By Jenani Therone
What is Of Service?
Because service does not end when the uniform comes off. Of Service exists to shed light on the lives of Australian veterans beyond their years in the armed forces. It is a deeply personal call to honour their struggles, their resilience, and their humanity. By focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of second chances, this project aims to spark conversations that ripple far beyond the veteran community—reminding us all of the strength in vulnerability and the importance of connection.
Why Of Service?
A lifeline, a legacy, a tribute. Of Service is a fine art publication that captures the untold stories of life after service. Through 100 raw, evocative portraits and heartfelt narratives, it delves into the mental health challenges veterans face, the triumphs of resilience, and the universal human need to feel seen, heard, and valued. This work is not only a celebration of those who have served—it is a beacon of hope for veterans and a bridge to understanding for the broader community.
Who is in Of Service?
Those who served—and those who see them. Created by artist Jenani Therone, Of Service is a collaboration between one artist and 100 extraordinary veterans who courageously shared their lives beyond the battlefield. It is also for you—the friends, families, and broader community who benefit from their service and sacrifices. This is a collection that reminds us that behind every face is a story worth telling, a life worth celebrating, and a heart capable of healing.
CDRE Greg Yorke, AM, CSC, RAN (Ret’d)
Chair Victorian Veterans Council
“Of Service will be the most valued record of the 100 brave service men and women that Jenani has interviewed and photographed and will no doubt tell a story of the conflicting pressures. Jenani’s book will be a most valuable account of the struggles of those individuals and will be of great benefit to many in the understanding and future prevention of suicidality.”
Of Service Online
- Jenani Therone -We welcome you to explore, connect, heal and be moved by the powerful narratives of those who have served our country—a testament to the transformative spirit of life Of Service.
Of Service Online
Of Service Online, this website, serves as the digital companion to the fine-art publication Of Service, a remarkable work by Jenani Therone that celebrates the resilience, sacrifice, and humanity of our veterans.
The creation of this website was proudly supported by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Veterans Council through the Victoria Remembers Grant Program 2023-24. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of Australian veterans. We extend our gratitude to our official Of Service Online digital partner, Lara RSL Sub-Branch, and the Of Service Online launching partner, The Good Black Sheep.
On this website, you will find a curated selection of poignant portraits—soulful depictions of life after service—alongside excerpts from the publication that share tales of courage, valour, and renewal.
The Of Service fine-art publication was Launched at the Shrine of Remembrance in June 2024. Of Service represents an extraordinary journey undertaken by Jenani Therone to connect with over 100 veterans from all walks of service across our nation. Through these stories and artworks, this website aims to educate and inspire, underscoring the enduring hope and strength that shine through even the most challenging chapters of life.
Short Note
– Jenani Therone –
Art has spanned time and cultures and brought us together at every turn in history. It does not demand but engages; it does not control but conveys; it does not translate but transforms. Art is fragile yet empowers; as an artist with a moral obligation, Jenani initiated and relentlessly pursued over three and a half years to deliver what Of Service has become for a higher purpose.
Of Service is the first step in getting to know the veterans who participated. It is a collection of memories shared by some remarkable lives. It delves into relationships, connections, bonds, friendships, families and childhood memories amid the intricate beauty and complexities of life. It embraces and promotes the inevitable changes that come our way in every day of our lives.
In recognising the defining moments within the journey, Of Service, although meeting each veteran warrants as such, few stand out for their timing of parting their wise words of wisdom. I extend my gratitude from the bottom of my heart to all the veterans I encountered along the way.
An extract from the foreword, titled ‘Forward’, by
The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson AO
“Of Service is the story of Australia. To read, hear and feel these stories, is to acquire a deeper understanding of what it means to be an Australian. Jenani has drawn out the idealism, hard work and self-sacrifice of the seemingly everyday Australian who is far from being so. Reading the stories so beautifully crafted, evokes the four granite pillars standing at the end of the Kokoda trail. Each is etched with a single word informing Australian character — Courage, Sacrifice, Endurance and Mateship.”
The Artist & Author
Guided by the belief that art is both a selfish and selfless act—a courageous choice to reveal the rawest fragments of humanity for a higher purpose—Jenani’s photography captures stories of hope, struggle, and survival.