80 years ago, a group of war widows met in Sydney and refused to be forgotten. This is the story of how the Guild began and the story of the woman who made it happen. It was a winter afternoon in Sydney, Tuesday, 4 June 1946. In the conference room of the Grand United Order of […]
1946: how the War Widows’ Craft Guild began Read More »
Awareness, War Widows Program
On the afternoon of 17 June, war widows came together at Government House, Sydney for an afternoon tea hosted by our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales. It was the first gathering of our 80th anniversary year and, looking back on it now, a fitting way to
The best within us: 80 years on at Government House Read More »
Awareness, War Widows Program
As the year is wrapping up, war widow social clubs have been celebrating the Christmas season with club lunches that bring members together for good food and great company as one last celebration together for 2025. These gatherings are a tradition that keeps friendships strong as members close the year with a final festive celebration, reminding us why connection matters during the holidays. Throughout late November and recent weeks of December, there have
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Member Stories, War Widows Program, War Widows Program
Celebrating a special member at the City Saturday Social Club Every year, the Coordinator of the City Saturday Club, Lynne, hosts a Christmas get-together at her home that allows war widows from both her club and other clubs to gather and celebrate the season. It’s a tradition Lynne has proudly maintained for over 15 years. This year,
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Member Stories, War Widows Program, War Widows Program
High tea at NSW Parliament House – Penrith War Widows Social Club In October, 20 beautifully dressed members from the Penrith Social Club alongside two ladies from other clubs came together for high tea at NSW Parliament House, an outing organised by their Coordinator Dallas Alderson. With the motivation of wanting a day out for the ladies, Dallas tries to organise at least one large outing per year and invite as many ladies as she can for a fun day together. Bringing people together “It’s nice to get out and
War widows social club outing Read More »
Member Stories, War Widows Program, War Widows Program
From the beginning, our social clubs have existed to make sure no war widow faces life alone. Formed in the tradition set by Jessie Vasey, who “welded” widows together so they had voice, companionship and practical support, the clubs offer belonging built on a shared loss and a shared resolve. That unspoken understanding is why a simple
War Widows Social Club highlights Read More »
Member Stories, War Widows Program, War Widows Program