"Hearing the individual personal stories of those who served our country selflessly was a humbling experience. Their recollections were strong, vivid and often filled with emotion. Being a part of the large team of creative people who have brought this important project to life to share with the broader community has been a privilege.”
- Lorraine MacLarty, Photographer 2016, 2017 & 2018, Artist 2017
"Being the Project Coordinator of the Australian Spirit Project and participating artist has been a humbling and rewarding experience, and it will remain a treasured memory. I have had the honour of meeting so many wonderful, selfless, talented and generous people. I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the men and women and their families that have made so many sacrifices in service to our country."
- Leasha Craig, Project Coordinator, Artist 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Photographer 2018
"The relationship between artist, poet, photographer and veteran seemed an unlikely mix; however, as my rough words became lyrical through the poet, my image transformed by the artist and captured by the photographer, I felt a pride and gratitude, not just for me but for all those who wear the same uniform and shared similar experiences."
- Max Streeter, Veteran 2015, Artist 2016
"Learning of the heroic sacrifices of all our war veterans through Mal Brian’s experience, reinforces the fact that we can never say 'Thank you' enough."
- Cathryn McEwen, Artist 2015
"I have had the pleasure of being a subject in the Australian Spirit project. My experience comes from being a retired Special Forces Operator 4CDO in which I deployed on 3 Tours to Afghanistan and 1 of the South Pacific theatre. It was on my second tour of Afghanistan I was wounded by enemy fire and grenade shrapnel, I did return for a third tour but after that the injuries to my body were too much to continue and after losing many close friends in combat I began to struggle with PTSD.
I and as I could imagine most veterans would be quite unsure, nervous and reserved about opening up to not only tell but have a piece of artwork made to reflect me. Since having this done it has given me a chance to open up, tell my story for the public to see, hear and understand what I and many men and women have experienced having served in war, peacetime and since returning to civilian life."
I and as I could imagine most veterans would be quite unsure, nervous and reserved about opening up to not only tell but have a piece of artwork made to reflect me. Since having this done it has given me a chance to open up, tell my story for the public to see, hear and understand what I and many men and women have experienced having served in war, peacetime and since returning to civilian life."
-Chad Elliot, Veteran 2017
"It has been a profound experience to present Dick’s story to the Australian Spirit project, to poetry, to history, and to each reader. As with all lives, there is so much more to tell."
- Oriel Parker, Poet 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018
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