PHOTO EXHIBITION THANKS AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN
A photographic exhibition titled ‘Thank you for your service’ showcasing the diversity of current Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans, and their families, will go on display today at Sydney’s Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, in the lead-up to Anzac Day 2019.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the exhibition is made up of remarkable photographs taken by one of Australia’s most respected photo-journalists Alex Ellinghausen, of more than 40 men and women who serve or have served in defence of Australia and their families.
“The images showcase men and women from a wide range of backgrounds doing a wide range of jobs in all three services and from a variety of deployments, as well as the family members who have supported them,” Mr Chester said.
“This exhibition is a reminder that as a nation we should be immensely grateful for what our current and former ADF personnel have done and are doing, and the sacrifices made by their families.
“It highlights why it is important to acknowledge their service, which can be as simple as saying ‘Thank you for your service’.”
Mr Chester said Alex Ellinghausen had been invited to photograph the exhibition after being awarded the 2018 Press Gallery Journalist of the Year.
“Alex is an incredible talent and the first photojournalist to win this prestigious award,” Mr Chester said.
“He has done a remarkable job capturing the images on display and I congratulate him on the quality of his work.”
The exhibition comprises four themes: diversity of personnel, diversity of task and individual, transition into civilian life, and support of loved ones and respect and recognition. The exhibition has been put together by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in partnership with the ADF, the New South Wales Government, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I encourage all those in the community to visit the exhibition, view the photos and read the stories of these individuals,” Mr Chester said.
“To those who participated in this exhibition, thank you. For those who haven’t served, it is difficult to understand what life in the ADF is like and it is my sincere hope this exhibition will provide a further appreciation of what it means to serve.”
The exhibition is free to attend and will be on display at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park for three months. For those looking to visit the exhibition, please check details on the Anzac Memorial website. Australians can also view an online gallery of the exhibition on the DVA website here.