Kialla woman Balsam Sahar has donated an Anzac Day-themed painting, which was a three-month labour of love, to the Shepparton RSL.
Saad Al-Jizani and Mrs Sahar came to Australia in 2013 from Iraq, which at the time was a war-torn country.
They had first-hand experience of war and the heartache it could cause, and the painting by Mrs Sahar is a symbol of respect, she said.
“This [painting] is a sign of appreciation and gratitude to Australia and its people,” she said.
“Specifically an event that is very meaningful to the Australian people.”
The idea came to her after a conversation with her daughter.
“My daughter had brought up the topic of Anzac Day, as she was learning about it in school,” Mrs Sahar said.
“So that’s where the idea was established.”
Three months later, her oil painting was standing in her living room while the family decided on an appropriate place to donate the artwork.
Ideas such as schools, the art museum or the ethnic council were floated; however, the family decided the best option would be the RSL.
“The RSL was the most appropriate place,” Mrs Sahar said.
“Something like this should be at home there.”
RSL president Bob Wilkie said the painting would be kept with pride at the Shepparton branch.
“We have plans to display it each year on Anzac Day,” Mr Wilkie said.
“It’s very special.”