Join our monthly online family dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Pull up a chair at one of our most loved wellbeing activities — our monthly cook and connect: veteran family dinner. Running on Thursday evenings from July to November 2026, cook along with other families across Australia from your own kitchen, share a meal, and enjoy some good conversation over Zoom. You are free to join us for any months dinner or all five!

Cook & connect: veteran family dinner online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to get together and join our social work team over Zoom to cook, chat, and enjoy a meal together from home. Each registered household will receive a $20 Coles gift card to help with ingredients, and a Mingle all-natural seasoning sachet that makes cooking simple. Each recipe is designed to feed four people (with leftovers for smaller households).

Registrations open six weeks before each session and close two weeks before. Please register once per household for each session you are attending.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.” 

Event information

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

• Dates: 

1. • Thursday 30 July 2026 
   • Thursday 27 August 2026
   • Thursday 24 September 2026 
   • Thursday 29 October 2026
   • Thursday 26 November 2026 

• Times: 5.30pm – 6.30pm (AEST/AEDT)

• 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.

Join our online family dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Cooking together is one of the easiest ways to feel connected, even from far away. Join us online on Thursday 25 June 2026 to prepare a meal alongside other families, swap a few stories over the stove, and sit down to share a meal together.

Veteran family dinner & cooking online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to connect through a shared online veteran family dinner, bringing people together to cook, chat, and enjoy a meal from the comfort of home. Participants will receive a Coles gift card and recipe pack to help purchase ingredients. Designed to feed four people (with leftovers for smaller households), this experience offers a simple and meaningful way to build connection and community. Please register once per household. 

There is some cost for this activity. You will be posted a recipe pack and gift card to help contribute to the ingredients for the cooking session. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.” 

Event information

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

• Date and Time: Thursday 25 June 2026, 5.30pm – 6.30pm (AEST).

• 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.

Join our online family dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Join us for a relaxed evening of good food and conversation at our next online Veteran Family Dinner via Zoom on Wednesday 20 May 2026. Whether you’re a war widow, partner or parent of a current or former ADF member, or part of a defence or veteran family, you’re warmly invited to share a meal and connect from your own kitchen. 

This free activity will be facilitated by our Wellbeing Team, supporting attendees through an online session that will feature following a recipe together to foster connection and care among those whose lives have been shaped by defence service. Cooking together and sitting to have a meal is a simple way to bring the veteran family community together, offering a space for you to be supported. 

Veteran family dinner & cooking online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for our Cook & Connect: Online Veteran Family Dinner. This fun cooking experience is designed to bring the veteran family community together to share a virtual meal, have a chat and make new connections. Whether you are cooking for one or a whole family, this activity is designed to bring you communal dinner from the comfort of your home. 

We will provide you with a Coles gift card to contribute to the purchase of ingredients. A list of ingredients and utensils required for the meal preparation will be emailed to you prior to the Veteran Family Dinner night.

The meal is designed to feed 4 people however if you are only cooking for 1 or 2 people you can enjoy delicious leftovers the next day! Please only register once per household.

Indemnity waiver 

By registering and participating in the virtual Veteran Family Dinner 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 cooking 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 cooking activity. I agree to inform the facilitator of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions 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 cooking class.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.” 

Event information

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

• Date and Time: Wednesday 20 May 2026, 6pm – 7pm (AEST).
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 6 May.

• 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.

Cook & Connect: online dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Join us for our free online family dinner on Wednesday 29 April, bringing together war widows, veteran spouses, parents, adult children and others affected by ADF service — no cooking skills required, just bring yourself and cook along with the group!

This online dinner is a space to meet others, share conversation and have some fun cooking a nice meal, all from the comfort of your own home and facilitated by our Wellbeing Team.

Veteran family dinner & cooking online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for our Cook & Connect: Online Veteran Family Dinner. This casual cooking experience is designed to bring the veteran family community together to share a virtual meal. Whether you are cooking for one or a whole family, this activity is designed to bring forth the benefits of a communal dinner from the comfort of your home. 

We will provide you with a Coles gift card to contribute to the purchase of ingredients. A list of ingredients and utensils required for the meal preparation will be emailed to you prior to the Veteran Family Dinner night. 

The meal is designed to feed 4 people however if you are only cooking for 1 or 2 people the facilitators will guide you on the appropriate measurements. Please only register once per household.   

Indemnity waiver 

By registering and participating in the virtual Veteran Family Dinner 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 cooking 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 cooking activity. I agree to inform the facilitator of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions 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 cooking class. 

There is some cost for this activity. You will be posted a spice mix and gift card to help contribute to the ingredients for the cooking session.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.” 

Event information

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

• Date and Time: Wednesday 29 April 2026, 6pm – 7pm (AEST).
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 15 April.

• 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.

Cook & Connect: online dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Join us for our free online family dinner on Wednesday 25 March, bringing together war widows, veteran spouses, parents, adult children and others affected by ADF service for a night of cooking and connecting. No cooking skills required, just bring yourself and the required ingredients. 

This online dinner is a space to meet others, share conversation and find a moment of ease and belonging — all from the comfort of your own home and facilitated by our Wellbeing Team.

Veteran family dinner & cooking online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for our Cook & Connect: Veteran Family Dinner Online. This casual cooking experience is designed to bring the veteran family community together to share a virtual meal. Whether you are cooking for one or a whole family, this activity is designed to bring forth the benefits of a communal dinner from the comfort of your home. 

We will provide you with a Coles gift card to contribute to the purchase of ingredients. A list of ingredients and utensils required for the meal preparation will be emailed to you prior to the Veteran Family Dinner night. 

The meal is designed to feed 4 people however if you are only cooking for 1 or 2 people the facilitators will guide you on the appropriate measurements. Please only register once per household.  

Indemnity waiver 

By registering and participating in the virtual Veteran Family Dinner 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 cooking 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 cooking activity. I agree to inform the facilitator of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions 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 cooking class. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.” 

Event information

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

• Date and Time: Wednesday 25 March 2026, 6pm – 7pm (AEDT).
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 11 March.

• 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.

A wellbeing activity designed for war widows, defence and veteran families

War widows, defence and veteran families often carry ongoing stress related to defence life — including relocations, deployments, transitions out of service, and caring responsibilities. This online wellbeing activity has been created specifically for families of current and former serving members, providing a supportive space to prioritise self-care, reconnect with the body, and focus on personal wellbeing alongside others who understand the unique challenges of military family life.

Social connection, peer support and accessible self-care opportunities are essential for maintaining wellbeing, particularly for defence and veteran families who may experience isolation or limited support networks. This activity offers a gentle, structured opportunity to pause, reset and build wellbeing skills in a safe and inclusive online environment, while also fostering connection with like-minded peers from across Australia.

What is the Tension/Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) Workshop?

War Widows and Veteran Families are invited to come together online for 3 sessions of Tension/Trauma Release Exercises (TRE). The TRE sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Valerie Johnston-Dugamin and Richmond, the National TRE Coordinator of Australia. 

TRE is a gentle, body-based wellbeing practice designed to help release deep muscular tension, calm the nervous system, and support overall emotional and physical balance. By attending all three online sessions, participants acknowledge that TRE is a self-care and wellbeing activity, not a therapeutic or clinical treatment, and that they will engage at their own pace, listening to their body’s limits and needs.  

Participants accept that the workshop is intended to help them learn new skills and strategies to support their wellbeing, including techniques for recognising and releasing tension held in the body, while also encouraging the development of an intentional, ongoing self-care practice. Participants understand that participation is voluntary, they may pause or stop at any time, and they are responsible for ensuring their physical environment is safe and suitable for movement during the sessions. 

Bookings are for all 3 sessions. Please only commit if you can attend the full program. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.” 

Event information

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

• Date and Time: Tuesdays 10, 17, 24 February 2026 – 7pm – 8.15pm (AEDT) 
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 31 January.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is essential, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.a