The Nowra RSL Sub Branch will host the now annual event, which is a fundraiser for DefenceCare supporting veterans.

This year the Shoalhaven will play host to two Victoria Cross recipients, Warrant Officer Keith Payne AM and New Zealand special forces Lance Corporal Willie Apiata.

The late Cameron Baird VC will also be represented by his father Doug, as will Kevin Wheatley VC by his son George.

Four Cross of Valour [CV] recipients Allan Sparkes OAM, Timothy Britten, Darrell Tree and Richard Joyes will also be in attendance.

The Cross of Valour is Australia’s highest civil award for bravery, the civilian equivalent to the Victoria Cross.

The special guests will again be flown into Rugby Park by the Royal Australian Navy helicopters from HMAS Albatross prior to kickoff of the annual Digger Day rugby clash between Shoals and Kiama.

Digger Day chairman and Nowra RSL secretary Rick Meehan said the day would again be superb.

“Digger Day is now well entrenched in the Shoals’ annual calendar and we would like to see it stay that way,” he said.

“Both clubs, Shoals and Kiama have been fantastic in their ongoing support of the event.”

Once again a specially designed Shoalhaven jersey has been designed for the day. On the front it features an Australian digger with a Kangaroo during the Mena Camp, Cairo, Egypt, while on the back there are five diggers on camels.

“Next year will be a big event,” Mr Meehan said “the centenary of the end of World War I.

“We have some pretty big plans to mark such an important date in history.”

The first game of rugby [third grade] on July 22  is at 10.45am, the Army Red Beret Parachute Display Team will jump into the ground just after midday. The special guests will arrive by helicopter at 12.15pm, will greet both teams from 12.40 followed by the moving Last Post ceremony.

The first grade clash starts at 1.25pm, followed by second grade at 3pm, with the special after match function and and auction of the Digger Day jerseys from 5.20pm.

“This is a a great day for all to enjoy, and best of all it’s free,” Mr Meehan said.

“Come along and enjoy the activities. There is something for everyone and the kids are also catered for with jumping castles and activities.

“Your support goes a long way to supporting our veterans.”