War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join us online to learn how to make candles

Who is this free activity for and why?

Has your loved one ever served in the ADF? Are you connected to defence service in any way? Whether you’re the partner of a current or former serving ADF member, a veteran spouse, parent, adult child or a widow of a veteran, we warmly invite all war widows, defence and veteran families to join us for candle making workshop online on Friday 25 July 2025, brought to you by our Wellbeing Program.

Families of veterans and war widows make unique sacrifices during and after service. They balance the many demands of supporting a family, navigating grief and loss, relocations or adjustments, deployments or other absence from home, transition out of service or caring roles due to illness or injury. 

Social connection, peer support and self-care are at the core of our wellbeing activities. We acknowledge that veteran families may face barriers in developing and maintaining peer connections due to the unique nature of defence life, increasing their risk of social isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this activity is to encourage the families of veterans to focus on self-care and expand their social network by connecting with like-minded peers.

Online candle making workshop

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for candle making. Facilitated by social worker, Gabby Steel, and supported by manager for Social Work and Wellbeing Program, Lisa Stephenson, veteran families will be guided to create candles. Attendees will come together online to create their own unique piece of candle to keep and the opportunity to connect with peers online. 

Please have a bowl, small metal jug, thermometer, spoon, water, and a towel ready.  

Indemnity waiver 

By registering and participating in the virtual Candle Making Workshop hosted by Families of Veterans Guild, at any location in Australia or virtually, I, the registered participant, hereby acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions; 

Assumption of Risk: I understand that participating in cooking activities involve certain inherent risks, including but not limited to; cuts, burns, slips, falls, allergic reactions, and other risks associated with candle making activities, knives, heat, and other dangerous tools. I personally assume these risks when participating in this activity. 

Medical Condition: I certify that I am physically fit and able to participate in the candle making activity. I agree to inform the facilitator of any medical conditions, or allergies that may affect my ability to safely participate. 

Release of Liability: I hereby release and discharge Australian War Widows NSW Ltd (trading as Families of Veterans Guild), its facilitators, employees, directors, members or managers from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me or any property belonging to me while participating in the candle making workshop. 

There is no cost for this event. Your candle making kit and postage will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be emailed to you).

• Date and Time: Friday 25 July 2025, 6:30 – 8pm.

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 11 July.

• 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.

Sydney war widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join us at Kissingpoint Cottage for a candle making workshop

Who is this free activity for and why?

Has your loved one ever served in the ADF? Are you connected to defence service in any way? Whether you’re the partner of a current or former serving ADF member, a veteran spouse, parent, adult child or a widow of a veteran, we warmly invite all war widows, defence and veteran families to join us for a or a candle making workshop in collaboration with Kissingpoint Cottage on Saturday 21 June, brought to you by our Wellbeing Program.

Families of veterans and war widows make unique sacrifices during and after service. They balance the many demands of supporting a family, navigating grief and loss, relocations or adjustments, deployments or other absence from home, transition out of service or caring roles due to illness or injury. 

Social connection, peer support and self-care are at the core of our wellbeing activities. We acknowledge that veteran families may face barriers in developing and maintaining peer connections due to the unique nature of defence life, increasing their risk of social isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this activity is to encourage the families of veterans to focus on self-care and expand their social network by connecting with like-minded peers.

Candle making workshop

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for a candle making workshop. Facilitated by social worker, Gabby Steel, veteran families will be guided to make candles. The activity offers a wonderful opportunity for defence and veteran families to come together in a supportive and creative environment. Families will also have the opportunity to sit down and connect with peers over lunch.  

There is no cost for this activity. Your candle making workshop and lunch will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild and Kissingpoint Cottage.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

• Location: Kissingpoint Cottage, 282 Kissing Point Rd, Dundas NSW 2117.

• Date and Time: Saturday 21 June 2025, 12pm – 2pm.

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 16 June.

• 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.