connecting war widows - Families of Veterans Guild

ANZAC Field of Remembrance social clubs gatherings

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 04 May 2026 06:58:19 +0000

Each year, ahead of ANZAC Day, the ANZAC Field of Remembrance provides a space where veteran families and war widows can honour and remember their loved ones.

While the service is held in Sydney, distance, health, or circumstance can make travel difficult for our many members living regionally. This is why we host the regional gatherings for regional members to watch the livestream of the service, allowing war widows to come together, lay crosses, and share the experience with the people who understand their loss and their feeling around ANZAC Day better than anyone.

This year, we hosted regional livestream gatherings in Coffs Harbour, Yass, Albury and Laurieton, with attendees feedback highlighting how moving it was and how much it is needed for them regionally.

Coffs Harbour

The Coffs Harbour gathering brought together approximately 19 attendees from the Clarence, Macksville and Coffs areas. It took place at C.ex Coffs with an appreciated morning tea.

Members described the experience as both “lovely” and “moving,” with clear visibility of the service allowing participants to feel closely connected to proceedings in Sydney.

“It’s good to have this. People can’t go to Sydney, it’s good to be able to watch the service with everyone.” Some gatherings allowed widows from various locations to gather, which they don’t often get the opportunity to do, reinforcing the importance and significance of the livestream.

Several attendees brought the crosses they received in their last Guild Digest, enabling them to lay their crosses in the Field miles away from Sydney. “We were glad to be part of it,” said one attendee.

Albury

Albury saw a “strong turnout,” as one widow put it, with more than 20 widows attending the livestream gathering. The ladies loved the morning tea of sandwiches and scones.

“The service was great.” Attendees could confidently say that the livestream participation wasn’t passive and effortlessly provided the feeling of being part of the service.

Albury’s Coordinator provided the idea of members placing their crosses in gardens and pot plants, ensuring that their tribute could be laid somewhere they can see every day. “I put my cross in the garden,” she shared.

The accessibility of the livestream was widely appreciated as many attendees are unable to attend the service in person.

“It’s important, so the ladies that want to come, can join it. We had so many ladies join because it suits them well, and everyone can sit and relax. It should continue.”

Laurieton

In Laurieton, the gathering was described with just one word, “marvelous”.

Around 20 attendees shared morning tea together and had many personalised, painted crosses at the ready for when tributes were to be laid.

The livestream itself was a moving experience, with participants reflecting on the emotional impact of the service. “It brings back memories,” one attendee shared.

The gathering held particular significance for the women present, as the livestream offered a rare chance to take part in a national moment of remembrance, without the difficulty of travelling to a larger service. “There are a lot of the older ladies, so this is great for them.”

Yass

The Yass gathering included members travelling from Yass, Queanbeyan, and Goulburn to attend at the Yass Soldiers Club.

The day began with morning tea, followed by the livestream and lunch. Attendees sat together, watching attentively. During key moments of the service, including the Ode and the laying of the crosses, members stood in deep reflection.

The atmosphere was described as deeply respectful and allowed many of the ladies present to not just passively watch the service, but to actively participate.

Over the last five years, the livestreaming of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance has proven to be an inclusive way for war widows across NSW to take part in remembrance, regardless of age, location, or mobility. We encourage members to join again next year, whether in person or virtually as we continue this yearly tradition.

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Update on War Widows South Australia

Caroline Kirche — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:58:56 +0000

The Families of Veterans Guild is proud to support South Australia’s war widows and veteran families. Our utmost priority is ensuring their wellbeing by providing the advocacy, connection and social work support programs they deserve and rely on.

Reflecting this, we are very disappointed that South Australian war widows are being used, without their consent, as part of the East Resident’s Group campaign in Rose Park. We have been working diligently to ensure impacted war widows have access to support, but remain concerned about the welfare, wellbeing and safety impact this activity is having on them.

We value our relationship with ACH which provides vital accommodation services to South Australia’s war widows. We recognise this new development is necessary because existing facilities are no longer suitable for the evolving needs of older residents, including the war widows who reside there.

We are pleased that alongside these developments ACH is committed to maintaining the deep connection local war widows have with Rose Park by providing a new purpose-built meeting hall and office at no cost. We are also pleased that the historic Vasey House will be restored as part of the development, honouring the legacy of our founder Ms Jessie Vasey CBE OBE.

Our focus remains on protecting war widows’ wellbeing and ensuring they receive the modern, respectful housing they have earned through their and their veterans’ service.”

We do not own or manage the Rose Park site. Questions specifically relating to the redevelopment of the Rose Park site are best directed to ACH Group.

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Our latest wellbeing activities for war widows and veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:26:08 +0000

Connecting out and about through wellbeing activities

Our Wellbeing Program continues to offer a variety of activities for war widows, defence and veteran families, creating spaces for connection, creativity, and care. We aim to balance beloved repeated activities with new experiences based on community feedback, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Alongside our regular favourite activities, we’ve introduced some new experiences based on this feedback combined with our goals to always try out new things, making our activities all the more exciting.

In this post, we cover activities that we hosted in the recent months that encouraged defence and veteran families to get out and about with activities for the family or just for themselves. Don’t miss a thing by subscribing to our Wellbeing Newsletter to be notified for upcoming activities in your area.

Wellbeing walks

In January we attended a guided tour of the historic Middle Head Battery in Sydney with war widows and veteran families. Walking along beautiful bush paths, the group explored gun emplacements, cannons and communication signals used across Sydney Harbour. Participants were also given access to one of the tunnels, where they learned about the “tiger cages” used for conduct courses before soldiers were deployed to Vietnam. The tour concluded with lunch at Middle Head Café, where attendees enjoyed time connecting over a shared meal.

Surrounded by Australia’s unique native flora, our February wellbeing walk was at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. Participants could choose between a guided tour of the gardens or a trip on the Flora bus, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for all ages. After exploring the gardens, the group continued their conversations over lunch at Pollen Café.

A sunny stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens in early February saw Sydney families enjoying nature and fresh air. Strolling along shaded paths and open green spaces, participants enjoyed the harbour views while taking in blooming flowers and the sounds of the many birds throughout the gardens. Conversation flowed as the group walked before continuing their time together over lunch at Piccolo Me.

In early March we had an outing to the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour. The walk through the garden’s pathways provided participants with an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the traditional Chinese landscape design and feeding the koi fish in the pond. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a place to get lost in for hours and is known as one of the best things to do in Sydney, making it a great location for our wellbeing walk. The activity ended with a cold drink for everyone at a café nearby.

New experiences and activities

In February, a group of war widows and a veteran family joined us at the Museum of Contemporary Art for a self‑guided tour through the galleries, our first museum tour in Sydney! Attendees had the opportunity to walk through three levels of the exhibition, taking in a wide range of artworks and engaging with pieces that resonated with them. This activity encouraged conversation with many sharing personal stories of the artwork on display that evoked fond memories of childhood and past experiences.

Laughter and friendly competition filled the room during a table tennis wellbeing activity in early January at the Table Tennis Collective in Fyshwick, followed by a lunch at Capital Brewing Co and Brodburger. Participants of all ages enjoyed spirited games and laughter, mentioning how it was so nice to switch off, have a laugh, and connect with other defence and veteran families over a game of table tennis.

In late February we came online for our very first Trivia Night, families enjoying an evening filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition! Participants tested their knowledge across a variety of categories including animals, food, Olympics, movies and television shows, and general knowledge. Each participant also received a snack pack from us to enjoy during the activity. “This is so much fun I look forward to the next round!” one participant said.

These activities are just some of the variety of activities available through our Wellbeing Program. If you missed out or are looking for other ways to get involved, stay tuned for upcoming activities designed to support and connect war widows, defence and veteran families of all kinds. Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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Our latest wellbeing activities for war widows and veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:25:29 +0000

Starting 2026 with creative, peaceful and reflective wellbeing activities

The beginning of a new year can be a time for reflection, renewal and looking ahead. Through our Wellbeing Program, we continue to create opportunities for war widows, defence and veteran families to come together in supportive spaces that nurture creativity, connection and personal wellbeing.

From all types of craft kits to reflective writing sessions and vision board workshops, our recent activities have encouraged participants to slow down and set positive intentions for the months ahead. Whether joining online or attending in person, each wellbeing activity for the months of 2026 so far have been focused on setting a good pace for the year with reflections, calm and connection.

In this post, we look back at some of the activities that started our year, highlighting the ways participants explored new beginnings, shared experiences and supported one another across our community.

Creativity and crafts

In early February, war widows and families of veterans came together over Zoom for an evening of Gem art! All hands meticulously worked on picking up and placing colourful gems onto corresponding numbers on the coasters. A participant described it as ‘being in the zone’, feeling as if they could do it all night. It was able to provide a setting to talk with each other mindlessly during the process and then leave attendees with a customised art piece to use at home.

January’s virtual seashell painting session invited war widows and veteran families to get creative! The session opened with participants reflecting on what they hoped to be mindful of in the new year, followed by a grounding activity to set a calm scene. As participants experimented with different colours, patterns and designs, conversation emerged about the memories associated with seashells. For some, they evoked recollections of visiting the beach to collect shells where families were posted in new locations; for others, they represented travel, keepsakes and moments of peace.

At the Queanbeyan Veteran and Family Hub in February, a morning of hands-on craft activities brought families together! Each attendee was provided a kit of their choice; gem art, painting sea shells, candle making, or clay art. With the variety of crafts going on, everyone had a chance to make a unique creation and see the other kits being made alongside some morning tea and chatter.

Our first paint by numbers session in March offered a calming and creative evening for families present. The session began with focus as participants settled into their artwork, with conversation gradually emerging as everyone worked through their canvases at their own pace. By the end of the hour families showed their artworks that came to life and expressed their appreciation for having freedom to use colours and techniques they liked.

Spaces for reflection and healing

Our popular Writing Through Grief sessions continued in January, with war widows and families of veterans coming together online for a reflective writing session focused on foundations and new beginnings.

Through short list-writing exercises, participants reflected on what helps them feel steady, the challenges they may be facing, and what they hope for in the year ahead. Optional sharing created moments of connection as participants listened respectfully and supported one another through shared experiences and vulnerability. The session closed with a shared sense of steadiness and reassurance, these feelings of contentment often felt after our writing sessions, a heavy reason for it becoming such a loved activity.

In January, families of veterans also joined an online vision board session designed to help participants reflect on their goals and intentions for the year ahead. Vision boards offer a creative way to visualise aspirations and stay connected to personal goals throughout the year, allowing you to transfer everything from mind to paper. Making a visually appealing board of your goals and intentions is an incredible way to kickstart any new year! During the session, participants explored the theme of identity through different sections of their boards, allowing for personal interpretation and creative freedom.

As they created their boards, participants also learned digital design techniques that can be used beyond the session. Those who felt comfortable shared parts of their vision boards with the group, sparking thoughtful conversations about identity, growth and the importance of prioritising wellbeing. Each board reflected something unique about its creator and their hopes for the future.

“I really enjoyed this activity and how it is not super structured and I can make it my own and I am looking forward to doing more things for myself and seeing how I can explore my identity,” one participant shared.

In January, defence and veteran families gathered in Canberra for a calming sound healing session at Flow and Food Yoga and Ayurveda. Participants of all ages were guided through a restorative experience, immersing themselves in soothing sounds and vibrations designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

The peaceful setting allowed attendees to recharge and reconnect. Sessions like these provide a different pathway to wellbeing, encouraging participants to focus mostly on rest, reflection and self-care, giving everyone a moment to ask themselves, ‘what does self-care look like for me?’ It is a great question to ask oneself, as self-care can be different for everyone, and practiced differently. Ask yourself, what does self-care look like for you?

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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Update on War Widows South Australia

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 02:49:34 +0000

Our work to expand war widows service to South Australia, is well progressed with membership transition well underway and services set to recommence early in 2026. Initial service delivery will focus on social connection, wellbeing activities, and peer support for war widows.

Over the course of 2026 we will also be building and reaffirming relationships with key stakeholders who have supported war widows in South Australia since their establishment in 1946. One critical relationship that War Widows South Australia holds is with the ACH Group, who has provided accommodation services to war widows since 2005.

A longstanding relationship with ACH Group

We have inherited the 20-year relationship with ACH Group on behalf of War Widows South Australia. That relationship commenced in 2005, when War Widows SA sought to gift their property in return for accommodation services, maintenance and upkeep.

The current War Widows site in Rose Park was gifted to ACH Group following a community expression‑of‑interest process undertaken by War Widows SA. In 2005 an agreement was reached under which ACH would provide accommodation services to war widows in return for the property owned by War Widows SA, an arrangement that has operated continuously since that time. This arrangement was formally endorsed by the members of War Widows SA through a Special Resolution passed on 1 April 2005.

Since that time, ACH Group has met their obligations under the 2005 agreement and the services they provide to war widows are intended to continue into the future.

Current arrangements and future planning with ACH

Following the wind‑up of War Widows SA, the previous agreement governing access to the War Widows Hall at Rose Park no longer applies. As a result, a new agreement is required.

We are currently working with ACH Group to establish a new lease arrangement. This will facilitate access to the existing War Widows Hall at Rose Park, as well as a new meeting space planned for later in the year.

We are also aware that ACH Group is also progressing plans to redevelop the Rose Park site. As part of this redevelopment, ACH is building new accommodation for war widows, including a new meeting space to support ongoing social connection, community engagement and peer support.

While plans were already well progressed by the time the Guild was appraised of them, we were briefed on the redevelopment plans in October 2025 and ACH’s approach to supporting and accommodating war widows. Based on current discussions, we understand that ACH intends to continue providing accommodation services to local war widows and provide a place for widows to gather.

Preserving history and legacy

In addition to providing accommodation and meeting facilities, we are talking with ACH Group about ways to honour and preserve the heritage of the Rose Park site. This includes ensuring the history and legacy of the War Widows association in South Australia is respected and maintained as part of future development.

We do not own or manage the Rose Park site. Questions specifically relating to the redevelopment of the Rose Park site are best directed to ACH Group.

Looking ahead

By expanding into South Australia, the Families of Veterans Guild is continuing the vision and mission inspired by Jessie Vasey CBE OBE— ensuring war widows are supported, connected and remembered.

This expansion reflects our longstanding commitment to ensuring no war widow is left without support, regardless of where they live. As the oldest and largest remaining war widows’ organisation in Australia, the Guild is committed to honouring the legacy of war widows’ associations while providing contemporary support services that meet current and future needs.

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War Widows Social Club Christmas gatherings

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:41:59 +0000

As the year is wrapping up, war widow social clubs have been celebrating the Christmas season with club lunches that bring members together for good food and great company as one last celebration together for 2025. These gatherings are a tradition that keeps friendships strong as members close the year with a final festive celebration, reminding us why connection matters during the holidays. Throughout late November and recent weeks of December, there have been a variety of gatherings to celebrate. Here are some of the highlights from the gatherings.

Bay and Basins

On 9 December, ten ladies met at Pelican Rocks for a seafood lunch that was, in their words, “absolutely fantastic.” The meals were nothing less than appreciated, so much so there was no need for doggy bags, a first for the group! But the real highlight of this gathering was the surprise birthday moment for one of the ladies, Nancy. Since the club’s next meeting is not until later in January, celebrating Nancy’s soon to be birthday at the gathering felt appropriate. With an unexpected sign, candles and ice cream appearing, Nancy looked around trying to figure out who’s birthday it was, only to discover it was an early surprise dedicated to her. It was recalled being a wholesome moment for the group, Nancy’s shock being unforgettable. The birthday surprise was of course mixed with more festivity, with the Coordinator Maureen thoughtfully bringing homemade slices of Christmas-themed cake for everyone, an act she’s known to do throughout the years to those who have supported her.

City Saturday Club

Held at their Coordinator Lynne’s home, the City Saturday Clubs annual Christmas celebration this year turned into an unforgettable moment for one of the ladies present, Mary. Surrounded by 22 friends in a warm, laughter filled setting, Mary was stunned when Lynne presented her with a Life Membership certificate, an honour usually reserved for our Annual General Meeting that Mary was unfortunately unable to receive earlier this year. Lynne so kindly volunteered to present it to Mary at the clubs Christmas gathering. “The look on her face was magic,” one member said, as the group could feel nothing but proud of Mary. All present collectively agreed that Mary deserved it more than anything from her decades of selflessness and resilience. Her peers agreed: Mary lives the Guild’s Motto. Her kindness and humour have touched every life in that room.

The Entrance and Long Jetty

This was the biggest gathering of the season, with 31 attendees including guests from Toukley, Woy Woy, Swansea and Ettalong. Board Member Lyn Bye joined the day along with an RSL representative. There were speeches, recitations of the Ode and Motto, and of course bon bons cracked. As one member summed it up, “everything went beautifully.”

Muswellbrook

Six ladies met at Muswellbrook Workers Club on 17 November for a lunch of baked dinner and sticky date pudding. The tables were decorated with Santa’s and candles as well as two items from members that had recently passed in the club to honour them and still have them present in spirit. It had been such a brilliant day for the ladies, getting lost in the time from “chatting and carrying on for hours”, “everyone went home so full they needed to put their feet up.” as one member said.

Other festive lunches

Wollongong ladies gathered at their local sports club with gifts of shortbread biscuits and chocolates. Northern Beaches Club enjoyed the most beautiful ocean-view lunch at Long Reef Golf Club with decorations and bon bons. Clarence Valley ladies met at Vines with a decorated table and gifts to pick from for every attendee, and Port Macquarie Club continued its tradition at Settlers Inn with gifts for all. Each lunch was well received and could not be described as anything less than a “great way to end the year” with connection and a chance to catch up and celebrate together.

Guild social clubs have existed for decades to make sure no war widow faces life alone. Christmas is a season that embodies the gift of giving and sharing, making social connection a must in all communities at this time. Everyone should be able to enter the new year with companionship and practical support, something these clubs have and will always offer for all war widows.

To join a War Widows Social Club or to find a club near you, view our War Widows Programs page and use our handy interactive map to locate clubs in your area. Alternatively, reach out to us at warwidows@fov.org.au for any support regarding clubs or call the office at 02 9267 6577.

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