Servicemen & Women Association and the RSL.

It is an event unlike our two current commemorative events Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, both of which primarily commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of all our veterans and fallen in all our past wars and conflicts.

Digger Day is a day of celebration rather then commemoration, showcasing our current serving men and women and more importantly our Nation’s and Commonwealth’s highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross.

Whilst this event is and always will be for veterans, it has highlighted that the term Digger is not always about veterans, but is a term synonymous with mateship, camaraderie, doing what is right and helping your mate in any situation no matter the cost.

As such, the day also honours our civilian heroes, those recipients of the George Cross and Cross of Valour. These heroes performed acts of gallantry and valour, often on the spur of the moment in saving fellow Australians. For this they should be recognised and given the same accolade and respect as their military counterpart.

Digger Day is about honouring and celebrating these Australian heroes.

Adam is joined by Founder of Digger Day and Chairman of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, Rich Meehan OAM JP, formed in 2018 to talk about Digger Day 2022 the first in 3 years due to Covid.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Rick Meehan OAM

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike