AFTER 25 years working at a Rochester dairy farm, Susan McMinn turned to art to convey her love for the country.
The 46-year-old enrolled to study at La Trobe University Bendigo after missionary work in Africa two years ago reignited her patriotic nature.
"I was very homesick," Ms McMinn said.
"I hadn't seen an Aussie for two months," she said.
"Drawing helped me come home a little bit. I felt very patriotic."
As part of a university assignment, the mother-of-three created 15 charcoal sketches that commemorate Australians at war.
The works, inspired by a film about World War I, tell the story of a young man who goes to war.
"It's about the courage of the Australians and also how it affected everybody involved in war," she said.
"While I was drawing, I was listening to The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. It was very influential. "
Ms McMinn yesterday unveiled the drawings at the Bendigo District RSL.
Family members, friends and club members heard Ms McMinn tell the story behind the drawings and her love for the nation.
"My travelling experience has helped broaden my understanding (of the war) and freedom of being an Australian," she said.
Bendigo District RSL president Cliff Richards said the club was so moved by the works, it has borrowed them indefinitely and would like to make them part of a "art roadshow".
"The RSL is very proud to display this work and the story it tells," Mr Richards said.
"We would propose to offer the art to nursing homes and businesses for display, like an art roadshow."
The Spirit of the Anzacs will be displayed at the Bendigo District RSL, 74 Havilah Road, during Anzac Day commemorations.