Frank Partridge VC was born in Grafton NSW on 29 November 1924.

He went to primary school at Tewinga in the Nambucca Valley and had  a passion for knowledge. He left school at the age of 12 to help his father on the family’s banana farm.

After WWII broke out, Frank joined up at Macksville. He served in Bougainville and towards the end of the war, was involved in a fierce battle with the Japanese. His courageous action using his .303 rifle plus a Bren gun, led him being recommended for the VC by his commanding officer, Major Michael Moran of Missabotti.

Frank was the youngest Australian VC winner, the first militiaman and last serviceman to be awarded a VC in World War II. In 1946 Frank was part of the Victory Contingent. In 1953 he attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He travelled on HMAS Sydney with 4 other Australian VC winners. He went to London in 1956 for the VC centenary.

Frank became a very popular and successful contestant on Pick a Box, Bob Dyer’s radio and television quiz show. He won £25,000.

Frank announced his engagement to nurse Barbara Dunlop. They were married in Sydney and later Barbara gave birth to their son Lachlann in Dec 1963

Frank decided to give away banana growing and was planning to enter politics. In the meantime he became an insurance salesman. He was returning from Dorrigo on a sales trip, when he collided with a timber jinker and was killed. The date was 23 March 1964 and Frank was only 39. His funeral was held at the Presbyterian Church Macksville, and was attended by thousands. Frank was buried in Macksville Cemetery with full military honours.

Frank and Barbara’s son, Lachlann officially opened this museum, which is named in Frank’s honour, on 11 November 2001.