Distinguished guests included our President Queen Dunbar, Margaret Bailey, Coordinator of Clarence Valley War Widows Social Club, Lorraine Whiteman, former Ballina Social Club Coordinator, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, Narelle Scott, Legacy President for Far North Coast and Colleen Wills, President, Ballina & District Ex-Service Women’s Association. The event was generously supported by Ballina RSL, which provided an in kind grant and door prizes.

Highlights of the day

Guests enjoyed a two course meal of roast pork and pavlova with fresh fruit and cream while watching a special video tribute to war widows passed from our last War Widows Day, and another video where the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC shared a heartfelt message in support of our war widows whilst wearing our War Widows Day wattle pin. Updates were also shared on membership benefits, the new War Widows Social Group on Facebook and available wellbeing programs.

The Honourable Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor of Ballina, delivered a short message, expressing her support for the families of veterans community and sharing her family’s connection to defence. Open Arms representative Maureen Gill also spoke about available support services in the regions.

Two remarkable members, both 101 years young were in attendance, delighting guests with their stories. Connections were formed with various defence organisations and plans were made to meet again. Attendees received updates on the upcoming Field of Remembrance event on 23 April 2025, which they can attend in Sydney or via a live stream at Ballina RSL. 

“You brought joy and companionship to the ladies in Ballina. What an amazing reunion.” “I don’t get out much, but I’m so glad I attended. The food was great and the company even better”, some attendees said.

Get involved, stay in touch

Gatherings like this show the importance of connection. For more information on staying connected, view with the following;

• The War Widows Social Group on Facebook is open for all war widows here
• The Friendship Line is a great way for helping widows feel connected with each other
• Join your local war widows social club and view your nearest club with the provided map.
• Keep up to date with events and activities available by signing up for our monthly Newsletter.
• Become a volunteer! We have a variety of opportunities available for anyone both over the phone and face to face.

For any more questions, contact Families of Veterans Guild at (02) 9267 6577 or email programs@fov.org.au.

The post Ballina war widows regional visit first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Distinguished guests included our President Queen Dunbar, along with social club coordinators and volunteers from the Bay & Basin, Nowra and Northern Beaches regions. The event was generously supported by Kiama Leagues Club, which provided an in-kind grant covering room hire, audio-visual equipment and door prizes.

Highlights of the day

Guests enjoyed a two-course meal of roast pork and sticky date pudding in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The gathering featured the first exclusive viewing of A Story of Women Empowering Women, a tribute leading up to International Women’s Day, honouring Jessie Vasey and the legacy of war widows. You can view this moving video on the Families of Veterans Guild YouTube here.

Queen shared updates on advocacy efforts before handing over to the War Widows Program, who spoke about membership benefits and social club connections, including the new Facebook social club. More information was provided around the Social Work and Wellbeing Programs, highlighting the benefits of both in-person and online activities.

One special guest included one war widow celebrating her 105th birthday in upcoming months, delighting those at her table with her stories. Guests from surrounding towns and suburbs formed new friendships, reconnected with old ones and discussed plans for future gatherings!

Attendees received updates on the upcoming ANZAC Field of Remembrance event on 23 April 2025, which can be attended in Sydney or viewed via live stream. Resources from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) were distributed, covering home services, aged care support and scam awareness. Members also asked for the Community Services Guide which you can view online here.

“I will definitely make a bigger effort to go to more meetings. It was lovely to meet some of the local ladies.” “Thank you for such a delicious lunch and informative afternoon.” “The Kiama Social Club had a lovely time meeting members from nearby clubs”,  some of our attendees said.

Get involved, stay in touch

Gatherings like this show the importance of connection. For more information on staying connected, view with the following;

• The War Widows Social Group on Facebook is open for all war widows here.
• The Friendship Line is a great way for helping widows feel connected with each other.
• Join your local war widows social club and view your nearest club with the provided map.
• Keep up to date with events and activities available by signing up for our monthly Newsletter.
• Become a volunteer! We have a variety of opportunities available for anyone both over the phone and face to face.

For any more questions, contact Families of Veterans Guild at (02) 9267 6577 or email programs@fov.org.au.

The post Kiama war widows regional visit first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

The War Widows Guild, founded in 1946, grew from humble beginnings into a powerful organisation under the leadership of Jessie Vasey CBE OBE. Initially a small craft guild, it soon became a force that could not be ignored by politicians, thanks to Jessies tireless efforts and visionary leadership. Her goal was clear, to ensure that the women left behind by war were not forgotten, and to fight for their rights and dignity. 

Jessie’s vision for the Guild was inspired by the changing role of women in society. She believed that the era of the dependent female was coming to an end and that Australia had a duty to care for the war widows who had sacrificed so much. She stood against the prevailing gender and social biases of her time, holding the government accountable for its promises to support these women.

Jessie’s words of encouragement, such as “THINK BIG! – Wear your prettiest hat – tell that man behind the desk he’s there to help you!” became a rallying cry for many widows, empowering them to stand up for themselves in a system that wasn’t built to support them. 

The reality for many war widows in the post-World War II era was harsh. These women, often young brides with children, were left to navigate life without their husbands. Financial insecurity was a common struggle, as the war widows pension offered little, often leaving women with less than the lowest army wage. Jessie, having lost her own husband, Major General George Vasey, in a tragic plane crash, knew this struggle all too well. Her first victory for the war widows came when she successfully fought to have her husband’s death, and the deaths of others in similar circumstances, recognised as war caused. 

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, Jessie fought not only for her peers but for the future generations of war widows and veteran families. She secured better pensions, advocated for housing stability, and created practical initiatives like jumble sales and shops to help these women rebuild their lives. Jessie’s work was not just about financial aid, it was about restoring dignity, purpose, and hope. She inspired war widows to rise above their grief and take control of their futures, giving them the confidence to reclaim their independence. 

 Jessie Vasey’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched. Her dedication ensured that war widows would never be forgotten, and her work continues to inspire today. She transformed a group of women from a position of vulnerability into one of strength and unity, leaving an indelible mark on history. Her example is a reminder of the power of determination, resilience, and the enduring strength of women coming together to support one another.  

The post A tribute to our founder first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Welcome to the War Widows Program update! Our team is thrilled to share the highlights from our recent outreach lunch at C.ex Coffs, part of our ongoing regional visits initiative. On Monday, 2 September, we welcomed 39 members, including past and new members, as well as guests from the surrounding areas.

Engaging events and heart-warming moments

Our event commenced with a warm welcome from Program Managers Jo and Lisa, alongside volunteer Sylvia Smith, who ensured every guest felt supported. Jo expressed her gratitude for the impressive turnout and shared key upcoming dates, particularly highlighting War Widows Day on Saturday, 19 October, and key outcomes from our recent AGM held on 15 August.

Jo also informed members about the re-elected President Queen Dunbar and the newly elected Directors, including Lyn Bye, Brigadier Jocelyn King CSC, and Yvonne Stapleton. These dedicated individuals bring invaluable experience to our cause.

Special recognitions

A surprise announcement was made celebrating Nance Hammond, who is nearing her 101st birthday. Jo also emphasised our 100th Birthday Recognition Program, highlighting our commitment to celebrating the special milestones of our members. Additionally, Jo shared information about our Friendship Line and Birthday Call initiatives, encouraging more members to volunteer or join these rewarding services.

Another special moment was the presentation of a lucky door prize to Mrs Lena Crompton from the Macksville War Widows Social Club, generously donated by Coffs C.ex.

Fostering community and connection

The event fostered a lively atmosphere, with guests enjoying a delicious meal, sharing stories, and reconnecting. Special thanks were given to the Coffs C.ex team for their outstanding hospitality and to the families, friends, and carers who made the day memorable.

We are excited to see the growing interest in our Coffs Harbour Social Club, with many newcomers considering joining. The club meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 11:30 or on the second Friday of each month. Please contact our office at (02) 9267 6577 if you are interested in attending any of the Social Clubs on the Mid-North Coast.

Looking ahead

At the War Widows Program, we continue to offer various ways to stay connected, including social and guild clubs, the Friendship Line, and the Transport Program. Members are encouraged to join local social groups, receive Friendship Line calls, volunteer, and stay updated through The Guild Digest and newsletters.

If you are on the Mid-North Coast and would like to connect with an existing social club, please reach out to the programs team at (02) 9267 6577 for more information and a membership form.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event a success. We look forward to many more gatherings where we can continue to connect, support, and create lasting memories together.

The post Connecting war widows first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

To celebrate the women in our community, this coming International Women’s Day, we will host an exclusive webinar.

‘How can we inspire inclusion’ will cover the subject of inclusion for defence and veteran spouses and will deliver an educated conversation around what inclusion means, ageism, intra-generational inclusion and how to inspire inclusion every day. It will also cover why it is important to interact with women of all ages and what it brings to us in doing so.

The webinar will take place on 7 March 2024 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Register here now!

The post How can we inspire inclusion first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

We want to make sure Australia does not forget its war widows and ensure they continue to receive the support and recognition they deserve. To achieve this, it is crucial that we remain visible, relevant and inclusive, carrying forward a legacy that supports the next generation.

In alignment with the vision of our founder, Jessie Vasey CBE OBE, who foresaw the importance of inclusivity almost 70 years ago when she said: “We must become an inclusive group if we are to survive”, we have continued to evolve. Recognising the changing landscape of veteran families\’ needs, 68 years ago, we expanded our support beyond traditional war widows to include all widows whose loved ones died as a result of their service, encompassing a broader spectrum, ranging from operations to service-related injuries or illnesses.

Almost five years ago, acknowledging the challenges faced by defence families and the evolving nature of veterans\’ experiences, we recognised the need for support that is available to families every step of the way.

Currently, in Australia support for the families of veterans is conditional on the entitlements of the veteran and the families of these veterans are largely invisible until they are bereaved. Veterans are now living longer, leading more complex lives, and facing new challenges during and after their service. Our commitment is to support and assist these families at various stages of their journey.

A pivotal step in achieving our objectives is the comprehensive review of our brand. The Board has diligently worked over the past few years to find a name and brand that honours our history while encapsulating our future vision. To ensure inclusivity, we engaged with our community, and pleasingly over 400 members actively participated in this consultation, providing valuable feedback.

The consultation process revealed overwhelming support for the changes, emphasising the need for inclusivity and understanding the evolving role of our organisation. On October 26, 2023, the Board decided to introduce a new operating name: Families of Veterans Guild. This name, coupled with a refined logo featuring sprigs of wattle, aims to reflect our history while embracing our future vision.

To further emphasise our commitment, the tagline \”Support. Connect. Empower.\” has been chosen, to highlight our core values. The logo\’s colour palette will transition from teal to a more mature green and gold, symbolising growth and continuity.

During the Annual General Meeting, AWW NSW CEO Renee Wilson clarified the organisation\’s focus, stating that we are there for the families and not seeking to duplicate existing support. Collaboration with other organisations will be sought, ensuring families can access a comprehensive range of services.

The next steps involve a preparation period for the rebranding, with updates scheduled for February and a formal launch expected in May 2024. We understand that change may be challenging, but we are confident that, together as a community, we can navigate these changes and continue our vital work.

We invite you to read through our consultation results here and our 2022-23 Annual Report here which provide insight into our activities over the past year. We appreciate your engagement in this crucial undertaking and your continued support in serving the veteran community.

Thank you for your dedication to our cause.

The post Branding Consultation and Future Initiatives first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.