Highlights from the annual meeting of the Australian War Widows NSW Ltd trading as Families of Veterans Guild.
A successful year for the organisation
The 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Australian War Widows NSW Ltd, trading as Families of Veterans Guild, was held on 15 August 2024 at the Rydges Sydney Central. The meeting was attended by 58 members, directors and guests, who heard about the achievements and challenges of the organisation in the 2023/24 financial year. Some of the key results were:
- A surplus of $720,000 (rounded) thanks to investment performance.
- A stabilisation of expenses and an increase in output and delivery.
- A growth in membership and a halt to the decline in member numbers.
- A restructuring of programs and services to engage more war widows and veteran families.
New directors and life members elected
The AGM also saw the appointment of four directors to the board, following a postal ballot. The elected directors were Ms Queen Dunbar, Ms Lyn Bye, Ms Yvonne Stapleton and Brigadier Jocelyn King CSC. The outgoing director Lynne Boyd was honoured with a life membership and a board commendation for her tireless work and commitment to the organisation.
Life memberships were also awarded to Ms Shirley McLaren OAM, Ms Loyis Goodyear and Ms Pam Bowmaker, in recognition of their long service and dedication to the war widows community. The board also gave commendations to Ms Di Vogt and Ms Dallas Alderson for their service to the members and war widows in their local areas.
Feedback sought on brand implementation
One of the main topics of discussion at the AGM was the implementation of the new trading name, Families of Veterans Guild, which was adopted to reflect the changing needs and demographics of the organisation. The CEO and the chair addressed some of the questions and concerns raised by the members, such as how war widows are represented at commemorations and how the new brand name affects the identity and legacy of the organisation. They assured the members that the organisation is not intending to leave war widows behind or to provide services to veterans, but rather to honour the past and embrace the future. They also asked for feedback from the members on how to improve the brand implementation and to ensure that war widows are still included and recognised as part of the organisation.
Feedback on brand implementation can be sent to the Chair or CEO via email at: boardchair@fov.org.au and ceo@fov.org.au. Alternatively written correspondence can be sent to PO Box 146 Chatswood NSW 2057.
A special day for war widows and members
The AGM was not only a formal meeting, but also a social occasion for war widows and members to connect and share their experiences. The meeting was followed by lunch. The AGM was also held on the same day as the Victory in the Pacific Day, which marks the end of the Second World War and the beginning of peace. It was a fitting day to celebrate the resilience and courage of war widows and families of veterans, and to honour the sacrifice and service of their loved ones.
