Over the course of the last few months, we have been heavily involved in the consultations that have taken place as part of both the generalist and core design group for a national peak body for the veteran support organisation sector. This work is in response to Recommendation 89 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This work builds on the previous consultations undertaken by the community sector throughout the years of the Royal Commission which was led by RSL Australia and a coalition of other veterans support organisations.

Why a National Peak Body is needed in the veteran support sector

The consultations have been very in depth and have highlighted the significant need for a peak body to exist within our sector. They have demonstrated the need for that peak body to ensure that it builds capacity and capability across the sector while doing its best to bring together a very diverse community sector.

What is a Peak Body and why it matters for our sector

Peak bodies are not new they exist all around our community in other sectors across Australia and internationally. They exist where there are multiple organisations or multiple interests surrounding a particular issue or a group of people. While not new as a concept it is new for our sector.

Key themes from the consultation process

During the consultations we have heard a lot about the importance of equity and equality. The role and responsibilities of the peak body and of course the importance of independence, accountability, transparency and strong governance.

Looking ahead: a collaborative opportunity for sector growth

This is a unique opportunity to start to come together and truly collaborate as a sector. We look forward to receiving the outcomes of this consultation work and hearing about the next steps as soon as they become available.

Our role remains: advocating for war widows and veteran families

Importantly a peak body will not replace this organisation, nor will it replace our advocacy work it is just another vehicle through which we can raise the voices of war widows, defence and veteran families; and work on systemic change across our sector that benefits as many as possible.

The post Peak Body Consultation first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

On 13 February 2025, the Senate referred an inquiry into Compensation and income support for veterans to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference Committee. The Committee is set to inquire into the representation of and advice provided by ex-service organisations, commercial entities, not-for-profits and individuals to veterans and families in relation to accessing compensation and income support.

How we gathered feedback from veteran families

We asked veterans and their families to share their views with us so we could prepare our response. We had a small response to our request, but it was enough to validate our thinking. We have just made our submission and in summary here is what it says.

Core issues in the current veteran compensation scheme

The veteran compensation scheme is notoriously difficult to access, often requiring veterans and their families to seek help to navigate their entitlements. Despite recent legislative consolidation, the underlying culture of mistrust and adversarial nature of the system remains unchanged.

Our submission: a call for reform and recognition

Our submission outlines several core principles, including the unique nature of military service linking those to the compensation system that has since evolved and calls for a return to these principles. In particular, we highlight a critical point of failure in the system, where veterans and their families have to rely on third parties to access their entitlements, facing complex processes and lifelong journeys with the Department of Veterans Affairs (‘DVA’).

Voices of veterans and families: lived experiences with DVA

In our submission we highlight the views of veterans, and their families shared with us. They had mixed views on the claims system, highlighting issues such as bureaucracy, inconsistent advocacy quality, and unnecessary delays. The veterans and their families saw a need for enhanced training, accountability and service standards.

Read our full submission to the Senate Inquiry

You can read our full submission here.

The post Our submission to Senate Inquiry into Compensation and Income Support for Veterans first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Overview of our response

In summary, our response to the strategy highlights the importance of supporting and empowering the families of veterans to achieve a stronger, more sustainable, and resilient defence and veteran community. Our response advocates for improvements in multiple areas. While we welcome the existence of a strategy, it needs to be bolder and more practical in supporting families.

Key areas for improvement

Outdated Model of Care: We highlight that the current model of care is outdated and does not adequately support families. We challenge the core assumptions this strategy is built on.

Recommended actions

We urge the Government to take substantive and practical steps to support families, ensuring they are not invisible for another five years. We emphasise the need for immediate action to support families and highlight the critical role of family support in recruitment, retention, and overall defence capability. Specifically, we encourage the following actions:

• Lifetime mental health treatment for children of deceased veterans
• Extending mental health treatment to partners, parents, and children of veterans
• Providing in-home care support for families with young children
• Removing dependency-based language from policies

Call to action

Want to support our calls for action for defence and veteran families? Let us know by emailing ceo@fov.org.au or write to us with your experiences and what you would like to see or what you expect the support for defence and veteran families to look like in Australia. Let’s build that future together.

The post Improving support for defence and veteran families: our response to the wellbeing strategy 2025-2030 first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Why your input matters

The Inquiry will review various aspects of the current and former superannuation schemes for ADF members. This includes the legislative framework, the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme, the governance of the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, and the rights of account holders. It will also address the mechanisms for reclassifying military discharges and the effectiveness of different superannuation schemes.

Impact on families

Superannuation schemes affect more than just veterans; they impact families, including widows and widowers. Your insights and experiences can help us understand the broader implications and improve these schemes for everyone involved.

How you can help

Please share your experiences and thoughts on the superannuation schemes. Your feedback is invaluable in making informed recommendations to the Committee.

Contact Us:

• Email: ceo@fov.org.au 
• Mail: PO Box 146, Chatswood NSW 2057

Share your story today

Your story can make a difference. Help us contribute to this important inquiry by sharing your experiences with ADF superannuation schemes. Reach out to us via email or mail and let your voice be heard.

The post Have your say on ADF Superannuation Schemes – Share your experiences 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.