Allan Collins

with veteran Ivan Clyde McKenzie

Ivan McKenzie is a humble man. When speaking about the time he spent serving in the Australian Navy, he had no complaint, and only pride.

In the case of the Vietnam War Ivan served on the HMAS Vendetta, working mostly below as a stoker for the diesel driven furnace to create steam that would power the ship.

He shared many memories of mates, discipline, foreign countries, his personal role, and earning the rank of Able Seaman - but Ivan doesn't like to talk himself up or complain about the heat of the furnace and the tropical weather. Instead, he looks back through time and takes comfort in the simple ability to relax and enjoy the serenity, up-top with a beer (off-duty) looking out into the sky into the sea.

On Reflection - an audio and visual installation - represents my reflection on Ivan's story, his interview and our conversations, and acknowledges his service. The projected image features a looped time-lapse that has been overlaid with objects connected to Ivan's time in the Navy. The two combined elements create a visual reflection and metaphor for Ivan's stories about his life and service - the use of time-lapse as a story medium beyond the literal and towards the subjective nature of time and space, and its constructions.

I'm honoured and proud to be a part of this exhibition and acknowledge Ivan and believe it's important to continue to acknowledge and give respect to our veterans because it is important that their stories are heard.

Allan Collins

Arrente/Western Luritja/Wulli Wulli peoples

Seaman Ivan Clyde McKenzie

Marine Engineering - HMAS Vendetta and HMAS Duchess

Ivan McKenzie was 17 when he joined the Royal Australian Navy and trained as an engineering mechanic. His service in Vietnamese waters was aboard the Daring-class destroyer HMAS Vendetta between 28 October and 12 November 1970, while she was escorting the troopship HMAS Sydney. This occurred immediately after HMAS Vendetta had been on a Far East Strategic Reserve deployment.