For the first time in the history of the Australian Defence Force, the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) recommends that the family of a member who dies in service or has suffered serious injury, be recognised by a Memorial Star or Gratitude Star emblem, pending endorsement from the Government.

These are two of four new forms of recognition recommended by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, yet to be endorsed and implemented by the Government.

AWWNSW advocates for veteran families

Australian War Widows NSW Ltd (AWWNSW) sought the views of its members and veteran community to write a submission to the Tribunal for an inquiry into the recognition of Australian Defence Force members and families wounded or killed as a result of service.

These views helped shape a case by AWWNSW to the Tribunal stating that families deserve greater and common recognition across Defence that would also help to unite the community of those affected by death and injury in service. The submission sought the Tribunal to consider recognition for veterans, including deceased veterans, to be medallic in nature. These views were supported by other contributors from the veteran community.

“Recognition at its core, is not only acknowledging the validity of something, but also about identifying those with like experiences. It is a positive and powerful influence in the veteran community. It enables acceptance, conversations, community identification and help seeking.

We are very pleased and proud that our submission to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has been recognised in some of the recommendations put forward”

Renee Wilson, Chief Executive Officer Australian War Widows NSW Ltd.

Our nation currently acknowledges the wounding, injury or death of members of the Australian Defence Force through essential care, compensation and support. None are currently reflected in a medallic form of recognition as a suitable solemn and individual emblem of gratitude*.

Under Recommendation 1, the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal endorse the institution of new forms of medallic and emblematic recognition including:

• a Memorial Star – A full size brooch-like emblem of a uniquely Australian design that recognises the sacrifice of the family of a member of the ADF or veteran who dies in service or whose death is service related; and
• a Gratitude Star – A full size brooch-like emblem of uniquely Australian design to recognise the sacrifice of the family of the member or veteran who has suffered a serious wound, serious injury or serious disease in or as a result of service.

These and other proposed recommendations are sought retrospectively for services brought about in, or as a result of, service after 2 September 1945. Read the full recommendation here.

AWWNSW submission

The AWWNSW submission also noted that there should be no differentiation between the circumstances that gave rise to the death, injury or wounding during service; and that Australia could lead the world in reducing the stigma surrounding veterans’ mental and moral injuries and illnesses.

Renee Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Australian War Widows NSW appeared at a public hearing in relation to the submission and recalled the impact of service on veterans’ families – those affected many years after service, and those missing their loved ones from war or sadly from suicide.

The definition of family

Much like AWWNSW has broadened its definition of family, so too has the Tribunal. In their letter of transmission, the Defence Honours & Awards Appeals states “Family” should be defined flexibly so as to recognise the changed and changing nature of family structures in modern society and cultural sensitivities and should include:

• biological, adoptive, step and foster parents;
• de jure and de facto spouses of any gender;
• biological, adopted, step and foster children;
• all other blood relatives or relatives by marriage; and
• other persons for whom a member has expressed a family-like relationship in their will or similar document.

Veteran families bare an enormous burden for Australia. The role of families is critical when it comes to supporting the Australian Defence Force and its operations. It is a lifelong role that does not end when that member is no longer in service due to death, wounding, injury or illness. This emblematic recognition of our nation’s gratitude serves as acknowledgement of this burden.

Australian War Widows NSW is a 75-year-old organisation that has represented the interests of women impacted by defence service. With a recently expanded charter, AWWNSW provides support and advocacy to women and family members related to the veteran community. AWWNSW provides a voice for members and veteran community to ensure their views are represented across areas that impact upon them.

* Australian Government, Defence Honours & Awards Appeals Tribunal, Recognising their sacrifice, Letter of Transmission 

The post Tribunal recommendations recognise the sacrifices made by veterans’ families first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

This was awarded for exceptional performance of duty as the Commander Joint Task Force 633 on Operation ACCORDION from January to November 2020. 

AWWNSW is privileged to have Major General Susan Coyle CSC DSM serve on our Board for the benefit of our organisation and members. 

We congratulate the dozens of Defence personnel and all 1,040 Australians who have been recognised for their outstanding service during this year’s Australia Day honours list. 

The post AWWNSW Board Director appointed Member of the Order of Australia first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Here is the 2022 class schedule:

• Chair Yoga – Tuesday 12.30pm, Thursday 11am
• Singing Lessons – Wednesday 10am
• Modified Dance – Friday 10am

Not yet signed up to one of our enjoyable and relaxing classes? Improve your physical, emotional and social wellbeing in the comfort of your own home with one (or all!) of our online weekly classes. Choose from chair yoga, modified seated dance and singing lessons, all free for AWWNSW members.

Feel the joy of movement and rhythm during our modified dance classes.

We are often told to keep moving to stay healthy. But how do you physically do that if you have limited mobility, painful joints or lack of flexibility? The answer could be modified or seated dance.

Experience the benefits of dance and creativity in this weekly seated class. Dance can help improve flexibility, balance and strength while increasing confidence and a sense of wellbeing.

Our classes are run by trained and highly qualified educator, Jessica Connelly of Dance4Wellbeing. The classes are gentle, slow and include options so it can be enjoyed standing or sitting.

If you would like to enjoy the benefits of any of these classes from our online health and wellbeing program, contact our office at guild@warwidowsnsw.com.au or 02 9267 6577 for more information.

Take some time to for you and join our mindful Chair Yoga sessions.

Many of us are aware of the benefits of Yoga. From relaxation to improving strength, flexibility and heart health, the benefits of Yoga are well documented. But have you tried Chair Yoga?

Here are 6 reasons to try Chair Yoga.

1. Chairs don’t take up much floor space
2. Everyone has a chair or can access one
3. It is surprising the quality and range of movement achieved from sitting in a chair
4. Chairs are a great prop. Of course, you can sit, but if you are able, you can stand and use it to help you balance
5. Chairs a great aid to posture
6. Using a chair allows anyone to try Yoga

All you need is a sturdy chair and a bottle of water!

Run by Chair Yoga instructor Paula, these free sessions are accessible to all levels of flexibility and strength.

Why not sign up to our always fun and interactive Singing Lessons?

Singing is something that many love to do but often feel self-conscious about. This inclusive, caring group will give you an opportunity to learn a new skill and make new friends. Not only is singing fun, it improves lung function, can boost your immune system and can help promote positive feelings – even change your perception of pain! If you prefer to be seen and not heard, you can simply mute yourself on Zoom and feel free to stretch those vocal cords.

Aaron from Unlock Your Voice is our friendly and experienced singing coach who comes highly recommended by AWWNSW members and singing class participants.

The post Online classes are back! first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.