Teddy Sheean life-size statue to be erected in Latrobe

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett has weighed in on how best to celebrate war hero Teddy Sheean’s Victoria Cross win.

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Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett has weighed in on how best to celebrate war hero Teddy Sheean’s Victoria Cross win.

The MP said the recent approval from the Queen for Ordinary Seaman Edward `Teddy’ Sheean’s VC award meant it was time to consider other posthumous honours.

“Following discussions with the Sheean family and local Federal member Gavin Pearce MP, a life-sized statue will be erected in Latrobe,” he said.

“I have also written to the Federal Government asking that when the Collins class submarine HMAS Sheean is decommissioned that it is then gifted to Tasmania and relocated to Latrobe.

“This would be a great opportunity to recognise Latrobe where Teddy grew up and also provide a fantastic tourism and educational opportunity for the region.”

Mr Barnett said a Teddy Sheean Scholarship and education package with information on the war hero was also being considered.

He said he would also add a dedicated chapter on Teddy Sheean to the fifth edition of his book Our Heroes, Tasmania’s Victoria Cross Recipients.

“It has been a great honour to join forces with Teddy’s nephew Garry Ivory and the Sheean family to present the case in support of a Victoria Cross for Teddy Sheean and we thank the whole Tasmanian community for their support over many decades,” he said.