Beyond the Uniform: The Untold Stories

Episode 8 – Snakes and Ladders: The Hidden Cost of Military Life with Dr Barbara Morris In this episode, Dr Barbara Morris shares her powerful story of life as a Defence spouse and the unpredictable “snakes and ladders” of building a career while navigating constant relocations. Drawing on decades of lived experience and her PhD research, Barbara shines a light on the sacrifices, resilience, and r...

In this heartfelt episode of Beyond The Uniform: The Untold Stories, we sit down with  Army Warrant Officer Nicholas Barrand, his wife Tammie, and their daughters Reaghan and Zoe to explore what 30 years of service and more than 18 years as a Defence family really looks like. With 8 relocations, 5 schools, and the ever-present uncertainty that comes with military life, their journey is one of deep...

We are honoured to welcome Shamsa Lea to the mic: an award-winning leader, senior Air Force veteran, and passionate advocate for gender equity. From deployments in Afghanistan, PNG, and the Middle East to executive roles across Defence, Deloitte, and now Anglicare WA, Shamsa’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As co-founder of Propel Her Australia – the Defence Women’s Leadership Series and a...

In this episode of Beyond The Uniform : The Untold Stories, we sit down with one of our biggest supporters, Sam Harris, CEO of Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA). Sam shares the incredible story behind VGA and how it is using gaming and shared 'geek' culture interests to foster connection, belonging, and purpose for Veterans and their families. From social gaming nights and e-sports teams to care pack...

Legacy & Heritage with Ray Rosendale  What does it mean to carry the weight of two legacies - one of ancient Indigenous culture and another forged through decades of military service? Meet Ray Rosendale, a proud Kuku Yalanji man, Navy veteran, and the first-ever Navy Strategic Advisor on Indigenous Cultural Affairs. From serving in the Gulf War to mentoring Indigenous youth… From earning First...

Service, Sacrifice & Self – A Veteran’s Journey Beyond the Uniform In this powerful episode, Emma Donaldson shares her deeply personal journey of service, identity, and resilience—beyond her role as the partner of VC recipient Mark Donaldson. After enlisting into the Army straight out of high school, Emma served as a Signaller across multiple postings around Australia. She met Mark in 2004 and...

Behind every uniform is a story that rarely gets told—a story of grit, sacrifice, and extraordinary strength. And today, you're about to hear one of the most powerful. In this episode of Beyond the Uniform : The Untold Stories, we sit down with Adam and Kate Jackson—a couple whose lives were turned upside down in 2020 when Adam, a proud Army veteran and father of two, suffered a catastrophic strok...

Episode 1: From the Ground Up – Advocating for Change in Veterans' Families Policies In this powerful opening episode, Gwen Cherne, Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, joins host Dannielle for an honest conversation about the challenges, barriers, and breakthroughs in advocating for veterans' families. Gwen speaks not just as a commissioner—but as someone who’s lived the experience. As a widow a...

Before the official series kicks off, we’re handing you the mic to meet two powerhouse women at the core of FNQ Legacy — not just passionate team members, but veteran spouses who’ve lived every twist and turn of Defence life. They’ve felt the pride, the pressure, the heartbreak, and the hope — and they know firsthand why FNQ Legacy’s mission isn’t just important... it’s essential. Raw, real, and s...