As the nation stops to commemorate Remembrance Day – the life size statue of Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean VC has been unveiled in Latrobe.
Deputy Premier, Guy Barnett, paid homage to Teddy's significant legacy today at the unveiling of the statue, alongside the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Latrobe Council Mayor Peter Freshney, and Teddy Sheean's nephew, Garry Ivory.
"Today is immense – Edward 'Teddy' Sheean VC is a national hero, he's my hero, and I couldn't be prouder," the Deputy said.
"Teddy, a proud Tasmanian, displayed remarkable courage on 1 December 1942, when HMAS Armidale was under heavy attack by enemy aircraft.
"His actions saved many lives, and in 2020, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour.
"I want to pay a special thanks to Garry Ivory, the nephew of Teddy Sheean VC, for spearheading the campaign for 32 years.
"It was my honour to campaign with Garry, the Sheean family, the RSL, veterans and others for 17 years to secure the Victoria Cross.
"And now, immortalised forevermore in Latrobe, Teddy's statue is a defining part of his legacy.
"It allows future generations of Tasmanians to gaze upon the face of heroism.
"We're fortunate to have this physical reminder of Teddy here in Tasmania – I have written to the Federal Government asking that Collins class submarine HMAS Sheean, upon its decommissioning, be gifted to Tasmania, acting as another physical reminder of Teddy's heroism.
"I want to thank everyone involved, particularly the Latrobe Council who jointly funded this statue with the State Government.
"This is a nationally significant monument to a true Australian hero and I am grateful and honoured to see it come to life."
