A…Long The Way

The Journey

The journey of creating Of Service has been as meaningful and transformative as the stories it captures. Along the way, this fine art publication by Jenani Therone has gained widespread recognition, endorsements from esteemed figures, and placements in iconic institutions. It has fostered connections through author talks, community events, and media features, reflecting its deep resonance with veterans and advocates alike.

This page highlights key milestones, including public activities, endorsements, media attention, and partnerships that have shaped the journey of Of Service.

Since The Launch…

Endorsements & Recognitions

The Hon. Dr. Brendan Nelson AO

Kindly wrote the foreword

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The Hon. Dr. Brendan Nelson

In travelling the length and breadth of our nation to meet, photograph and draw out these stories, Jenani has given us a truly great gift. It is the gift of understanding that amongst us live selfless, caring, brave yet wounded fellow Australians. People who have made sacrifices beyond our comprehension.

The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP

Minister for Veterans, Victoria

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The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP

I commend your involvement in such a worthy project to raise awareness of important issues that impact our veterans and to honour their memories and service.

The Hon. Matt Keogh MP

Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, Australia

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The Hon. Matt Keogh MP

Your Book's message of hope and healing are inspiring, and your aim of promoting mental health and wellbeing and reducing veteran suicide is of critical importance to our community.

The Hon. Peter Walsh MP

Member for Murray Plains and former Nationals Leader

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Hon Peter Walsh

Landmark book, a labour of love and pain. She [Jenani] has invested more than three years of her life in producing the incredible book Of Service... I can only congratulate her on her vision and commitment to produce this valuable record of Australian history.

Launched at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne

Stocked at the Memorial Shop, The Australian War Memorial

Media Features

Please direct all media enquiries to media@ofservice.au

Remembrance 2023, Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne

Of Service

Vetaffairs, Department of Veterans' Affairs

A passion to portray veteran service

A feature on the publication’s role in supporting suicide prevention and promoting mental health advocacy through art.

Riverine Herald

Veterans’ stories revealed in Jenani Therone’s photography book

Shepparton News

Veterans’ stories revealed in Jenani Therone’s photography book

Benalla Ensign

Veterans’ stories revealed in Jenani Therone’s photography book

Mirage News

Jenani Therone Evening at Swan Hill Library

Public Engagements

Jenani has held numerous author talks at libraries and RSL venues, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and the veterans’ narratives that inspired Of Service. These events fostered dialogue about mental health and resilience within the community. We encourage and please feel free to get in touch with Jenani if you would like to organise an Artist/Author talk/presentation of Of Service, a journey that continues.

RSL Sub-branch, Keilor East, Victoria

The Keilor East RSL strongly supports the promotion of the book Of Service and believe assistance to Jenani to promote the book and the veterans service to be invaluable.

– John Johnson, President –

RSL Sub-branch, Currumbin Palm Beach, Gold Coast

I believe Jenani’s journey and project deserve to be shared at every opportunity. She has created something truly meaningful, and her passion inspires all who encounter it. Her book, Of Service, is a testament to her talent and her deep respect for the veterans whose stories she has brought to light.

– Michael Humphreys, President –

Library, Campaspe, Victoria

I commend Jenani’s attention to detail and her sensitive delivery style and I certainly believe that libraries across Australia would love and benefit from the opportunity to have such a moving presentation.

– Jenny Mustey, Library Services Manager –

Library, Swan Hill, Victoria

I believe Of Service is a valuable project that should be shared across Australia to celebrate our service personnel and their valuable contributions, raise awareness of the impacts of truma and stress and further engage people from all walks of life in important conversations above mental health.

– Camille Cullinan, Libraries Manager –

Terry O'Grady, Veteran, Royal Australian Navy

Congratulations and Bravo Zulu for such an incredible and inspirational book and launching “Of Service” at the beautiful “Shrine of Rememberance”.

Jenani, Stand tall, stand proud with your head held high, you beat all the odds, pulled it together and made a legacy on the lives of Veterans where the memories will live on forever!

Thank you.

Kathryn Carlisle, Veteran, Royal Australian Air Force

Wow … congratulations.. you have done so when to bring this to reality .. among the way you have listened with empathy and helped many service people along their journey, and for helped in their healing process.

Natalie Sankey, Veteran, Royal Australian Navy

What an extraordinary achievement Jenani! Thank you for being YOU! I can’t wait for ‘Of Service’ to be celebrated.. you deserve the accolades. To highlight and give recognition of service, for so many, in different ways, but with a collective ethos. Thank you for all you have done to ‘shine a light’..well done xo