Testimonials

  • ANVAM has been supporters of mine for years. They have always liked my silly little [social media] content. They've supported me across all my social media channels and they were a charity that, when I first walked in those doors in Melbourne, I felt like I was part of the family. I was instantly greeted with smiles, and warmth, and love, and care.

    - Colleen 2026

  • My daughter and I have been involved with ANVAM for a long time, and I’ve always loved how welcoming and inclusive they are. They make it easy for veterans and families of veterans to explore the arts in whatever way feels right. No complicated eligibility conversations. No hoops to jump through. Just community.

    - Annabelle 2026

  • (FOVA 2026) Watching and listening to a night of sopranos, pianists, folk singers, poets and other performance artists, it crystallised for me that veteran art isn’t about “expression” in the way it’s often framed. I used to think of it as therapy pretending to be output, or worse, sentiment packaged for applause. At its best it’s actually translation, taking experiences that don’t fit precisely into language and rendering them into something others can engage with without dilution. This is more important than it may seem. The veteran ecosystem has a tendency to default to service delivery, advocacy and identity. Necessary, but incomplete. Art done properly cuts across all three. It builds culture, it communicates (without needing permission) and it reaches people who would never attend a briefing, read a report or sit through a panel. That’s leverage. It's building a cultural layer around the veteran experience, one that doesn’t ask for sympathy, doesn’t rely on bureaucracy, and doesn’t need to explain itself to be understood. And I learned a long time ago that you ignore culture at your own peril, it’s the substrate everything else sits on..

    - David 2026

  • ANVAM has always been a welcoming, and safe space for me, who embraces your uniqueness, quirks and all... Community and being with your tribe who get you, with shared passions means so much.

    - Jen 2026

  • There are very few organisations that are genuinely inclusive of all people in the Defence community, with a lot of division between current serving, veterans and families. One of the most noteable exceptions is ANVAM. ANVAM is truly inclusive of the whole Defence community. Current serving, veteran and family members, everyone is welcome. They have been such a welcoming organisation to me, the adult daughter of a veteran, who didn’t feel I had the right to call myself part of the veteran community at all. As many people who have lived through trauma know, you can feel when you are with people who have had similar experiences to you. They get it, without you having to say anything. That is what it feels like at ANVAM. They have been a significant part of my healing journey and I have developed real friendships with amazing veterans and adult children of veterans as a result of my connection to them.

    - Ruth, 2026

  • Whilst I was somewhat aware of ANVAM's struggles to acquire 310 St. Kilda Road, skimming what you have put out in the last few days has affirmed me in my admiration of what a robust small coterie has attempted to do for Veterans and Melbournians for thirteen-odd years! ANVAM's efforts have been comprehensive, exhaustive, professional, persuasive, impressive.

    - Stephen, 2026

  • I walked into the ANVAM today expecting to see art. Instead, I saw identity, courage and community. It is a cultural institution, yes. But it is also something more. A place where creativity reconnects people to themselves and each other. A place where wellbeing is not just a concept on paper. The space in Melbourne’s arts precinct is not just somewhere to hang art. It is somewhere veterans and families reconnect with meaning and purpose through engagement programs that put belonging into practice. You can feel it. We hear a lot about the cost of supporting ill and injured veterans. We almost never talk about the contribution. Not just in employment. In culture, innovation, leadership, creativity, community and legacy. The story of veterans should not start and end with trauma. It should include the things they create, shape and influence long after their service ends. After visiting the team today, I realised how much of Melbourne’s creative landscape has been shaped by veterans and their families. Artworks I have walked past without knowing their origin. It made me wonder how many buildings, books, songs, sculptures and performances Australia celebrates without realising they were created by people who once served and who continue contributing long after the uniform comes off. Places like ANVAM matter because belonging comes first. No expectations. No conditions.

    - Rachel, 2025

  • Art makes the experience of war more accessible to the general population, not just in the present, but for the generations that follow as well.

    - Hon Matt Keogh MP, MinDVA, 2025

  • Your efforts are greatly appreciated and I thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for me and the veteran community

    - Mike, 2025

  • I recently had the chance to chat with some of the team from ANVAM & it reminded me of something easily forgotten. During military service, we often become the embodiment of service itself. It shapes our identity, purpose, & discipline. But ANVAM's work reminds us that we're also human, either in-service or post service; people who feel, create, & express. They're doing incredible work building a community where art becomes a pathway to wellbeing, connection, & rediscovery.

    - Aaron 2025

  • What you are doing, have been doing now for many years, is impressive. I am well aware of what it takes and how your energy and belief carry so much. I hope that the Museum building comes, at last, into existence. It seems so obviously a good thing.

    - Rosemary 2025

  • Over and over I have arrived at ANVAM with my load of Life’s infirmities and left later that day emboldened and unburdened by the purity of the creative process. Thanks ANVAM, I’ll keep coming.

    - Craig 2025

  • We are the agency Agency

    - Tanja (Founder) 2025

  • ANVAM isn't just an activity, it's a Mindset

    - Mark (Chairman & Director) 2025

  • Self help is important and believing in yourself is very important. My Art keeps me out of trouble and the things I paint I can't always give a reason why I painted it but all in all my reason is it makes me happy

    - Veteran R, 2025

  • Art is a powerful tool whether practised as a hobby or profession, its importance to veterans can be priceless as a form or rehabilitation or a vehicle for sharing their experiences with the broader community

    - Minister for Veterans NSW, David Harris 2025

  • I feel like I've found my people and my home.

    - Simon 2025

  • I was very privileged and glad to be able to exhibit some pieces in FOVA25.

    - Andrew 2025

  • Love the work ANVAM does, it’s really important.

    - Pete 2025

  • There are a lot of veterans with similar stories to myself and what ANVAM has been doing in the art space to enable some of those veterans is nothing short of amazing.

    -Phil 2025

  • ANVAM is nearly perfect, with the only flaw being the missing recognition in which everyone here deserves.

    - Hamish 2025

  • I love what ANVAM is all about.

    - Jen 2025

  • I appreciate the great work ANVAM is doing for our veteran community and our wider workforce in VBM. It matters.

    - Jason 2025

  • Thank you ANVAM for all the support and guidance. It has been a privalege to be part of FOVA and to provide VBM based artists with an opportunity to share their otherwise invisible creative lives with their co-workers.

    - Stu 2025

  • There is something truely dysfunctional in the way successive governments have ignored the request by ANVAM for 310SKR. It is within the power of the next elected government to provide this as building as per your vision. Veterans gain so much from the facilities ANVAM provides.

    - Ian 2025

  • The work you and the whole team have done over many years to support Veterans is truly commendable. Restoring this unused building for Veteran use makes sense and will bring it back to life with purpose and dignity.

    - Neil 2025

  • Healing looks different for everyone. At ANVAM veterans and their families find connection, purpose, and creative expression through art. For families the journey is shared. ANVAM is an inclusive space where we're reminded that we're never alone.

    - Michelle 2025

  • It is a privilege to work with ANVAM, … among other organisations, who challenge constraining orthodoxies that elevate one way of being above another, or limit participation according to redundant definitions of ability.

    - Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia & ANVAM Patron-in-Chief 2025

  • I'm a strong supporter of ANVAM and value the work they do to help veterans through art. I've visited their current gallery and was deeply moved by the powerful stories behind the artworks. ANVAM is an important organisation supporting the veteran community and show power of art for healing and connection.

    - Natalie Suleyman MP, Victorian Minister for Veterans 2025

  • A special shout out to the phenomenal display by ANVAM whose art brought the past into the present, and helped further link all of us into the spirit of the day.

    - Hawthorn RSL 2025

  • Absolutely fascinating to see what is hidden around Melbourne and to learn the histories of the artists/sculptors/architects. Even learning the histories of buildings such as VCA, Hamer Hall and Princes Bridge was unexpected and engaging.

    - Helen 2025

  • Thank you guys. It's an honour to share my work and be part of the awesome veteran art's community!

    - Phil 2025

  • I've been privileged to witness just a small part of their work and I'm in awe of the team's commitment and dedication to supporting the veteran artist community.

    - Emma 2025

  • Wonderful to be part of this exhibition, where art speaks, memories live and connections grow.

    - Michelle 2025

  • We are excited to see an event, FOVA, that helps bring these unique voices and community contributions to the forefront.

    - Provocatus 2025

  • Inspired by the creativity on display at FOVA25, Kasey reflected on her time in the Royal Australian Navy: “I recall from my own time at sea, we had people on board who brought sewing machines and instruments. In HMAS NEWCASTLE, we even had a group of aspiring DJ’s who brought records and mixing decks. It’s difficult for people to imagine this happening in a war zone, but it really did happen.” Veterans and their families are more than their service-they are also artists, musicians, storytellers, and creators.

    - Kasey 2025

  • I had the incredible opportunity to team up with @titan.416 and ANVAM to host an astrophotography workshop for fellow veterans and active members of the ADF. We were even fortunate enough to witness the stunning Aurora Australis! 😎 It was a true privilege to connect with such wonderful individuals. A heartfelt thank you to ANVAM for their generous support and commitment to helping the defense community showcase their artistic talents.

    - Jason 2025

  • ANVAM, psyched to a part of it all. Thanks for all you do.

    - Ben 2025

  • Hope you have a great walk on the Veterans Public Art Trail this morning. I still fondly remember our walk last year, it really changed the way I see our city, its history and the creative contributions of veterans.

    - Helen 2025

  • Well done team ANVAM. Can't wait for #FOVA26

    - Ashley 2025

  • It is always great to see the power of creative arts in helping enhance connectedness, creativity, mindfulness and can be done at both the hobbyist-professional level.

    - Sam 2025

  • Congratulations on the exceptional program for the Festival Of Veterans Arts 2025. So many aspects of the arts for all veterans during FOVA.

    - Dr B. Hughes OAM 2025

  • I had the privilege of attending the Festival of Veterans Arts (FOVA) and facilitating a panel on how the arts can bring us together. Thank you ANVAM for bringing together this talented collective of artists from the veteran community.

    - Ali 2025

  • I have been fortunate enough to be involved with ANVAM for many years now and I am really excited to be working with them for the Festival Of Veterans Arts this March.

    - Phil 2025

  • Art saved my life, but ANVAM gave me my life back.

    - Veteran M 2025

  • It's March, and that means FOVA at ANVAM! Last year this debut festival was a major highlight of my year, and I hope that even more veterans and family members of veterans can be a part of this incredible community building arts program. Check it out and get involved :)

    - Katheryn 2025

  • ANVAM, the pioneers in the ongoing support for Veteran Arts

    - Kelly 2025

  • ANVAM have been utterly awesome on my author journey. I would not have kept going without them.

    - Roger 2025

  • Of the whole ESO community, you guys have really worked it out, you've nailed it.

    - Abby 2025

  • The space at ANVAM is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s a haven for creativity and connection, and I feel so lucky to be a part of this vibrant community. The support and enthusiasm I received today were overwhelming, and I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity to connect with fellow artists.

    - Chris 2025

  • I just love coming to ANVAM. This place is so welcoming and accepting of everyone wherever they are at.

    - Kirrily 2025

  • ANVAM is one of the only veteran support agencies that really brings it when it comes to community building for the veteran community. Not only that, it actively celebrates veterans and veteran families with a focus on their strength and capacity.

    - Ruth 2025

  • Australian institutions & charities such as ANVAM play a critical role in the telling of veterans' stories, supporting veteran mental health and wellbeing and undertaking important research and community education. Thank you for sharing the ANVAM's proposal for a new national veterans arts & cultural institution by re-purposing the former Repatriation Commission Outpatient Clinic. I am always pleased to hear about local examples of innovative thought in place-based partnerships, and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to pursuing projects such as this, despite a long dialogue with the Dept of Defence.

    - Prof Glynn Davis AC, Secretary PM&C 2024

  • I look forward to our continued collaborations with you and ANVAM to provide a platform for our members to express themselves and to highlight the importance of creativity and artistic endeavour within the wider veteran community.

    - LTGEN Natasha Fox AO CSC 2024

  • What is ANVAM? It’s a haven for veterans to explore their creative talents and build a community of shared experiences. Here, you’re encouraged to share your thoughts and feelings, a space where you can be vulnerable and creative among peers. It’s about feeling supported and valued within this community.

    - Chris 2024

  • What you have done here, and what you continue to do with ANVAM, does not receive enough thanks. All your work, all your frustrations and all the energy and passion you give - it's all worth it and means so very much to a growing community of people.

    - Anneke 2024

  • “Love the work of ANVAM and appreciate the support on instagram for my work :).”

    — Hilton Mesic, Timber Tamer 2024

  • “It was such a great experience to participate. It has now opened a whole new field of experiences connections etc. Something that I would not have even considered 2.5yrs ago!.”

    — @kangaroojackphoto 2024

  • “Thank you @anvam310 for all you do for the veteran community. It is a vital part of being to know acceptance and to have others appreciate your work.”

    — @dads357 2024

  • What you have done here, what you continue to do with ANVAM, does not receive enough thanks. It is all worth it and means so very much to a growing community of people. Thank you doesn't seem like enough.

    - Anne 2024

  • You get to meet and talk to other vets and artists. Renew interest in another form of art…

    - James F 2024

  • Q: How did your connection change to the veteran arts community? A: Better understanding of the long history of veteran art.

    -Aleisha 2024

  • Fantastic experience led by Mark. Thank you :)

    -Aleisha attending the Arts Trail 2024

  • Distracts and calms down your mind. Feel good after it, lovely people.

    - Rose after attending FOVA24

  • Favourite part of FOVA was “Learning new skills and being around other creative people”

    - Rose 2024

  • Due to the inclusive environment ANVAM creates when talking about the arts and through the carefully curated guest speakers.

    - Sasha on how FOVA24 celebrated the veteran community 2024

  • The creative side of my brain never turns off :) And FOVA added fuel to this.

    - Sacha 2024

  • I plan to attend FOVA25 for as long as possible and attend as many workshops as possible.

    - Sacha 2024

  • FOVA was such a wonderful event. Thank you Mark, Tanja and every person involved in this venture, for creating such a welcoming space for the whole Veteran Community. Creativity has always provided me with a place to process my own big feelings, and it was clear that this is true for everyone who participated in the summit. Authors, singers, visual artists, dancers and comedians. Veterans, Partners, siblings, children and friends. ANVAM celebrates the whole Veteran Community with their own creative pursuits. I look forward to seeing this event be even bigger next year. Well done, and thank you ANVAM.

    - Ashley 2024

  • I attended the creative summit & variety evening on 23rd March. The arts trail and the concert on 24th March. They were all brilliant.

    - Sacha 2024

  • The need to focus on learning this creative skill, and the sense of peace (mindfulness) I experienced during the creative process/activity stayed with me for many days afterwards. I feel inspired to explore this creative practice further, as a good outlet for grounding myself into a 'flow' state. Great for mental health!

    - Michael after attending FOVA24

  • As an art historian I found the wealth of information and possibilities for further research and writing unlimited.

    - Bronwyn after attending FOVA24

  • Terrific initiative that will grow as it becomes more widely known and widely promoted.

    - Bronwyn after attending FOVA24

  • Thanks so much ANVAM. Your ongoing commitment to celebrate female voices and perspectives is greatly appreciated.

    - Ruth, 2023

  • What a privilege it was for all of the MP's to have the portraits of Veteran Artists in Parliament House for the week, and such an honour to speak with some of the veterans and their families in Queens Hall at the launch of ANVAM's Persona exhibition.

    - Hon Shaun Leane MP, 2023

  • I feel like the art that I make is socially engaged and important ... to do with art and veterans and war and how we remember the people who are affected by war. To find someone who really believed in that voice and someone who gave it a platform – it’s really important to me.

    - Kat 2023

  • Thanks for your support on the occasional tweet I put out there regarding the creative arts. We have am incredibly talented group of people at the Regiment and I am lucky to have just asked the right questions at the right time and our creative young people have stepped forward to contribute to our vision and advance the Regiment through their art.

    - Jame 2022

  • ANVAM showcases the stories of veterans' unique lived experiences during and post-service and provides opportunities for Veterans' to express their creativity supporting their mental health and wellbeing through the arts.

    - Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans Affairs, 2022

  • Great to drop into ANVAM & see the old Repat at 310 St Kilda Rd. ANVAM has a great vision to harness the healing powers and wellbeing benefits of Veterans Art at the site in the future.

    - Shaune Neumann MP, Shadow Veterans Minister, 2022

  • Tanja was surprised when I asked her to sit for this portrait. As someone I've known for a few years now, Tanja has always seemed to me to be a powerhouse, a changemaker and a determined advocate for veterans. Her long involvement with the veteran community through family connections (her ancestors fought in WWI, WWII, her father is a veteran and so is her husband) led her to apply her skills as an art therapist to the ADF veteran community. She is one of the driving forces behind the ANVAM project, and has developed an arts-based recovery program which is now funded and embedded in Defence Joint Health. She continues to work with the ADF community in delivering evidence-based programs that support their/our mental health. My work challenges traditional criteria which determine the 'worthiness' of a subject through representations of 'normal' people in their power. Most of the portraits in our national institutions are of Very Important People, and Tanja hadn't imagined she would fit into that category. She draws her strength from her passion and is driven to increase opportunities for veterans to engage with the arts, which gives her an inner power that is instantly recognisable in her portrait.

    - Lucy, 2021

  • I appreciate the work of ANVAM in seeking to improve and maintain the mental health and wellbeing of current and former Australian Defence Force monbers, who can benefit from participation in veterans' arts programs.

    - Hon Melissa Price MP, Minister for Defence Industry 2019

  • Art and creativity is an essential part of my ongoing healing process. It has provided a valuable means of expression, managing mood, as well as connection with self and others. It can provide an alternate way to written journaling and capturing thoughts through imagery. It has become a great way to experience beauty and excellence without judgement or need for perfection. Helps me to experience the world in a different way.

    - Veteran B, 2019

  • Words will never express how much of an honour tonight has been. To all those who put in the hard yards at ANVAM to enable these kinds of opportunities for Veterans from all eras - Thank You. Community is so important. Community is how we share our individual stories and how we find our own ways to move forward and the community ANVAM is working toward creating will be integral in developing, nurturing and ensuring the stories of our Veterans, young and old, will continue to be shared.

    - Warrick 2018

  • What a wonderful night at the opening of the From War exhibition of Veteran's art organised by ANVMA tonight. Such a privilege to be invited... and so special to catch up with wonderful people I haven't seen for ages, in some cases, years! Also great to meet people I've been friends with online... and to make new friends. AND meeting recipients... that's always a joy!

    - Jan-maree 2018

  • The work you’re doing at ANVAM I think it’s important work and I think it’s something we should do more of around the nation.

    - Hon Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veteran's Affairs, 2018

  • There's not a day gone bye in the last 2 years that I haven't felt like I have no future thanks to Australian Navy letting me go. The only hope has been ANVAM & everyone who has supported my photographic work.

    - Scott, 2018

  • Fantasic evening with some lovely people at the launch of From War. The team from ANVAM have done an amazing job advocating for veterans and pulling everything together.

    - Lucy 2018

  • So proud of Tanja Johnston, and husband Mark, who will be speaking at the RSL National Conference alongside Ministers, Chief of Defence and the Governor-General! They will be speaking on using Art to heal and build bridges for war veterans young and old. Your passion is inspiring to me!

    - Natalie, 2013