This Story Australia Western Australia 2023
This October, registered charity This Story Australia travelled once again to Western Australia to interview veterans and preserve their personal stories in curated documentaries. CEO Jeff Hughes was in Perth in June to interview 104 year old WWII veteran Arthur Leggett and have a series of meetings with RSLWA and the State Library of WA. With the help of LotteryWest and the State Library, Jeff interviewed a dozen veterans from across the state, providing valuable assets to the State Library and the families of our diggers. This Story Australia was founded by Jeff and partner Rachel Dutton in Brisbane with a mission to preserve the personal stories of our veterans before we lose the chance. In the following three and a half years it has been increasingly evident that providing a media platform for veterans to speak and share their truths is an invaluable opportunity as veterans transition out of the military back into civilian life. Afghanistan veteran Josh Hawkins states “I have seen first-hand the effects of PTSD on a few of my mates and unfortunately, they are no longer with us. This Story Australia is breaking the stigma of not being able to talk about our thoughts and I only wish something like this was in place years ago.” Vietnam veteran Jon Fallows says “Sharing our stories helps us; it helps the healing process and it helps people listening to understand a little bit of what we went through.” This Story Australia has interviewed over 60 veterans from Queensland, NSW, the Northern Territory, ACT and Western Australia. CEO Jeff Hughes states “We are not funded by DVA or the government and to be honest raising funds is not easy. But when we can provide families with a keepsake that commemorates the service of their loved ones, it is worth every penny.” This Story Australia also provides a fee for service option but is seeking help to ensure that they can offer this service to any veteran who would like to share their story. If you would like to talk to Jeff about corporate sponsorship or a donation, please get in touch directly at jeff@thisstory.com.au For more information visit www.thisstory.com.au
26 THE LAST POST – 2023 REMEMBRANCE DAY EDITION
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Arthur Leggett with Jeff Hughes. Jon Fallows on This Story Australia. Josh Hawkins on This Story Australia. OPPOSITE PAGE: Jon Fallows.
