The Athena Project Aus

🎉 WE TURN ONE TODAY! 🎉 And what better way to celebrate than with #SpotifyWrapped vibes? Here’s to an incredible year of impact, growth, and connection — presenting #TheAthenaProjectWrapped! 🥳💪

#EndSilenceInTheMilitary: Call to Action | Consider this: If you were sexually assaulted at your place of employment, what steps would you expect your employer to take to ensure your #safety, dignity and justice? Perhaps you would anticipate immediate and thorough investigations, the perpetrator to be removed from the workforce, a robust support system for survivors, and strict measures to prevent the perpetrator from causing further harm. You might expect unwavering commitment from your workplace to protect you and prevent such incidents from occurring again. In every workplace, people deserve to feel safe. Today, we share Leah Whittle’ story – we ask you to #StandwithLeah - and take a moment to reflect on a long-standing critical issue: sexual assault in the ADF. Leah’s Story | We share Defence’s alleged failure to meet these basic expectations. Measures that are expected to be standard and non-negotiable are, in many cases, absent or inadequately implemented. This failure leaves survivors vulnerable, silenced, and without the justice they deserve. Victim statements indicate sexual assault complaints within Defence are often met with delays, scepticism, and a lack of transparency. Survivors are left navigating a maze of bureaucracy, which exacerbates their trauma rather than alleviating it. What is the underlying pattern we hear? It’s the process. We must ask - When did we begin to allow human-created processes to strip away our humanity? The systems in place are insufficient. We must do more to demand #Defence places the safety of its people ahead of the value it places on its institutional reputation. Our Call to Action | We should not remain silent. We must demand better - for Leah - and all those suffering in silence. You can help us advocate for real change within Defence and demand better treatment towards sexual assault victims in the ADF by: ·  Listening to Leah's story and the stories of other survivors. Use the hashtag #StandwithLeah to amplify our voices and bring attention to this critical issue. · Demand Accountability: Write to your representatives – Minister Keogh; matt.keogh.mp@aph.gov.au, urge them to hold Defence accountable, and push for stronger ACTION, policies and protections for survivors. · Demand to know what difference SeMPRO has made to the instances of sexual assault, how many victims have been silenced and how many perpetrators remain in service. · Demand Military Sexual Violence be recognised as a standalone service offence, with perpetrators immediately suspended upon notification of a complaint. Accountability is crucial to shifting the culture, and decisive action is needed now to drive meaningful reform and establish a zero-tolerance environment. By standing with Leah, we send a powerful message; we will not tolerate sexual assault in any workplace, and we demand that Defence do what is right and just. #StandwithLeah #adf #wida #changeisnow Rachel Falzon Shannon Hennessy The Athena Project Aus

Today we commemorate Remembrance Day. On the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour, we remember when the guns fell silent on the Western Front. Days like Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day are often observed with quiet solitude and solemn respect for our soldiers, sailors, and aviators who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This will always be important, and the enduring legacy of these days calls us to honour not only their lives but also their stories of bravery. But on days like today, it is equally important to honour veterans, past and present, who have sacrificed their mental health in service to our country. In 2024, Remembrance Day holds deeper meaning, reminding us to recognise the lives of every veteran lost—whether in wartime, peacetime, or on the home front. For us at The Athena Project Aus it is also a day to acknowledge veteran survivors of sexual violence. Their sacrifices, resilience, and continued fight for justice deserve our attention and respect. Today, we remember all those impacted by service, in every sense, and renew our commitment to advocate for their well-being and honour their courage. We see you. We hear you. We believe you. Lest We Forget. #remembranceday #athenateam #supportveterans

Last week, I was beyond honoured to stand with survivors at Reclaim the Night in Canberra to address an issue too often silenced: sexual violence in the military. I was honoured to give an address and bring awareness to the work we are doing with The Athena Project Aus as well as the importance of keeping the conversation going, now that the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has been released.   “Defence culture has an unspoken rule—sexual violence is too uncomfortable to talk about. For too long, it’s been hidden in shame. But that silence, and that shame, ends now.”   At The Athena Project Aus we’re creating space for veterans, Defence members, and all survivors to reclaim their voices, their stories, and their power.   “The ADF has a critical issue with sexual violence, and it’s time we stopped pretending otherwise. No more sweeping it under the rug. Survivors have nothing to be ashamed about—the shame belongs with those who failed to protect them.”   This message isn’t just for Defence Australia —it’s for our entire community. Everyone has a role in creating safe, supportive spaces for survivors. Together, we can break the silence and build a future where all veterans can share their truth without fear of stigma.   “To every survivor listening—especially my fellow veterans—you are not alone. We see you, we believe you, and we stand firmly beside you. Together, we will reclaim our power and transform our pain into strength.”   I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre for organising this vital event. It was also incredibly inspiring to meet other amazing advocates in person and fan girl over the fact I was included in such incredible company; Sarah Rosenberg With You We Can Laura Rowe Lydia Corcoran Josh B. ! Also was incredible to catch up with beautiful Athena Community members in person both at the event and around Canberra; Donna Manton & Nikki Coleman!   A reminder to stand with survivors. Let’s create a culture that uplifts, supports, and empowers. We deserve better.   #TheAthenaProject #ReclaimTheNight #BelieveSurvivors #EndTheSilence

I will be taking some time to recover from the intensity and stress of the last month since the release of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Please be patient with me at this time. I too am navigating mental health battles that are often debilitating. I am tired and I am hurting. I have fought tirelessly over the last month attempting to bring awareness to the Royal Commission with multiple media engagements. Media is not an area I am overly confident in and I am still new to this space. On this occasion my commentary has neglected the critical focus of the devastating experience of veteran suicide to those within the Australian Defence community. 💔 #statement #theathenaproject #royalcommission

Hey lovely LinkedIn fam, It's that time of the month again... No, not 'that' time, but time for our The Athena Project Aus Monthly Meetup! 🤍 I’m beyond excited to see your faces, catch up, learn from one another, and—of course—share a few laughs along the way! 😂 If you want to join us, make sure to register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gA-Mf5WU. Having trouble registering? No worries! Just shoot me a message, and I’ll send you the direct meeting link. This is hands down one of my favourite days of the month, so I can’t wait to see all of you there! 💫

A one year extension on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was rejected by the Australian Government which means military sexual violence in Defence Australia could not be fully investigated. With the Final Report now out, we are calling for Recommendation 25; a formal INDEPENDENT inquiry into experiences of military sexual violence, to be agreed to and commenced with urgency. The Athena Project Aus #theathenaproject #supportsurvivors #military #donatetoday