ADF Member Families - 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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