On April 18, 2008, the local artist, Coralie Johnson, presented her work "The Digger" to Burleigh Heads RSL Sub-Branch. At the presentation, her mother, Mrs May Conroy, joined her for the special moment.

Coralie explained the importance of the painting to her both in her art and her life to Chris Keating at the hand-over.

Here is what Coralie had to say:

The Story behind "The Digger"

My name is Coralie Johnston and I reside at Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia. I am a local artist and have been painting for many years now. When I paint I like my work to have feeling, often with a deeper meaning that touches a part in each of us. If the painting reaches the inner soul - then that is the ultimate for me.

To give you the history of the "the digger", I have to take you back to the days when I was a little girl and my brother and I would sit around the kitchen table and Dad used to tell us stories about our soldiers who went off to war so that we could live in peace and to be free.

Stories of my grandfather, Charles, who bravely fought the enemy after his brother was killed in Messines, July 1917. My uncle Bill who served six years as a medic at the front lines, World War II, in New Guinea. My Dad's friend, Osca, who served in the Army for many years. He used to visit us and tell us stories of our brave men and women. Special memories, special moments. My pride in our servicemen and women comes from special times shared, stories of friends and family who served in all parts of the world.

Some way or another, we have all been touched by our diggers and we have a lot to be thankful for. All that they sacrificed to keep us safe and free. So as you can see the painting that L was about to undertake was very special to me.

I always wanted to paint a soldier, but it had to be the "right" one. Then in our local paper on the 20/4/2005 there appeared a photo of a soldier, head bowed reverently and in remembrance of our fallen. I knew then that this was what I wanted to paint. Every brushstroke that went into the painting was felt from the heart and I dedicate it to all our diggers past, present and future.

I had planned to give the painting to the R.S.L. long before this day, but I found it hard because it meant so much to me. He hung on our wall and I often used to look at him and just would remember what sacrifices were made for us - it gave me peace.

Anzac day, 2008 was approaching and the time had come to put him where he belonged. I rang the Burleigh Heads RSL and Mr. Chris Keating, President of the sub-branch answered the phone. I knew from that moment on that "the digger" was going home.

He now hangs in pride of place under the "eternal flame" at the Burleigh Heads RSL. "The Digger" is now at home, the "eternal flame" shines down on him reflecting on those that are with us and those that have passed.

"The Digger" - Home at last.