VHA Blog
CEO Book Review – The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Despite being a prolific reader since I was in late primary school, I have only recently come to read some of Steinbecks work. Namely The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men (perhaps to be reviewed in later issues). Inspired by a combination of the fact I had not
HMAS Yarra: The Warship That Helped Shape a Navy By Drachinfel
Following the Federation of Australia at the start of the 20th Century the various naval forces that the constituent states had previously owned were amalgamated into the Commonwealth Naval Forces, which would subsequently become the Royal Australian Navy. But while the newly created navy tried to sort out what assets
Circles of the Empire – By Kevin Hicks
I have always considered myself very much English. Yet a DNA test tells a more complicated story — English, yes, but also Irish, Scots, Danish, and French. I am, it turns out, a product of history. But then, aren’t we all? Delving into my family history, I discovered that one
Meet Lindsay Kotzman
What inspired you to join the board and support veterans in this way? I have always been fascinated by war history and have long appreciated the considerable commitment and risk that members of our defence force make to the people of Australia. I always wanted to give something back to
Beyond the Sleeping Bag: Unseen Veterans
One thing that rarely occurs to us is who the human behind the ‘homeless person’ might be. In a country that invests greatly in honouring those who served their country, it would never occur to us that the homeless person at our feet might be a veteran. With World Homeless
Celebrating and honouring Defence Force Reserves
Throughout Australia’s military history, over 1.25 million people have served in the ADF Reserves (Army, Navy, Air Force). This collective name includes all of the ADF’s reserve units and refers to those who serve proudly alongside full-time defence force personnel when additional man (and woman) power is needed. The remarkable
Anzac Biscuits: More Than a Tradition, A Bridge Between Generations
Few symbols resonate as deeply with Australians as the humble Anzac biscuit. Crunchy, sweet, and made with care, these iconic biscuits have long been a culinary tribute to the brave individuals who served during World War One. But while they originated in 1915 as a simple care package snack for
Community housing: a lifeline for veterans
With the state of the economy, the cost of living, and Australia’s housing crisis constantly in the news, the parts of the population that were already vulnerable – the homeless and those on the verge of it – are understandably anxious. Though homeless people are historically considered to be ‘only’
ANZAC biscuits – a symbol of unity and remembrance
With Easter behind us, the nation once again prepares to turn its attention to ANZAC Day. It may be ‘just another day off’ for some, but for many April 25th is a day of deeply emotional remembrance and reflection. Initially born out of the tragic events that occurred on the