This Story Australia

Our Veterans all have a different story to tell … one that we should be listening to. Whether it was joining the service in WWII because of adventure, describing what it was like to come home from Vietnam to no crowds, no thank you and no understanding … or our Gulf, Timor or Afghanistan Veterans speaking of their experiences and dealing with their own demons … they all have helped to shape this country.
Memorials, plaques and commemorative gardens are signs of how we use to remember, but in this digital rich age we need to do more. We need to listen, to take in their smiles and laughter and to feel the pain in their voices as they talk about loss. That can foster the connection in our society that we so desperately need. We owe them that much.

This project aims to make a difference to the engagement of people in our communities. By watching and listening to the stories of our Veterans we can develop an understanding that we are not alone in our own life struggles and celebrations. These documentary interviews can serve as a catalyst to bring us together. Each one of us has a part to play in our community and the sharing of personal stories can act as examples of how we can be united.

Short Term • Includes an immediate feeling of recognition and connection with the Veteran as they share their personal stories of life, their service and Australia. An increased awareness and perspective are measured immediate outcomes. Medium Term • Involves a verbal acknowledgement of Veterans within the community through our project’s growth. The public will recognise that none of us are really that different, and that a greater tolerance and understanding should be fostered in society. There will develop a deeper respect for the elderly in our community, a recognition of Veteran’s dedication to our way of life and a hopefully a stronger support for charities and commemorative events such as ANZAC Day. Long Term • Adaptive approaches to community projects that highlight the diversity in our society. A result of this could be more acceptance of mental health issues and we could see a safer, more trusting and more accountable society.

We have an outstanding following within the ADF community and organisations such as Stage RSLsm local Rotary Clubs and historical groups and organisations. Organic growth of our YouTube channel has increased over 550% in views in the past calendar year and we now have just shy of 100,000 views of our shared stories. All videos are available across multiple digital mediums; our website, our YoutTube channel/social media and State Libraries.

1. Donate to This Story … and as such help us preserve our Veteran’s stories
2. Spread awareness regarding the importance of Australia’s history, the involvement of our Veterans and the similarity found in all of our struggles and successes. This can be done through word of mouth and through social media channels.
3. Attend commemorative ceremonies like ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services and encourage questioning and enquiry in our children and youth. This can be accomplished by involving the documentaries into Social Studies or History within schools.