Families of Veterans Guild

Online decluttering workshop for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:08:43 +0000

Decluttering made doable: workshop for war widows, defence and veteran families

A tidier space can do a lot for how we feel. This online wellbeing activity offers practical, doable strategies to help you sort, organise, and let go. On Thursday 10 September 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our decluttering workshop from home, alongside others who understand defence and veteran family life.

Decluttering workshop

Join us online via Zoom for a 60-minute decluttering workshop led by Amy Revell of The Art of Decluttering. Amy will walk through an overview of decluttering, with practical strategies for both organising your space and letting go of what you no longer need. It’s a friendly, no-pressure session you can join from the comfort of home.

There is no cost to attend, and this is an adults-only activity. Whether you’re facing a particular project or just want somewhere to start, you’ll come away with useful tools and the chance to connect with others in the defence and veteran community.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I appreciate opportunities to learn new things, develop practical skills, and prioritise self-care and wellbeing in a supportive and welcoming environment.”

Event information

Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to you).
Date: Thursday 10 September 2026.
Time: 7pm – 8pm (AEST).

Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Exhibition at Geelong Gallery for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 01:15:04 +0000

A gallery exhibition morning for war widows, defence and veteran families

We’re bringing a wellbeing activity to Geelong for the first time! On Monday 10 August 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our gallery walk through the Impressionists at Geelong Gallery for a relaxed morning among the paintings with others who understand defence and veteran family life.

Discovering the Impressionists exhibition at Geelong Gallery

We’re excited to host our first wellbeing activity in Geelong. Join us at Geelong Gallery for a one-hour gallery walk exploring the Discovering the Impressionists and Claude Monet and Australian Impressionism exhibitions. Entry to the exhibition is included. After the walk, we will head to 17by4 cafe for a coffee together. It’s a relaxed way to explore somewhere new and connect with others in the defence and veteran community.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “The walk provided a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect with other defence spouses, and enjoy meaningful conversations along the way.”

Event information

Location: 55 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC.
Date: Monday 10 August 2026.
Time: 11am – 1pm.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

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Wellbeing walk and lunch for Canberra veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 23:06:28 +0000

Lakeside walk and lunch for war widows, defence and veteran families

Join us for a relaxing lakeside stroll and lunch together with this wellbeing activity in Belconnen. On Friday 21 August 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our wellbeing walk and lunch along Lake Ginninderra for easy exercise and good company with others who understand defence and veteran family life.

Wellbeing walk and lunch

Join us at Kiln at Belco Arts for a wellbeing walk of about 60 minutes along Lake Ginninderra. The route is paved and flat, and it’s pram and wheelchair friendly, so everyone can take part comfortably. After the walk, we will return to Kiln at Belco Arts for lunch together.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I enjoyed spending time outdoors, exploring somewhere new, getting fresh air and gentle exercise, and connecting with others who understand my lifestyle and experiences.”

Event information

Location: Meet at Kiln at Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen ACT.
Date: Friday 21 August 2026.
Time: 11am – 1pm.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Nervous system regulation for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:00:33 +0000

An evening to settle and reset for war widows, defence and veteran families

Feeling stretched thin, wired, or stuck in go-mode? This wellbeing activity is a chance to slow down and give your body a chance to reset. On Monday 10 August 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our nervous system regulation workshop in Belmont for an evening of practical techniques to help you find some calm.

Nervous system regulation workshop

Join us at Yo-T Yoga & Occupational Therapy in Belmont for a 90-minute workshop that blends education with practices designed to help your body settle and reset. Guided by Sara, a senior occupational therapist and yoga instructor, you will be introduced to breathwork and body awareness, grounding and orienting practices, and simple regulation strategies. You will also learn a little about the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and why a sense of safety matters.

The workshop is ideal for anyone feeling stressed, fatigued, or emotionally overloaded — running in survival mode, struggling to switch off, or constantly on the go. You’re welcome to sit on a yoga mat, bolster, cushion, or chair. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water.

Event information

Location: Yo-T Yoga & Occupational Therapy, 4/130 High St, Belmont VIC 3216.
Date: Monday 10 August 2026.
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm (arrive at 5.45pm).
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Share your story: 80 years of war widows and veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:00:49 +0000

80 years ago, war widows in NSW came together for the first time. They were demanding fair treatment, fair compensation, and a place in the system that had largely overlooked them. Jessie Vasey gathered them, not to seek sympathy, but to build a community grounded in dignity, self-help and mutual support.

That community has lasted 80 years. The need it answered has not changed. What began as war widows supporting each other has grown into an organisation supporting families right across the veteran community. The purpose is the same, and we are carrying it forward for generations to come.

Why we are collecting 80 years of stories

A history this long is not one story. It is thousands. It lives in the women who built the Guild, in those who carry it forward, and in the ordinary things that hold meaning: a letter kept in a drawer, a badge worn with pride, a photograph from a gathering decades ago.

This year, to mark our 80th anniversary, we are collecting those stories. We are calling it 80 years of stories, and we would like to hear yours.

How to share your story

There are three ways to take part. Choose whichever suits you best.

Submit your story and a photo in our War Widows Honour Roll

Send us a reflection. A few lines or a few paragraphs, with a photo if you have one. Send to communications@fov.org.au.

Record a short video. A simple video filmed on your phone. There is no need for anything polished.

Share an object with a story. Send us a picture of a keepsake, a medal, a letter or a photograph. Tell us what it is and what it means to you and the stories behind it.

Every story helps the next generation understand our war widows, where this community came from and why it still stands.

80 years on, we are still here

Still advocating. Still standing alongside war widows and veteran families. Your story is part of our story — and it is the foundation everything else we do is built on.

If you prefer to send your story directly to us: Contact the Communications team at communications@fov.org.au

Together We Still Stand · 1946–2026

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Macramé workshop for Sydney veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:13:05 +0000

Macramé and dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families

Knot, create and connect with this wellbeing activity. On Thursday 13 August 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our macramé and dinner evening in Chatswood to learn a new skill and connect over a shared meal with others who understand defence and veteran family life.

Macramé and dinner

Join us in Chatswood to learn the basics of macramé and create your own wall hanging piece to take home. You will be guided through simple knotting techniques step by step, with all materials provided — no experience needed. Once everyone has finished crafting, we will sit down together for a pizza dinner, connecting with other defence and veteran families.

Hop on the Metro train (just a quick 14min ride from either Central to Chatswood or Ryde to Chatswood). Feel free to explore the lively streets of Chatswood, with its great shops and unique attractions.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I loved the relaxed pace, learning a new skill, connecting with nature, and spending time with such a warm and welcoming group. It was something I wouldn’t normally do, and I can’t wait to do more!”

Event information

Location: Families of Veterans Guild, Level 1, 9 Help St Chatswood NSW.
Date: Thursday 13 August 2026.
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Greeting cards workshop for Canberra veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:39:07 +0000

Crafting your own greeting cards for war widows, defence and veteran families

This wellbeing activity brings an afternoon of hands-on creativity, where you can make your own handmade cards to keep or share. On Saturday 1 August 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our greeting cards workshop in Weston for a relaxed, social afternoon.

Greeting cards workshop

Join us at the Weston Creek Community Centre for a hands-on cardmaking workshop, run in collaboration with Solid Rock Defence Ministry. Guided by facilitator Sharon, you will create two handmade greeting cards and learn a range of cardmaking techniques along the way. There’s plenty of room to make each design your own, choosing from different colour combinations and decorative elements.

All materials, tools and afternoon tea are provided is included, and there is no cost to attend.

Event information

Location: Solid Rock Defence Ministry, Weston Creek Community Centre, Parkinson St, Weston ACT.
Date: Saturday 1 August 2026.
Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Wellbeing walk and lunch in Sydney for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:38:53 +0000

War widows, defence and veteran families — join us for fresh air and good company

Sea air, an easy stroll along the foreshore, and lunch with good company — that’s the shape of this wellbeing activity at Cronulla. On Friday 7 August 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our wellbeing walk and lunch for a relaxed afternoon by the water whilst connecting with others who understand.

Wellbeing walk and lunch

Join us at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club for a wellbeing walk of about 60 minutes, following the Esplanade Walk along the foreshore. The route is paved and flat, and it’s pram and wheelchair friendly, so everyone can take part comfortably. After the walk, we will head to a local cafe for lunch together. A meal and a drink at the cafe are included.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “It was such a lovely morning getting outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, and connecting with other defence families.”

Event information

Location: Meet at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, 36A Gerrale St, Cronulla NSW.
Date: Friday 7 August 2026.
Time: 12pm – 2pm.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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June wellbeing tips for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:54:50 +0000

Sharing our latest wellbeing tips for war widows, defence and veteran families

So much of our wellbeing comes down to two things: knowing what’s going on inside us, and giving ourselves room to slow down. Neither comes easily when life is busy, when service has shaped your family’s routines, or when you are carrying grief.

This month’s tips, drawn from our latest Wellbeing Newsletter, look at both. We share how to build a feelings map using Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart, a way to put words to what you are experiencing, and a few relaxing meditation and breathing practices to help you find calm.

Benefits of creating a feelings map

In families, especially during stressful or difficult times, connection can break down. Not because people don’t care, but because they don’t know how to say what they’re feeling. Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart offers a simple idea: building a bigger emotional vocabulary can help people understand each other better and strengthen their relationships.

One practical way to apply this is by creating a feelings map. A feelings map is a visual or conversational tool that helps individuals identify, name, and share their emotional experiences. Rather than relying on broad terms like fine, angry, or stressed, a feeling map encourages people to pinpoint more specific emotions such as overwhelm, disappointment, uncertainty, or loneliness. A feeling map helps:

Reduce miscommunication
Increase empathy between family members
Validate emotional experiences
Shift from blame to understanding

For families of veterans or those experiencing stress, this can be especially powerful. It gently encourages peoples to open up, while respecting each person’s pace and story.

How to create a feelings map using Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Start with what happened – Keep it brief and blame-free. Example: “We didn’t talk much tonight.”
Name your feelings – Go beyond angry or fine by choosing a few words that best fit. Example: “I felt lonely and hurt.”
Share what you need – Identify what matters underneath the feeling. Example: “I need connection and to feel noticed.”
Share and listen – Take turns sharing using this simple sentence: “When ___ happened, I felt ___, and I need ___.” The key is to listen without interrupting or fixing. Acknowledge what you hear.

A feelings map isn’t about analysing emotions perfectly. It’s about making the invisible visible. When people can name what’s really going on inside them, connection becomes safer, clearer, and more possible.

Self-care through meditation

As the days become shorter and colder, many people notice changes in their energy, motivation, mood, or sleep. Sometimes referred to as the “winter blues” or seasonal low mood. These feelings can be a natural response to reduced daylight, stress, busy schedules, or spending more time indoors. During these times, simple self-care practices can help create moments of calm throughout the day.

Meditation is one of many ways to support both the mind and body. It does not require special skills or long silence. Meditation can look like taking a few moments to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment.

You might try:

Sitting quietly with a cup of tea and focusing on your breathing
Taking a mindful walk and noticing the sounds around you
Listening to calming music or a guided meditation
Spending moments outdoors in fresh air and sunlight

A simple breathing exercise to try

Simple breathing exercises can help signal safety and calm the nervous system. One simple exercise is ‘box breathing’:

Breathe in slowly for four counts
Hold for four counts
Breathe out slowly for four counts
Hold for four counts
Repeat a few times at your own pace

The goal is not to empty the mind or stop thoughts. Meditation is about being present, noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgement, and gently returning your attention to the present moment. There is no one way to meditate or practice mindfulness. What matters most is finding small practices that feel supportive, calming, and realistic for you.

To find out the latest wellbeing tips or find a free wellbeing activity, please subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter.

You can also find all of our wellbeing tips, practical information sheets and guides to support you and your family’s wellbeing, visit our Resource Hub today.

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Monthly writing through grief online

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:06:47 +0000

War widows, defence and veteran families — join a creative writing session focused on grief

Born from an idea shared by a war widow, our Writing Through Grief sessions offer a safe space to express grief. Over time, with many returning participants, the sessions have grown into a place where people feel acknowledged, heard and supported. These sessions will start on Thursday 16 July and are facilitated by our social workers, offering a supportive environment to explore experiences and emotions that are often difficult to voice.

Over time, many attendees have returned again and again, looking forward to reconnecting each time we host this activity. This group is still growing and welcoming to newcomers.

Monthly writing through grief

Join us for a monthly online creative writing session held over Zoom, exploring writing as a way to work through grief. Each session uses forms such as poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling. Together, we will explore experiences of grief within the defence community, including bereavement, deployment, transition, and relocation. A journal and pen are all you will need and are included for new attendees. Come to just one or all.

Previous attendees said “The session created a safe and supportive space where I felt comfortable listening, sharing, and opening up at my own pace.”

Event information

Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).
Dates:
- Thursday 16 July 2026
- Thursday 20 August 2026
- Thursday 17 September 2026
- Thursday 1 October 2026
- Thursday 12 November 2026

Times: 6pm – 7.30pm (AEST/AEDT).
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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