More than 55 years ago, despite being 6,000 kilometres apart, Birchip residents Frank Hunt and Ray Naughton made history on the very same day. Now, their legacies are forever captured in a mural by artist Matt Hannah.

The connection between Frank Hunt and Ray Naughton is immortalised in Redgum’s 1983 song “I Was Only 19”, which includes the line “Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon.” This lyric encapsulates both of their stories – one of sacrifice, the other of innovation.

Frank Hunt

Frank Hunt OAM enlisted in the Army at just 17 after leaving Birchip, serving in Vietnam. At 19, he was severely injured in an explosives attack, losing his leg in the blast. Despite his injuries, Hunt demonstrated extraordinary resilience, using mud to slow the bleeding and his shirt as a bandage. His bravery – both in battle and in enduring his injuries until medical help arrived – remain an inspiration to many.

Ray Naughton

Ray Naughton was a radio and antenna expert who lived, worked and raised his family in Birchip. Ray would communicate with the astronauts who undertook the Apollo 11 mission, and he would often be the only person on earth who would receive communications from the mission. Naughton created a 250-metre wide and 30-metre-high antenna from his home office, capable of bouncing off the moon. NASA scientists were impressed with his knowledge and sent Ray on an all-expenses-paid trip to America to share his experience.

“The contrast between these two significant events demonstrates the depth of human resilience, ingenuity and determination – both of which these two Birchip men had in spades,” Emily Noonan, Mali Heart Street Art committee member, said at the unveiling.