Representing war widows & families ANZAC Day 2025
ANZAC Day is a time to remember the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women — and the sacrifices made by their families. For war widows and veteran families, being represented at commemorations is a recognition that was hard fought for and remains deeply significant. This year, Families of Veterans Guild representatives attended services across Sydney, regional New South Wales and Victoria, ensuring that our community was seen, acknowledged and honoured at commemorations across the state.
War widows and veteran families represented at ANZAC Day services
On 11 April, Pamela Goodhart-Dodd, Northern Beaches War Widows Social Club Coordinator, represented the Guild at the Pittwater House School ANZAC Service at Collaroy, where students, staff and community members gathered to reflect on the meaning of service.
On 13 April, President Queen Dunbar and Member Sue Doolin attended the Five Dock RSL ANZAC Day Service and Luncheon at Five Dock Park and Club Five Dock. Community members came together to honour our veterans, followed by a gathering to continue the tradition of remembrance.
On 22 April, President Queen Dunbar and CEO Renee Wilson attended the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Service. Renee spoke at the event, highlighting the contribution of veterans and the importance of recognising the families who support them. Wreaths were laid in honour of all who have served.
On 23 April, Pamela Goodhart-Dodd participated in the RSL LifeCare Commemorative Service at Narrabeen, laying a wreath at the Montgomery Memorial Wall alongside veterans, families and residents.
On ANZAC Day itself, Guild representatives attended services across New South Wales and beyond, Board Chair Tricia Hobson and President Queen Dunbar attended the RSL NSW Dawn Service at the Martin Place Cenotaph, where the community gathered despite early rain.
Michelle Carr and her children represented the Guild at the Chatswood RSL Dawn Service, while Adele Richards attended the Medowie RSL Dawn Service, honouring local veterans and families through a wreath-laying tribute. Adele has proudly represented the organisation at previous Medowie Dawn and Remembrance Day Services, and hopes to continue doing so.
At North Ryde, Nola Hill took part in the RSL Memorial Garden service and community march. Kay Meredith and Judy Cole attended the Mounties ANZAC Day Service, while Merle Kelly represented the Guild at the Wodonga RSL Service, joining large regional turnouts across Victoria.
On the eve of ANZAC Day, President Queen Dunbar and Member Wendy McKean attended the Lest We Forget Harbour Sunset Tribute at the Sydney Opera House. Broadcast nationally, the ceremony brought together veterans, families and the wider community to mark the “going down of the sun” with stories, tributes and music.
The presence of Families of Veterans Guild representatives at these services is a reminder that the place of war widows and veteran families at commemorations was hard fought for. It continues to be important that we are visible and recognised. The ongoing support of the community, veterans and families ensures that the sacrifices of all those who served — and those who stood beside them — are not forgotten.
Thank you to all members who represented war widows and veteran families this ANZAC Day. The gravity of ANZAC Day is not only seen in formal tributes but felt deeply in the quieter, more personal moments: a veteran’s tears, a widow’s steadying hand, generations laying flowers for someone they never met. These are the moments that remind us that the freedoms we enjoy came at a cost.
As our CEO reflected, ANZAC Day is not only a time of remembrance, but of deep personal reckoning; of what is, and what could have been. It is a powerful reminder that Australia’s peace is protected by sacrifice.
