People intersect with our lives and leave lasting imprints.
Here is an account of two ladies who have had different life experiences, who
came together in a unique setting to share, stand alongside, support, teach and
encourage a group of Victorian students. They share some of their life experiences,
the impact of history and the importance of commemoration. Sharing with
students to never forget and to honour the sacrifices that our Defence personnel
and families experience.
It was an impactful experience for everyone, creating
a sense of belonging for the group. This story encourages us that hope is being
able to see that there is light despite the dark times of life.
While there are similarities between the stories, each
shares a different perspective. Enjoy the read.
On the left is Kat Rae, a retired Army Officer and on the right is Mel L a long time AHQ voluneteer
Hi, I’m Kat
Rae, a retired Army officer, and now an artist based in Naarm (Melbourne). I
was recently the Artist in Residence for the Victorian Shrine of Remembrance
Young Ambassadors, a group of Year 9 and 10 students from across Victoria. Over
twelve months they volunteered with the Shrine, learning about commemoration,
Defence service, museums and community organisations, while developing as young
leaders.
Together we
created Peace Within, an artwork centred on the lived experiences of
servicewomen, widows and veteran children, often overlooked in war
commemoration. It explored post-traumatic growth and what peace can look and
feel like after war.
We reimagined
elements of the Legacy Widow and Children statue and the Ex-Servicewomen’s Garden. Instead of being cold and
isolated outdoors, a mother and children—cast in plaster and paper—rested
together in a warm armchair, wrapped in my own precious quilt from Afghanistan,
made by Aussie Hero Quilts. This contrast with the bronze statue and hard bench
outside symbolised healing, softness and belonging.
Our process
began with a walking tour of Melbourne to study public art, counter-monuments
and commemoration. We then observed and sketched the outdoor monuments, later
developing these into a collaborative linocut wallpaper during a workshop at
the Australian National Veterans Art Museum. The lilac, white and green prints
referenced both the Ex-Servicewomen’s Garden and suffragette colours,
connecting women’s history with remembrance.
The techniques
echoed our themes: casting, wrapping and binding mirrored the rebuilding of
families; linocut’s cutting-away suggested letting go to grow. The quilt—my
personal relic from Afghanistan—enfolded the figures as a symbol of care,
community and continuity.
The project was
enriched by contributions from the Defence, veteran and arts community: Kath De
Bruin from Legacy, Mark and Tanja Johnston from Australian National Veterans
Arts Museum (ANVAM), Laura Carroll from the Shrine and artist Rosalie Ferretti.
Their knowledge, stories and practical help inspired the students and grounded
the work in lived experience. A special thank you to the contribution of legend
Mel L from Aussie Hero Quilts, who spent two days with the Ambassadors –
educating them about the work of AHQ and then rolling up her sleeves to help
with the intense day of paper mâché. She won the kids over with her selfless generosity
and creative talent.
Over six
intense days of “art boot camp,” the Young Ambassadors worked with passion and
pride. As student Mae Mao reflected:
“This project is about honouring those who serve and those left behind. My
favourite part has been learning and listening to the personal stories of the
artists we worked with.”
Elizabeth Tun
added:
“The project is a beautiful way to reflect on living commemoration. We are
endlessly grateful to have worked with an incredible artist and learnt the
value of art, history and life-long learning.”
The honour was
mine. Thank you, Shrine of Remembrance, for this unforgettable residency.
Peace Within is on display at the Shrine of
Remembrance education centre until July 2026.
Mel L writes:
During the July
school holidays I was invited to The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne as part
of a collaborative project. My involvement with Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry
Bags has gifted me the opportunity to work alongside some incredible people here.
Firstly Kathryn, the artist in residence for The Shrine of Remembrance.
Secondly, a group of year 9 and 10 secondary school students from across
Victoria who are all volunteering for twelve months: learning about
commemoration, Defence service, museums and community organisations, all while
developing as young leaders.
The project
created is Peace Within. It is an amazing sculpture! It highlights
the importance of loved ones and the support network of our Australian Defence
Force (ADF). This sculpture features a quilt (AHQ quilt) that was received by Kat on deployment in Afghanistan over 10 years ago.
On the
Wednesday that I was there, I had the opportunity to talk with the students and
artists about Aussie Hero Quilts and what we’re all about. Kat was also
able to give the perspective to the group of the impact of receiving her quilt.
We then got on with the task at hand.
On the day’s
prior, the students had researched with a walking tour of Melbourne studying
public art, monuments and commemoration. They observed and sketched outdoor
monuments. I worked alongside these kids and artists doing papier mâché to
bring the mannequins to life. I can’t remember the last time I did papier mâché!
Very gooey. Chatting to the kids, I found it interesting learning from them
what aspects of this experience resonated with them and what their future goals
were. Once dry, the papier mâché was painted and the sculpture completed ready
to be unveiled.
The following
Wednesday I returned to The Shrine of Remembrance to help with the finishing
touches. This was the day of the unveiling. We worked on the background display
with the prints the kids had made from lino cuts. These lino cuts were in
lilac, white and green to reference the Ex-Servicewomen’s Garden. It was
awesome to see how the whole project had come together.
The students
also made a wreath which you’ll see at the base of the display with candid
polaroid shots on it of us all at different times as we worked on this project.
This artwork is
on display at The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne until July 2026. If you
get an opportunity to visit, I would highly recommend it. This has been an
incredible experience and one I will cherish thanks to my involvement with
Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags.
Mel L
The sculputre is wrapped in an AHQ quilt that Kat received on deployment in Afganistan.
