1. EN AVANT

My experience at Queensland Ballet in the D4V program accompanied by black and white 35mm imagery.

2. NEPAL 2024

Working alongside the Batase community, running a half marathon and hiking in the Annapurna region on 35mm film and a fujifilm digital camera.

3. BNE>TSV: FUNDRAISING ON THE BACK OF A MOTORBIKE

Following the journey of some ex-service people raising funds for families in need. All shot on 35mm film.

EN AVANT

(French: a movement or step to indicate a forward direction)

It all began when I received a text on a random Sunday night from Rick. It was a flyer for a dance program for veterans at the Queensland Ballet, lasting 8 weeks. “Hi Annabelle… just a fyi…”.

Rick is the program director, president of my local RSL sub-branch and a talented danseur. I met Rick through the sub-branch post my discharge from the Navy, following a European backpacking trip in 2023. I wasn’t going to link in with the RSL initially. I had told myself I wouldn’t get tied up in anything service-related again. I was done with that life, ready to commit to the next chapter as a social work student — a complete 180 from the world I got used to. The veteran term/identity still doesn’t really sit that well with me — defence was a very chaotic time for me and a place where I saw a lot of injustice. There is also the perception that a lot of veterans hold quite conservative or nationalistic ideologies. (Not me. Never. This will anger quite a few crusties, I’d imagine).

There were many times I didn’t see eye to eye with defence and what it stood for/its values. I still try to make sense of the time that I received a heavier “punishment” than some ever will be handed for “being on the boat deck after darken ship” (nighttime on ship/no white lights on the upper decks — most internal lights are red). For context, we were sailing just outside of Honolulu in sea state nothing (it was very flat), and I had my legs hanging out the hatch firmly planted on the boat deck. It was where we used to get reception outside the comcen on a FFH (class of warship I was on). I was trying to sus the situation back home as covid was running riot — all while I was on one of my breaks. Someone on the upper deck on watch reported me for having my legs out of the hatch. I then had to sit a disciplinary officer’s hearing with the weapons engineer onboard. I had to spend three days on restriction of privileges while in port in Guam. My point is, I’ve known many senior sailors to commit some pretty vulgar acts and get away scot-free. Not to mention that time my direct supervisors on my ship were in an inappropriate relationship… I digress.

I spent the next hour thinking about the text from Rick. At first, I was a bit hesitant. I’ve never danced at all in my life. I most certainly inherited my dad’s two left feet and mum’s Kath Day-Knight grooving prowess. Then I thought, why the heck not? Rick and the RSL offer a safe, modern, supportive and easy-going attitude towards my position/perspective/experiences.

I walked into the studio on April 1st and left fear at the door. Larrisa and Tony were our teachers, accomplished past company ballet dancers and all-around great human beings. Matt worked with us and choreographed our final performance. Another very accomplished past company danseur & current ballet master at the QB. I also can’t forget Lily, another very friendly face in charge of community programs at QB. They were the A team.

The other participants were quirky, good-humoured, impassioned and ready to throw themselves into learning the art form. It’s something I became quickly obsessed with. Researching and googling, youtubing and translating terms at any chance. We were always laughing because Elaine would crack a ripper one-liner. We would finish each lesson with a coffee @ Tom’s cafe, not before a révérence (gesture of respect to acknowledge teacher/pianist/orchestra/audience). I always left the Thomas Dixon center with my cheeks (on my face) aching from grinning ear to ear.

The eight weeks went by way too fast. I was dreading this program ending. At the end of our final performance, most of us had tears welling up. The hugs were firm and warm. Through it all, I found out that there are more people with similar kinds of experiences in defence. I’m finding a bit more peace that others are also questioning their positionality as a “veteran”. It’ll be something I’ll grapple with until the end of my time. What’s important is that I’m moving forward, free from the Navy now, exercising my agency, documenting what I wish while gathering a pretty cool tribe.

Some frames of my time in the program:

These images are the intellectual property of Annabelle Reidy. Permission is required before retransmission.

NEPAL 2024

In November of 2024, I was fortunate to spend 3 weeks volunteering, running and trekking the Himalayas. These are the highlights of my trip:

BNE>TSV: FUNDRAISING ON THE BACK OF A MOTORBIKE

In early September of 2022, an assortment of Veterans, a couple of spouses/family members and Stu, our United States Air Force Veteran, set off on a 2500km-ish motorbike and pushbike journey from Rosewood (just west of Brisbane) destined for Townsville.

The why: to raise money for families and children of veterans in need.

An assortment they were - differing corps and musterings, time spent in, ages, some general enlisted, some officer… The list goes on. None of that mattered, though. They were all bound by one thing - their love for beer. And baked goods. Specifically pies. Oh, and their service to their country…

Here are some highlights shot on 35mm film:

Permission is to be sought prior to use or publishing of any imagery belonging on this site via form in contact tab.