Contribution

Stay informed and stay engaged: the Veteran Harmonisation bill has passed, but war widows and veteran families still need a voice

The Veterans Harmonisation Bill: what it means for war widows and what comes next

The passage of the Veterans Harmonisation Bill marks a significant shift in the veteran support system. While it streamlines veteran entitlements under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) from July 2026, there remain critical areas requiring further improvement—particularly in recognising and supporting families of veterans and removing disadvantages within the Act for war widows […]

The Veterans Harmonisation Bill: what it means for war widows and what comes next Read More »

Advocacy, Contribution, Important Updates, Opinion PiecesADF families, advocacy, Advocating for change, Australian War Widows, change makers, defence families, veteran families, veteran support, Veterans Harmonisation Bill, War Widows

February 18, 2025

Celebrating the legacy of war widows on International Women’s Day

Honouring the contributions and resilience of war widows in Australia On International Women’s Day, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements and resilience of women throughout history. One such inspiring story is that of Jessie Vasey CBE OBE and the Australian War Widows Guild, an organisation that has supported and empowered war

Celebrating the legacy of war widows on International Women’s Day Read More »

Commemorations, Contribution, Events, Member StoriesAustralian War Widows, defence life, defence spouses, families impacted service, International Women's Day, International Women's Day 2025, Legacy war widows, War Widows

February 16, 2025

CEO Renee Wilson providing evidence to the Senate Inquiry into the Defence Honours and Awards System

Voices of families heard at the Senate Inquiry into the Defence Honours and Awards System

On Friday 7 February, our CEO, Renee Wilson, provided crucial evidence to the Senate Committee investigating the integrity of the Defence Honours and Awards System. This appearance amplifies the voices of veteran families and war widows who have shared their perspectives with us over the years. It isn’t often that the voices of families of

Voices of families heard at the Senate Inquiry into the Defence Honours and Awards System Read More »

Advocacy, Contribution, Important Updates, Opinion Piecesadvocacy, Australian veteran families, Australian War Widows, CEO, Defence Honours and Awards System, Renee Wilson, Senate Inquiry, veteran families voices, War Widows

February 13, 2025

Tips to deal with Grief at Christmas Time

Managing grief at Christmas time

By Renee Wilson, CEO of Families of Veterans Guild Christmas comes but once a year. It is a time for family, reflection and happiness. But sadly, for many, it can also be a considerably difficult time to manage grief. In fact, for many the feelings they experience are heightened, as memories of traditions, connections and

Managing grief at Christmas time Read More »

Contribution, Wellbeing tipsADF families, Australian War Widow, defence families, Grief and Loss, Grief at Christmas Time, Holiday Season, Managing Grief, self-care, self-care tips, support, veteran families, wellbeing

December 16, 2024

The Poppy Project at Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway

The poppy project brought to life

The Poppy Project at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Anticipation has built over the months for many members excited and waiting for the unveiling of the wall of poppies at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway. Through our recent Digests, newsletters and online posts, we’ve shared the Poppy Project and its collaborative, remarkable initiative, directed by

The poppy project brought to life Read More »

Contribution, Volunteering, War Widows ProgramAustralia, Australian veterans, Australian War Widows, community tribute, defence families, handcrafted poppies, honouring veterans, Kokoda Day, Kokoda Track, Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, Military Family, Poppy Project, remembrance, veteran community, veteran families, veterans, War Widows

December 10, 2024

Governor General, Families of Veterans Guild Board Chair and CEO

The Governor General meets our Board Chair and CEO

Our Board Chair and CEO advocating for defence families with the Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC In November, our Board Chair Tricia Hobson and CEO Renee Wilson had the honour of meeting Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC. This was a meaningful opportunity to thank Her Excellency in person for her touching War Widow’s Day video tribute and

The Governor General meets our Board Chair and CEO Read More »

Advocacy, ContributionADF Member Families, Australian veterans, Australian War Widows, defence families, Defence spouse, Governor-General, Jessie Vasey, Veteran Children, veteran families, veteran family support, War Widows