$30,000 local bid for Keith Payne’s slouch hat

Rotary Club of Mackay North president says he’s ‘absolutely over the moon’ by the auction’s result

Keith Payne VC AM is auctioning his slouch hat for charity. The picture Keith is holding is taken at Lone Pine with General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

THE AUCTION of Keith Payne's ceremonial slouch hat has smashed expectations by raising $30,000 for the Rotary Club of Mackay North.

Mr Payne - Australia's oldest living Victoria Cross recipient - said he was quite pleased by the result.

"I think it's a nice gesture by whoever paid that amount but for all those that were bidding for it, I'm sure the Rotary will find very needy causes to use that $30,000," he said.

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Mr Payne's wife, Florence Payne, said it was marvellous a small, personal article could bring joy and help to the Mackay district.

Rotary Club of Mackay North president Kent Lyons said he was "exhilarated and absolutely over the moon" about the result.

The ceremonial slouch hat was worn by Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne for his valiant efforts during the Battle of Ben Het. Picture: Kent Lyons, Rotary Club of Mackay North.

He said bidding was so intense near the auction's initial closing time of 7.30pm that the auction was extended to 8.25pm.

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"We were riveted to the auction screen until the very end," Mr Lyons said.

"We were so excited to see a marvellous hat reach the price that it did.

"The winner wants to remain anonymous but I can say it is a local … it was a wonderful bit of news to find out."

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