The 2026 Shoalhaven ‘Kane Vandenberg’ Digger Day will be held on Sat 25 Jul 26.
This year marks our 16th anniversary of this fantastic and most successful event supporting our veterans both locally and further afield.

After many years of tireless service in support of this wonderful event, this will also be last Digger Day for our Patron, Mr Keith Payne VC AM, as he contemplates his retirement.
After a very successful 2025 Digger Day, we are honoured to announce the line up for our 2026 event.

Our amazing guest list includes the Australia’s most decorated veteran and world’s oldest VC recipient, Mr Keith Payne VC AM, New Zealand’s only current VC Mr Willie Apiata VC and Tim Britten CV (Cross of Valor).

The Cross of Valor is the civilian equivalent of the Victoria Cross and is part of the Australian honours and awards system.

In addition to our highly decorated VIPs; we will have family descendants of Kevin ‘Dasher‘ Wheatley VC MG, Albert Jacka VC MC and Bar, Reg Rattey VC and New Zealander Reginald Judson VC DCM MM.

The stories of their individual valour are outstanding, and all descendants proudly wear and reflect the medals earned by their descendants.

All our guests are amazing to chat with and would welcome that opportunity.
We will also have another special guest in world renown Violinist Rachel Bostock, who will perform the Last Post prior to kick off. A truly memorable rendition.

As well as celebrating and thanking Mr Keith Payne VC AM for his dedication to the veteran community and his long time dedication to this fabulous event, our main theme for the day will be to commemorate Australia’s last George Cross recipient, Mr Michel Pratt GC, who sadly passed away in 2025. Michael was always a regular supporter and VIP attendee at each Digger Day event. Members of Michael’s family will at Rugby Park on Digger day.

There will be Navy helicopters from 723 Squadron at HMAS Albatross and a helicopter supplied by CHC Helicopters (also located at HMAS Albatross), which will fly all our special guests to Rugby Park South Nowra Saturday 25 July at 1205.
The day will include an official flag ceremony and plenty of opportunity to meet our VIPs
We can’t thank enough the support we receive from the Navy, Army, and CHC helicopters for their ongoing support and for supplying the great helicopters on the day.
We would also thank and acknowledge Margaret Vandenberg, Lockheed Martin Australia, Bomaderry Bingo Charity Trust, the Postman’s Tavern Nowra and Shoalhaven Rugby Club for their ongoing support.

Admission on the day is free and is family friendly, so please come along and support this great day.
All veterans are encouraged to wear jackets and medals proudly.

10:30 am Gates open
12:00 am Invited dignitaries assemble on playing field
12:05-12:10 pm First, second and third aircraft land on main playing field with dignitaries
1210-12:25 pm VC and CV recipients meet with dignitaries
12:25 pm Players assemble on field
12:30-12:42 VC and CV recipients meet and greet players
12:45 pm Last post ceremony
1250 pm National Anthems of Australia and New Zealand
12:55 pm Players will have 20 mins to continue with their warmup and game prep
1:15 pm 1st grade game commences (Luke Meehan to kick off game ball)
2:50 pm 1st grade game concludes
3:00 pm 2nd grade game commences
4:20 pm 2nd grade game concludes
4:45 pm All visitors and general public are invited into the clubhouse for meals and speeches