Minister for Veterans David Harris has launched a powerful new art exhibition at the Anzac Memorial featuring works by 2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple that explore stories of post-service life through watercolour.
The exhibition, Beyond Service: Veterans’ New Journeys, presents eight evocative watercolour paintings that illuminate the personal and transformative journeys of Australian military veterans as they navigate life after service.
Each artwork captures a veteran’s chosen path, whether through art, music, storytelling, or cultural practice, revealing the renewed sense of purpose and identity these pursuits inspire.
Hugh Semple, a veteran of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, first turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet following his medical discharge from the Army. What began as a means of healing has since evolved into a full-time artistic career. His deeply personal works reflect not only his own journey but also those of fellow veterans who have found strength and meaning in creative expression.
In June Hugh was named as one of two 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artists in Residence and awarded a $10,000 grant to develop this significant body of work. Over recent months, the Anzac Memorial has served as both an inspiring backdrop and creative workspace for his artistic practice.
Accompanied by written reflections based on interviews, the exhibition invites viewers to see beyond the uniform and into the humanity of those who served.
“Purpose in life is just as important as drinking water. Finding something that engages you meaningfully will encourage a life of happiness and fulfilment.” Hugh Semple said
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
“Hugh has created an extraordinary and deeply moving collection that not only shares the personal journeys of our veterans beyond service, but also celebrates the passions that now define their lives. His work is a tribute to resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of those who have served.
“We’re deeply grateful to Hugh for his generosity, and to the veterans whose stories he brings to life through each painting. Their willingness to share these personal journeys offers the broader community a rare and meaningful insight into life beyond service.
“The Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program is a valuable opportunity to support veteran artists in their creative and healing journeys as they navigate life post service and honours their stories in a way that resonates deeply with the broader community.”
Minister for Veterans David Harris launching the exhibition
2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple said:
“Life after service does not end the journey. It reshapes it. These artworks honour the courage it takes to rediscover purpose and build a new identity beyond the uniform.
“The residency has given me a unique space to process my past, explore my present, and imagine my future. Exhibiting at the Anzac Memorial has made my art, and my story, feel truly valued.
“Art has been a lifeline in my journey after leaving the Army. It has given me a way to process the experiences, challenges, and emotions that often feel impossible to express.
“Through creating, I have found a path to understanding myself, rebuilding my sense of purpose, and transforming the struggles of my past into something meaningful. Art has not only been a tool for healing, it has become a way to connect with others, to share my story, and embrace life beyond the uniform.”
Hugh with one of the artworks created during his residency. Image supplied
This year, the residency program was supported with funding from Veterans Benevolent Fund, supported by RSL & Clubs Services.
Launched in 2019, the Veteran Artist in Residence program supports current veterans in their development as artists and the use of the creative process in their healing journeys. The program also recognises the strong historic connection between art and military experience.
Beyond Service is on display at the Anzac Memorial which is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm – entry is free. Visitors will also have a chance to meet Hugh and discover the stories behind the artworks during exclusive artist drop-in sessions.
More information is available here: www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/beyond-service-veterans-new-journeys
About the artist
Born in Wagga Wagga in 1996, Hugh grew up in Woolgoolga before enlisting in the Australian Army in 2015. Serving six years in the Corps of Transport, he drove Bushmasters with 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion in Townsville and later served at Amberley RAAF Base. His career ended unexpectedly after a training injury led to medical discharge.
Returning home to Wagga, Hugh struggled with the loss of his identity as a soldier. Depression and destructive behaviours threatened his future until, in 2021, he picked up a paintbrush for the first time. That small act became transformative. Through painting, he discovered a new purpose and a new self, as an artist.
Today, Hugh paints from his gallery at Oura, NSW and, in 2025, he was honoured to be selected as one of two Veteran Artists in Residence at the Anzac Memorial. His exhibition, Beyond Service: Veterans’ New Journeys, highlights how purpose can guide us through transition, offering hope to veterans and civilians alike.
Artist drop-in sessions
Meet Hugh Semple and discover the stories behind the artworks featured in the exhibition during exclusive artist drop-in sessions.
Join Hugh in the Auditorium on the following dates:
- Friday 5 December, 11:30am – 12:30pm
- Saturday 6 December, 2:00 – 3:00pm
- Wednesday 14 January to Friday 16 January, 11:30am – 12:30pm
- Saturday 17 January, 2:00 – 3:00pm
You can drop-in at any time during the session. Bookings are not required. Entry is free.