Mackay Airport inducts Keith Payne, Cooper Whitestyles into Hall of Fame
Australia’s oldest Victoria Cross holder as well as a Paralympian are the latest inductees into a Hall of Fame greeting travellers into a North Qld airport.
Mackay
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Mackay Airport has inducted heavily decorated war hero Keith Payne into its Hall of Fame and the Victoria Cross recipient couldn’t be happier.
The veteran was inducted alongside sportsman Cooper Whitestyles, 23, on Friday.
“This is a great honour,” the 89-year-old said of the new display at the airport.
“It’s very nice. It shows people coming through the airport that people who serve their nation are given credit for their service.
“It’s a big thing. We pledge our life to the nation and the nation repays us.”
Mr Payne said it also showed travellers that Mackay had a lot to offer including its homegrown success stories.
Mackay Airport head of operations Adrian Miles said the community had called for Mr Payne’s inclusion in the hall or years.
“Keith Payne is the true definition of a hero and we were privileged that he accepted a request,” Mr Miles said.
“We are also privileged to have Mr Whitestyles in our Hall of Fame and we want to ensure his many achievements are up to date.”
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the new display would remind all passengers “what we (Mackay) think of you”.
“It’s important for us to show our respect to those who have done so much for us.”
Mr Whitestyles has represented Queensland and Australia in multi-disability lawn bowls and basketball. He just secured a contract with Australian Institute of Sport as an Emerging Para Jackaroo as part of the Australian Jackaroos lawn bowls squad.
Mr Whitestyles said it was “pretty special” to be listed to some of Australia’s most successful sports figures like Cathy Freeman, Troy Dunn, Geoff Huegill and Wendell Sailor.
“They are people I have looked up to and had great respect for,” Mr Whitestyles said.
“Their work ethic is what motivates me to be better every day. I believe the harder you work, the luckier you get.”
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