G. Governor Mostyn:Veteran care is not a uniform approach

Veteran care is not a uniform approach. The Australian National Veterans Art Museum (ANVAM) in Melbourne exemplifies how creativity can facilitate healing, empowerment, and connection.

ANVAM, which is led by veterans, promotes mental, physical, and social well-being through various art programs, exhibitions, and collaborative efforts. It serves not just as a gallery, but as a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals can create, share both personal and national narratives, and cultivate a dynamic community.

Recently, the Governor-General, in their role as Patron-in-Chief, visited ANVAM, engaging with the team, veteran artists, and numerous workshop participants. Notable attendees included artist-in-residence Keith Ross, poet Emily Chettle, embroidery artist Sacha de Wit, performer Kirshy McAinch, ceramicist Dan Elborne, photographer Paul Danaher, and ANVAM's poet laureate Steve Cotterill.

Among the remarkable artworks is Sacha de Wit's poignant installation, The Unknown Widow, which articulates the themes of love and loss from World War I. Through the use of handkerchiefs, she intricately embroiders the 66-character epitaphs inscribed by widows and families on soldiers' gravestones, transforming sorrow into art and honoring the memory of the 60,000 lives lost.

If you are in Melbourne this weekend, consider visiting ANVAM's gallery. Join Chairman Mark Johnston, Head of Arts Programs Tanja Johnston, Deputy Director Kat Baldwin, and the ANVAM team for the annual Festival of Veterans Arts Variety Performance on Saturday, followed by Live Music at the Shrine on Sunday.

For more information, follow @anvam310.