The Book

Fine Art Publication

By Jenani Therone
Foreword by The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson AO

In Of Service, 100 veterans courageously share their experiences—many for the first time—revealing the personal toll of military service and the resilience required to navigate life after the battlefield. These stories shed light on the mental health challenges faced by those who have served, from dealing with trauma to confronting the spectre of suicide while also offering hope and a path toward healing and renewal.

In a profoundly moving foreword, titled ‘Forward,’ the Hon. Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, former Director of the Australian War Memorial, highlights the essence of Of Service as more than a collection of portraits—it is a powerful exploration of love, sacrifice, and the often-overlooked struggles of life after service. He reflects on how the veterans’ stories go beyond war, offering insight into their emotional and psychological battles, particularly around mental health and recovery.

For communities across our nation, Of Service is an important resource. It not only honours the courage and sacrifice of our veterans but also promotes essential conversations around mental health and suicide prevention—critical issues that resonate far beyond the veteran community. Through real-life lessons of courage, endurance, sacrifice, and mateship, this book will inspire readers of all ages to reflect on what it means to serve and overcome, making it a powerful tool for educating and fostering empathy in the broader community.

Printed in Firenze, Italy

In the heart of Florence, Italy—a city synonymous with art, history, and timeless craftsmanship—Of Service found its perfect home for production. Every copy has been brought to life by the master artisans at Conti Tipocolor, a Florence-based printer with over a century of expertise in crafting fine art publications of extraordinary quality.

Through their unparalleled dedication, each page reflects not only the profound stories of our veterans but also the artistry and care that Florence is known for. This is more than a book; it is a keepsake, a legacy designed to honour those who have served and to preserve their voices for generations to come.

We are profoundly grateful to Conti Tipocolor for treating this work with the reverence it deserves, ensuring every detail embodies the spirit and significance of its content. Their craftsmanship transforms Of Service into an enduring testament of hope, resilience, and humanity.

By purchasing a copy of Of Service, you are not just holding a book—you are preserving history, honouring those who have served, and becoming part of a story that transcends time.

Own your piece of this legacy today.

  • ISBN: 978-0-6485906-2-0
  • Publisher: Harvest Publishing, Australia
  • Author: Jenani Therone
  • Language: English
  • Cover: Hard cover
  • Cover Finish: 5mm, Black linen wrap with foil
  • Jacket: 135 gsm custom fine-art matte, Italy
  • Inner Pages: 115 gsm custom fine-art matte, Italy
  • Format: Monochrome offset fine-art print
  • Binding: Section sewen, lay-flat
  • Size (closed): 250mm x 310mm x 35mm
  • Pages: 656 pages
  • Weight: 3.725 Kg
  • Design: Harvest Publishing, Australia
  • Pre-press: The Good Black Sheep, Victoria
  • Printer: Conti Tipocolor, Firenze, Italy
  • Stockists: The Australian War Memorial, Canberra
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An extract from the foreword, titled ‘Forward’, by

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.”