Following the successful Veteran’s Art Workshop and Exhibition in April 2023, HPG celebrated the official opening of the Veterans’ Stories art exhibition at Mosman Art Gallery on Friday, 1 December 2023.
HPG welcomed members and supporters, participating veterans, Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan, Mosman Art Gallery staff including Director John Cheeseman, Curator of the Exhibition Kelly McDonald, and Public Programs Officer Althea Kuzman.
ABOVE: Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan opened the exhibition. She said “Mosman has been an important site for military activity since the beginning of the 19th century. Mosman Council is supportive of the work of the Headland Preservation group in developing this exhibition, which reflects on the impact of active service on the veterans of Australia’s returned services.”
ABOVE: Jill L’Estrange, HPG President said that “This project involving veterans is in perfect synergy with our vision to preserve, protect and interpret the military values of these lands and tell the stories of these lands and the many people who served there.”
Images: Michael Mangold
Read the speeches by Jill L’Estrange, HPG President, and Alan Toner, HPG Committee Member and President Mosman sub-Branch RSL below.
WELCOME TO VETERANS’ STORIES
By Jill L’Estrange, HPG President
On behalf of the Headland Preservation Group I welcome you to the exhibition of ‘Veterans’ Stories’.
‘Veterans’ Stories’ is HPG’s inaugural project.
As part of our recent 25 year Anniversary Celebrations, through the generosity of the community, we raised money for a veterans wellbeing project - a Veterans Art Workshop – where their stories could be told.
What you see here tonight in the Balnaves Gallery are the fruits of that workshop.
I would like to thank Mosman Council and, in particular, Mr John Cheeseman – Director of Mosman Art Gallery, Ms Kelly McDonald – Curator of the Exhibition, Ms Althea Kuzman – Public Programs Officer, and Ms Anne Shoebridge – Head of Philanthropy.
For their enthusiasm and support for this project and for making this exhibition a reality.
I would also like to thank the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust for providing the venue and assisting with the logistics for the workshop.
As you may know, HPG ‘s main focus has been to ensure that the environmental and heritage values of the ex-defence lands in and around Sydney Harbour are protected against inappropriate development. As a result of HPG’s efforts over the last 25 years and those of other foreshore protection groups, these lands are protected in perpetuity for the benefit of future generations of Australians.
Veterans Project
This project involving veterans is in perfect synergy with our vision to preserve, protect and interpret the military values of these lands and tell the stories of these lands and the many people who served there.
In particular, I would like to thank HPG Committee members Lisa Paulsen and Alan Toner for inspiring us to undertake the project and making it a reality. The project was a big task and an enormous commitment was made by both.
I would also like to thank the HPG committee, all of whom were invested in the positive outcome of the project and ensured its success.
Artists Workshop
The artist workshop was held over the weekend of 15-16 April this year to coincide with ANZAC Day. It was held at the Landship, part of the Georges Heights Military precinct which has a military history dating back to the 1870’s.
Richard Lewer
The workshop was led by renowned artist Richard Lewer. Richard, a Melbourne-based artist, often works with communities, focusing on art made in response to particular issues. In this case, I understand that Richard, inspired after walking the Kokoda track, was keen to work with the Veterans.
Veterans
Of course, a project like this does not succeed without the commitment of the veterans. They are the artists and they are the stars.
I am delighted that 5 of the nine have been able to join us tonight: Raymond Foord – “Dixie”, Will Buenen, Steven Ryan, Shai Bahari currently serving in the Royal Australian Navy, and Alan Toner.
I would also like to acknowledge the veterans who were unable to attend tonight: Trevor Cochrane – “Duck”, Dan Bullivant, Catherine Sturge, and Jamie Zimmermann.
The veterans represent various roles across the defence forces, and many have served abroad in East Timor and the Middle East. The works you see in the gallery are very powerful and tell of their experiences.
You can also hear their stories captured on film, which further places the artworks in context. Thank you, Motel Picture Company ( Sophie Georgiou and Stef Mileski ), for your empathy and professionalism in capturing the ‘Veterans Stories.’
HPG Privilege
I speak for the entire HPG committee when I say it has been the greatest honour and privilege to have been able to work with the Veterans on this project.
I was overwhelmed when, at morning tea on the first day of the workshop, HPG was presented with the Veteran’s Flag as a measure of their deepest appreciation for HPG’s undertaking.
It became clear that there is a failure in our society to adequately acknowledge veterans and to put measures in place for their well-being.
Having been at the workshop over the 2 days, it was heartwarming to observe the support, camaraderie and mateship that developed between the veterans as they progressed their works of art.
It the workshop has been of benefit in any way to the veterans then it was a success. For me, personally, I am enormously proud to be part of this project.
Grants
HPG will be exploring potential grants in an effort to make this style of project a biennial event.
I thank you all here tonight for attending to support the veterans, and I wish you all a most enjoyable evening.
A veteran’s perspective
by Alan Toner, HPG Committee Member and President Mosman sub-Branch RSL
“When I first stepped in here and looked around the room and heard the voices of the veterans being played on the screen, I saw and heard stories of grief, despair, difference, trauma, hypocrisy and uncertainty.
“Although we recognise that veterans volunteer to serve their Country, we often don’t see that the realities of going to a war zone, providing international aid to those in need or providing domestic assistance here at home does indeed come at a cost to those veterans.
“The veterans in this art project have said that to be mentored by Richard Lewer and be provided a space with all the resources needed to explore their ideas was a memorable experience, to say the least. It has helped them in so many ways.
“I shared my experiences with Richard during the workshop, and he listened and assisted me with expressing myself through painting. I now have a huge appreciation for painting and wish to do more of it. It has sparked a new beginning within me.
“So now, when I look around the room and listen to the veterans talk about their unique experiences, I hear stories of resilience, empowerment, wonder, creation, gratitude, acceptance and transformation.
I am extremely grateful for this experience. On behalf of all the veterans involved in this project, I thank HPG and Richard Lewer for this incredible experience and their continued advocacy to improve the well-being of veterans.”