On Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Families of Veterans Guild hosted a regional outreach lunch at Ballina RSL, bringing together 100 attendees, including war widows, families, and carers. The event aimed to reconnect members, promote social clubs and provide key updates.
Distinguished guests included our President Queen Dunbar, Margaret Bailey, Coordinator of Clarence Valley War Widows Social Club, Lorraine Whiteman, former Ballina Social Club Coordinator, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, Narelle Scott, Legacy President for Far North Coast and Colleen Wills, President, Ballina & District Ex-Service Women’s Association. The event was generously supported by Ballina RSL, which provided an in kind grant and door prizes.
Highlights of the day
Guests enjoyed a two course meal of roast pork and pavlova with fresh fruit and cream while watching a special video tribute to war widows passed from our last War Widows Day, and another video where the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC shared a heartfelt message in support of our war widows whilst wearing our War Widows Day wattle pin. Updates were also shared on membership benefits, the new War Widows Social Group on Facebook and available wellbeing programs.
The Honourable Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor of Ballina, delivered a short message, expressing her support for the families of veterans community and sharing her family’s connection to defence. Open Arms representative Maureen Gill also spoke about available support services in the regions.
Two remarkable members, both 101 years young were in attendance, delighting guests with their stories. Connections were formed with various defence organisations and plans were made to meet again. Attendees received updates on the upcoming Field of Remembrance event on 23 April 2025, which they can attend in Sydney or via a live stream at Ballina RSL.
“You brought joy and companionship to the ladies in Ballina. What an amazing reunion.” “I don’t get out much, but I’m so glad I attended. The food was great and the company even better”, some attendees said.
Get involved, stay in touch
Gatherings like this show the importance of connection. For more information on staying connected, view with the following;
- The War Widows Social Group on Facebook is open for all war widows here
- The Friendship Line is a great way for helping widows feel connected with each other
- Join your local war widows social club and view your nearest club with the provided map.
- Keep up to date with events and activities available by signing up for our monthly Newsletter.
- Become a volunteer! We have a variety of opportunities available for anyone both over the phone and face to face.
For any more questions, contact Families of Veterans Guild at (02) 9267 6577 or email programs@fov.org.au.
