Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Rachel WESTAWAY (Prahran) (13:27): Yesterday on Remembrance Day I had the privilege of visiting two vital community organisations that embody the spirit of service and connection we commemorate on 11 November. First I visited the Australian National Veterans Art Museum, which recently won a $4000 Australia Post community award. ANVAM provides veterans with a powerful space for self-expression – for doing poetry, for painting, for sculptures and much, much more. What makes ANVAM exceptional is their whole-of-life approach, engaging veterans early in their careers and during transition and equipping them with tools that promote validation, identity and purpose. I met with Jo Brown; Kat Baldwin – Kat is actually currently serving in the navy; and Steve Cotterill. Their work is crucial because RSLs represent only 20 per cent of our veteran community. ANVAM fills this gap, supporting veterans who need alternative pathways to wellbeing.