One of Australia’s most loved World War II veterans, Dick Payten, has been honoured with the renaming of a Sydney reserve after him.
The City of Canterbury Bankstown paid tribute to the deceased local war hero in a ceremony attended by his family and friends on the 12-month anniversary of his passing.
Also in attendance at Monday’s ceremony were some of Mr Payten’s 39 grand and great grand-children and long-time friend and Kokoda veteran, 97-year-old Mr Reginald Chard.
The reserve in his honour is situated on the corner of Miller Road and Hume Highway at Villawood and is part of Remembrance Driveway, which has a monument dedicated to Dick’s beloved 7th Division.
Mr Payten was a true hero, having fought in the Middle East and in Papua New Guinea in World War II, and became the long-time president of the 7th Australian Division Association, which was a driving force behind the development of memorials and commemorations at the reserve.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said the naming of the reserve was tinged with both sadness and joy.
“While we are unveiling the naming of this Reserve in his memory, it is also the anniversary of his death, just 12 months ago and just weeks away from what would have been his 100th birthday,” Mayor Asfour said.
“Dick’s exploits are legendary… from his repeated attempts to join the armed forces, to serving in the Middle East and then returning home, only to be sent to Papua New Guinea.
“He dedicated his life to the memory of his fallen comrades and for the betterment of the loved ones they left behind.”
