On War Widows Day this year, former State President Wendy Thompson and former Board Director Lynne Boyd delivered a heartfelt tribute to two remarkable women. The late Audrey Blood OAM and Diana Bland who were former presidents of the War Widows Guild of NSW. Both Audrey and Diana dedicated their lives to serving others and left an enduring legacy within the community. 

“When I first met Audrey, I remember a lady of tremendous “presence” who had style and was always impeccably groomed.  A favorite saying of hers was “The State President is the face of the Guild.” And she certainly was, putting forward her best. Yet she also always had a softness to her which showed how much she cared about every war widow.” Said Wendy 

“Diana was an incredible woman who, like Audrey embodied the meaning of service and the War Widows motto, particularly “in serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good we are finding our true life.” Said Lynne.  

Wendy reflected on Audreys influence stating, “Audrey was an inspiration to so many. She knew how to make people feel welcome and encouraged the best in us all.” Audreys service spanned over 30 years, and her dedication was recognised with an OAM in 2002, yet her compassion for war widows never waned. 

Lynne shared memories of Dianas friendship, describing how she helped her through widowhood by creating bonds of support. “Diana showed me that though I had lost my husband, all was not lost” Lynne said, noting Dianas dedication even in her final months. 

Both women left behind a legacy of care and compassion, inspiring others to continue their important work in the war widows community. 

Video tribute 

In a moving video tribute, war widows Jenny Ware, Lynne Boyd, Mary Palframan, Wendy McKean, and Dawn Welfare share heartfelt memories and thoughts of Audrey Blood OAM and Diana Bland, the two extraordinary women who left a lasting impact on the War Widows Guild. These widows reflect on the strength, compassion, and leadership that defined Audrey and Diana’s contributions to the community in this touching video about War Widows Day.

Please view below. 

The post Tribute to war widows that have passed first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

War Widows Day is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and connecting Australian war widows. It ensures they feel honoured and acknowledged and gives us the opportunity to say thank you for what they have sacrificed. Across New South Wales alone, more than 10,700 war widows and widowers face the challenges of grief and isolation. Their partners made ultimate sacrifices for our country, and those left behind carry the weight of the sacrifice, often in silence. War Widows Day allows us to break that silence.  

This year, we hosted our third War Widows Day Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney. The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Tricia Hobson, Chair of Families of Veterans Guild, who spoke about the importance of honouring the sacrifices of war widows and their families.  

A moving tribute followed, celebrating the legacy of Jessie Vasey, founder of the War Widows Guild, and recognising the contributions of past leaders Audrey Blood OAM and Diana Bland. Former State President Wendy Thompson and former Director Lynne Boyd delivered a touching war widows address, reflecting on the enduring legacy of these incredible women. 

Once again, we turned the focus of the Service to those we were gathered to honour, our war widows. As war widows of all generations, their children and carers made their way, one by one to lay a branch of wattle in silent reflect, it was difficult not to be moved. Seeing the widows makes it all very real for those who hear their stories.  

As has become a new tradition at our events, we left the final word to a war widow who shared a poem “What if”  reflecting on the love, story and sacrifice of a widow who husband served Australia with pride and honour. 

Words from our Chair, Tricia Hobson 

Board Chair Tricia Hobson spoke throughout the day about the enduring strength and resilience of war widows, emphasising the deep bond that unites them. She reflected on how, over the nearly 80 year history of the organisation, war widows have come together to support one another. 

“The story of our organisation is one of women banding together to help other women. That story continues today and goes back almost 80 years. On War Widows Day, we honour war widows past and present and our founders for what they have sacrificed and given so we benefit today.” Said Tricia. 

Tricia reflected “War Widows Day serves as a reminder of Australia’s history, of the cost of our peace and security and the foundations on which our country was built. A day like today shines a light on the individuals who stand under the long shadow of war, who stand and stood beside our nation’s veterans.” 

“To the widows and widowers here today, thank you, for all you have given and sacrificed for the Australia we enjoy today.” said Tricia.  

View the pictures of War Widows Day 2024 below

The post War Widows Day 2024 first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

War Widows Day is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and connecting war widows, ensuring they feel honoured and acknowledged, giving us an opportunity to honour their stories, bravery, and sacrifice. Across New South Wales alone, more than 10,700 war widows and widowers face the challenges of grief and isolation. Their partners made ultimate sacrifices for our country, and now they’re to carry the weight of the sacrifice, often in silence. War Widows Day allows us to break that silence. It gives us a chance to support the potential isolation war widows face after the loss of their partner.

The importance of community 

In the heart of the War Widows community lies a powerful source of emotional and social support. This community is a beacon of hope, helping each other navigate the profound loss and the myriad challenges of life after service. Often facing these struggles alone, War Widows find solace and strength in the shared experiences and unwavering support of their peers. This sense of belonging and mutual understanding is invaluable, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. 

The role of the Families of Veterans Guild 

The Families of Veterans Guild plays a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of war widows. Through a variety of social events, wellbeing support, and advocacy efforts, the Guild offers a lifeline to those who have lost their loved ones in service. These initiatives not only provide practical assistance but also create opportunities for war widows to connect, share their stories, and build lasting friendships. The Guild’s commitment to supporting War Widows ensures that they are not alone in their journey, offering a network of care and compassion. 

The public’s role in supporting War Widows 

The public has a crucial role to play in supporting war widows. There are numerous practical ways to contribute, from making donations to participating in initiatives like “Buy a Widow a Coffee.” These acts of kindness and generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of war widows, providing them with much-needed support and recognition. By coming together as a community, we can help war widows feel valued and appreciated, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. 

Human connection as a healing force 

Human connection is a powerful healing force. For war widows, the simple act of connecting with each other and their community can foster healing and hope. These connections provide a sense of belonging and understanding, helping war widows navigate their grief and find a path forward. By building strong, supportive relationships, war widows can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that they are not alone. This human connection is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the war widows community, offering a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. 

By highlighting the importance of community, the role of the Families of Veterans Guild, the public’s role in supporting war widows, and the healing power of human connection, we can inspire others to join in this vital cause. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of war widows, providing them with the support and recognition they so richly deserve. 

By supporting our “Buy a Widow a Coffee” initiative, you can help provide more than just a cup of coffee. Your donation offers companionship, community, and a reminder that war widows are not forgotten. Every dollar goes directly towards creating connections and easing loneliness. 

Your generosity can make a profound difference in the lives of these women, offering them a sense of belonging and support. Together, we can ensure that they feel valued and remembered. Please consider donating today and be a part of this meaningful cause. Thank you for your support. 

The post Showing your support this War Widows Day first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Our organisation is dedicated to supporting veteran families in Australia. Our organisation remains committed to improving the lives of Australian veteran families. In line with this vision, we strive to keep our war widows connected with their peers and the broader community. To achieve this, we have a dedicated team delivering our War Widows Program. Our services include social and guild clubs, the Friendship Line, the Transport Program, 100th birthday recognitions, outreach efforts, and case management. If you’re interested in joining, volunteering or becoming a member, contact us at (02) 9267 6577 or programs@fov.org.au.

Southwest Sydney engagement at Campbelltown RSL

On 28 August, we held an outreach lunch at Campbelltown RSL, welcoming 65 members and guests from the Southwest Sydney region. We were joined by esteemed guests, including President Queen Dunbar, Board Director Yvonne Stapleton, former Board Director, State and National President Meg Green AM, former board member and President Wendy Thompson, and former Board Director Lynne Boyd.

Event highlights

The day began with a warm welcome from our War Widows Program team and volunteers. President Queen Dunbar shared important upcoming dates, including War Widows Day on 19 October and key outcomes from our recent AGM. She introduced newly elected board members Lyn Bye, Brigadier Jocelyn King CSC, and Yvonne Stapleton.

Significance of social clubs for war widows

Social and guild clubs play a vital role in keeping members informed about events and news. They also provide spaces for widows to gather, share experiences, and build friendships. War Widows Program Manager, Jo highlighted our 100th Birthday Recognition Program and the Friendship Line and Birthday Call initiatives, encouraging more members to volunteer. Suggestions for social club engagement included visits to other clubs, sharing ideas, and featuring guest speakers. The room buzzed with new ideas, including Maureen Beverly’s suggestion to share video clips of guest speakers during meetings.

Special recognitions and gratitude

A surprise birthday announcement was made for those celebrating their special day in August. We extended our invitation to this lunch to the Campbelltown Sub-Branch, and five of their members joined us. Shayne-Anne O’Leary, Campbelltown RSL Group Community & Partnerships Manager, donated lucky door prizes and shared exciting plans for the RSL. She highlighted that Campbelltown RSL membership is free, encouraging members to take advantage of this opportunity. Eight more guests received special gifts from Queen, on behalf of the Families of Veterans Guild.

A successful gathering with more to come

Throughout the event, guests enjoyed a delicious meal, shared stories, and reconnected. Special thanks were given to the Campbelltown RSL team for their outstanding hospitality, as well as to the families, friends, and carers who joined us to make the day memorable. We were delighted to see interest in our new Campbelltown Social Club, with 20 guests expressing their desire to be involved. There was also great enthusiasm for future outreach lunches and volunteer opportunities.

Future engagement and how to get involved

The event underscored the importance of reconnecting members who might have become isolated. The War Widows Program continues 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 Digest and newsletters. If you are in the areas of Campbelltown, Liverpool, Camden, or can travel to the Sydney CBD and would like to connect with an existing social club, please reach out to the Programs team.

New Social Club in Campbelltown

The first Social Club meeting, launched during the outreach luncheon on 28 August, will commence with morning tea at Campbelltown RSL on Wednesday 23 October, at 10:30 am. Members can agree on the club’s name and decide on suitable dates and times for future gatherings. If you reside in the Macarthur, Bowral, Cabra-Vale or surrounding areas and are interested in meeting closer to home, it only takes two people to create a local social club. With the launch of the social club in Campbelltown, we’re ready to welcome new members, volunteers, and a club coordinator. For more information, contact the War Widows Program team at (02) 9267 6577.

The post Connecting war widows: a gathering in Campbelltown first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.