Dear Members,
I hope everyone is staying safe and well during these particularly challenging times. COVID-19 continues to challenge us all. Our office in Sydney remains closed; however, all staff continue to work from home and are there for you.
At this time, our Social and Guild clubs in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour are not meeting in person. Any meetings scheduled for July and August should be posted until September.
Some of you in the Greater Sydney area may have already received a call from our staff checking in on your wellbeing during these tough times. So far, the team has made more than 400 calls to members in lockdown. If you have not received a call yet, do not worry, you will. If you feel you need support or someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out. A reminder the office number is 02 9267 6577. Information is available on the latest Greater Sydney restrictions to help you stay up to date throughout the pandemic.
There has been a lot of change in the veteran community recently. With the announcement of the new Federal Minister for Veterans\’ Affairs and Defence Personnel and NSW Minister Veterans\’ Affairs, we are in the process of establishing new relationships with these Ministers and their Staff. We have already met with NSW Minister The Hon Natalie Ward.
We welcome the Government’s formal establishment of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. We thank everyone who participated in the consultation sessions regarding the Terms of Reference. We are looking forward to supporting the work of the Royal Commission and the Commissioners. We are currently working on a plan to assist those who would like to be part of the work of the Royal Commission.
The next issue of the Digest is currently being developed and will be in member letterboxes in mid-August.
Stay well, stay safe.
To view the newsletter click here.
Rhondda Vanzella OAM
President of NSW & National Australian War Widows
\”We rise by lifting others\”
