On Tuesday 10 June 2025, we hosted a Volunteers Thank You Lunch at Club Parramatta, bringing together some of our dedicated volunteers. The lunch was an opportunity to thank them for the time they give to support war widows through phone calls, handwritten cards, and social club gatherings. 

CEO Renee Wilson opened the event by thanking our volunteers and acknowledging the value of their contribution. “Time is the most precious thing we have,” she said. “In giving this gift, others feel valued, cared for and supported.” 

Renee shared messages from members who have felt the impact of this support: 

• From receiving handwritten Christmas cards, a member said, “I was so happy to receive the card … I have been very ill for 2 years, and it brought me to tears to receive that card.” 

• About the Friendship Line calls, another member shared, “It has been a great source of comfort to me knowing other war widows are there.” 

• For Social Clubs, one member commented, “It’s helped me get out once a month to chat with other ladies, instead of staying home except for doctor’s appointments.” 

One of our volunteers, Di, shared that volunteers don’t always get to see the full impact of their efforts firsthand. Hearing the feedback from the women they support really highlights the impact of their contribution.  

Renee also provided an update on the development of the War Widows Program and the broader supports offered through the organisation. She introduced changes aimed at strengthening volunteer support, including the appointment of a new operations manager and social worker. Despite recent staff changes, she emphasised that the organisation’s goal remains unchanged: to grow the War Widows Program and ensure all volunteers and war widows are well supported. 

Stories from the friendship line and social clubs 

After Renee’s address, Wendy, a Friendship Line volunteer, shared an ANZAC Day story told to her by Diedre, a recipient she calls fortnightly. Diedre lives in the small town of Mandurama, with fewer than 400 residents. Wendy reflected on the many incredible conversations they’ve had, highlighting how special the Friendship Line is for both callers and recipients. 

Norma, praised the latest Autumn edition of The Guild Digest, describing it as “one of the best.” She appreciated the layout, especially the showing of the Field of Remembrance photo spread, sharing how delighted she was to see familiar faces featured, including herself. 

The lunch was also an opportunity for our volunteers to be together, to catch up and to get to know our team a little better.  

A lasting impact: thank you to our volunteers 

Every day we appreciate the help of volunteers ensure war widows are connected and that widows and families of veterans are seen, heard and acknowledged. 

For almost 80 years we have relied on the support and good work of the volunteers in our community to service thousands of war widows in NSW. Our volunteers have kept them connected, supported and included and provide them with the gift of friendship, time and support.   

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National Volunteers Week is approaching soon on 19 – 25 May and is a week-long celebration held annually to recognise and thank volunteers for their contributions to communities. Volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening communities, offering their time, skills and compassion to support others.

Here at the Families of Veterans Guild, we have a community built from the years of selfless support from volunteers who are able to sacrifice their time to uplift and help war widows, defence and veteran families. Whether it be coordinating a Social Club, supporting during events, attending events on the organisations behalf, making friendship line calls, birthday calls or raising a hand to help when the occasion arises, our volunteers efforts are greatly valued.

Every day we can appreciate the help of volunteers who allow us to ensure war widows remain connected and that widows and families of veterans are seen, heard and acknowledged. For almost 80 years we have relied on the support and good work of the volunteers in our community to service thousands of war widows in NSW. Our volunteers have kept them connected, supported and included and provide them with the gift of friendship, time and support. 

Our generous volunteers have had many significant achievements: they kept our organisation afloat and allowed us to expand. It all started with one war widow. One selfless woman with conviction and desire to change things: Jessie Vasey. Every day, we are grateful for her advocacy efforts and desire to help war widows. She volunteered her time and efforts to help without expecting anything in return. What began as a small group of war widows has grown into the large community it is today, demonstrating that even a small act of volunteering can evolve into something much deeper and meaningful.

To our Volunteers, we thank you. You give so much of yourselves so freely to the organisation, our cause and your peers, that ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem enough. You continue to live out the war widows motto “it is in serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life.”

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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.

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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.

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On Monday, 9 December 2024, The Entrance Long Jetty War Widows hosted a festive Christmas lunch at Diggers The Entrance, attended by 34 members and guests from across the region as well as by Board Director Lynne Sullivan. The lunch was made possible through our volunteers and a generous grant from Diggers The Entrance and aimed to strengthen regional connections while celebrating the holiday season.

Joyce, Fran, and Janice from the Entrance Long Jetty Social Club, alongside our War Widows Program’s team were able to adorn the space with Christmas decorations and shared information for attendees. Guests began arriving from 11:00 am to enjoy a two-course meal featuring chicken supreme and Christmas pudding.

War widows travelled from The Entrance, Toukley, Ettalong, Newcastle, and some as far as Kurri Kurri, where members of the newest social club attended their first official outing.

Highlights of the day

The day featured lively discussions, Christmas crackers, party hats and delivered a great Christmas themed lunch to wrap up the last meeting for 2024. Lucky door prizes of wine bottles, generously donated by Diggers The Entrance were also provided.

Significant moments included the screening of a War Widows Day video tribute, as well as updates on one of our large events of the year, the upcoming Field of Remembrance, scheduled in April 2025.

Discussions were made of the new war widows social group, a private Facebook community designed as a secure space for war widows to connect, share experiences, and find updates on in-person events. 

“What a lovely lunch; thank you so much. I have not been out for a year”, one of our attendees said.

War widow gatherings like this show the importance of connection. For more information on joining the new War Widows Social Group on Facebook, or joining a local club, contact Families of Veterans Guild at (02) 9267 6577 or email programs@fov.org.au.

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On Tuesday 12 November, Families of Veterans Guild hosted a regional luncheon at the West Tamworth Leagues Club, bringing together 16 members and guests from Tamworth, Gunnedah, and surrounding areas, including Armidale, Inverell, Tenterfield, Narrabri, and Cootamundra. The luncheon allowed attending war widows and veteran families to enjoy a meal over a catch up with friends led by President Queen Dunbar and War Widows Program Manager Jo.

The gathering was guided by War Widows Program Manager Jo Nienhuis, who warmly welcomed attendees and shared updates on key programs such as the Friendship Line, birthday calls and upcoming activities. President Queen Dunbar shared updates, reflected on key events and outlined ongoing advocacy efforts.

Special guest Jean Jansen OAM, aged 101, inspired attendees with her presence, while members enjoyed reconnecting and welcoming new faces to the community. The event also featured door prizes with 50 dollar vouchers generously donated by the West Tamworth Leagues Club, won by Margaret Bovey, Colleen Chatfield, Jean Jansen OAM and Shirley Lundie-Jenkins. Congratulations to these ladies!

Jo encouraged members to participate in upcoming wellbeing initiatives and register for activities upcoming in our Social Work and Wellbeing Program. The day then concluded with thanks to the West Tamworth Leagues Club for their hospitality and the social club coordinators for their support in fostering connections among members. 

Stay connected 

If you’re interested in joining a war widows social club in your area, contact the War Widows Program team at (02) 9267 6577 or email programs@fov.org.au. 

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