Page 26 - TPI Victoria Inc. CHINup Winter 2018 Edition-FINAL_Neat

24 TPI VICTORIA INC. • CHINup WINTER 2018 • WWW.TPIVIC.COM
Inspired by Valour,

Revered by a Nation

The Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Ex-
Servicemen & Women’s Association of Victoria
Incorporated (TPI Victoria Inc.) in partnership with
Award Winning Author, Michael C. Madden held the
Official Release and Launch of much anticipated and
unique coffee table book, ‘The Victoria Cross, Australia
Remembers’.

With an inspiring and emotionally charged program
held at Bunjil Place, City of Casey in Narre Warren on
Saturday 21st April 2018 more than 3,000 people came
together to witness, and take part in not just a book
launch, but an event that celebrated our Veterans and
that culminated in the book now being available to the
public.

Opened with a Guard of Honour by local Cadets
representing all three Australian Services in the Plaza,
Keith Payne VC AM KSJ and Doug Baird, father of the
late Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG were greeted by
the large crowd who were assembled for this
momentous occasion.

With two amazing formation Flypast’s by veteran Harvard and Yak Fighter Planes, the guests were met by the
official Welcome Party that included:

 Mr. Michael Pratt GC
 Mr. Danny O’Brien MP, Victorian Shadow Minister for Veterans
 Mr. John Poland, State President TPI Victoria Inc.
 Ms. Pat McCabe, President of the TPI Federation of Australia
 Dr. Rob Webster OAM, State President RSL Victoria
 Padre Captain Mark Dunn (Australian Army)
 Squadron Leader (Retd.) Kevin Murray
 Cr. Susan Serey, City of Casey & Liberal Candidate for Narre Warren South
 Mr. Wayne A’Vard, President Berwick RSL

The largest gathering of Australia’s Victoria Cross Recipient Family Members in Australian History…
In excess of 130 Victoria Cross Family Members, representing 36 Victoria Cross Recipients came together for this
historic event and have now formed a bond through the establishment of The Victoria Cross Family Association
AUNZ – initiated through this book and now a living association for all family members to be, and remain
connected with.

Following the welcome, everyone moved to the Theatre for the formal proceedings including a special
performance by Mike Brady and were taken through 'The Journey' that has led to the book being
published, which included covering 17 Countries, 96 Grave Sites, all 100 Victoria Cross Medal Sets and 60
Victoria Cross Families being interviewed – an amazing feat in its own right.

The Reg Rattey Victoria Cross
The Rattey Family attended from NSW and provided their fathers, Reg Rattey VC and medal bar for the
public to see, hold and take photographs with. This was an amazing opportunity for all those who attended
and one which they may never be able to experience again – TPI Victoria Inc. thanks Rob Rattey and his
family for this unique offer at the launch.

Have you got your copy yet – call TPI HQ NOW or go to
www.tpivic.com and order online today…