Collaborations and Research

Defence engineering firm Babcock Australasia is supporting two innovative art programs designed to help emergency service personnel and defence children unlock their thoughts and emotions.

Building on the success of the Veterans’ Art Program led by art tutor Kaz Pederson, the Babcock Emergency Services Art Group Pilot Program is specifically for first responders, filling a gap in art-based support for them.

Meanwhile, the Babcock Defence Kids Art Workshop at Adelaide’s Catherine McAuley School aims to support wellbeing for defence children.

A world-first study has shown what many of us have always known: art has a transformative power to heal.

Dr Henry Bowen from Military and Emergency Service Health Australia has led a groundbreaking study demonstrating a substantial social impact of culturally informed art therapy for military and emergency service personnel.

Dr Bowen’s analysis concluded that for every $1 invested in the program, we see a $3.05 return in social value. This is a positive win for mental health support in these communities.