Son of VC Hero Returns Home to Share Remarkable ANZAC Story
Published on 21 April 2026
The story of one of Hamilton’s most extraordinary residents will be brought to life this ANZAC Day, as Rob Kenna returns to his hometown to share a powerful and personal account of courage, sacrifice and legacy.
Rob Kenna, son of Victoria Cross recipient Ted Kenna, will bring back his presentation “Walking in the Footsteps of the 2/4th – The Ted Kenna VC Story” on Friday 24 April 2026 from 3.00-4.00pm at Melville Oval.
Rob, who will speak at the Hamilton Cenotaph at the 2026 ANZAC dawn service, will take audiences on a journey to explore the extraordinary life of his father, from a quiet upbringing in Hamilton to the brutal fighting in Papua New Guinea that earned him the nation’s highest military honour.
Rob Kenna is excited to show people the real story behind one of Hamilton’s favourite sons.
“People know the name,” said Rob, “they know the statue near Melville Oval, but they don’t know the story. People of a certain era would have only known him as the man who worked at the town hall, but they have no idea how ferocious the action was when he earned the VC, or the grit it took to go and do it all again just two weeks later.”
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin said the event is a fitting way to reflect on the meaning of ANZAC Day.
“It’s an amazing story and I can’t wait to hear the presentation,” said Cr Heslin.
“We know that Ted lived in Hamilton all his life, and that up until he volunteered for the army in 1941, he had never gone further than Warrnambool. He returned back to the town he loved, and history has cemented him as one of Hamilton’s most courageous residents.”
Wounded in action and spending almost all of 1946 recovering in a hospital in Heidelberg, Ted returned to Hamilton after marrying Marj, one of the nurses who cared for him. Just a year later, he famously kicked the winning goal in the 1947 Western District Grand Final against Casterton.
The talk will focus not just on Ted and his VC action, but on the men around him, many of whom did not make it home. These were the men that Ted considered heroes and Rob will endeavour to honour their memories too.
Open to the public, the free event offers a unique opportunity for community members, history enthusiasts and families alike to connect with a defining chapter of local and national history.
Please join us from 3.00-4.00pm on Friday 24 April 2026 at the Melville Oval function room. For a full list of ANZAC activities, contact your local RSL, and for details on local services, check out our website.
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