On Tuesday, 19 November, Families of Veterans Guild hosted a regional luncheon at the Orange Ex-Services Club, bringing together members and guests from Orange and surrounding areas including Molong, Kelso, Forbes and Mandurama. This gathering fostered meaningful connections among war widows, veteran families and supporters led by President Queen Dunbar and War Widows Program Manager Jo.

The decorated venue set a warm and welcoming tone, encouraging attendees to connect over shared stories and experiences. President Queen Dunbar shared updates, reflected on key events and outlined ongoing advocacy efforts. A special visit from a Life newspaper photographer added excitement, capturing moments from the event. 

War Widows Program Manager Jo Nienhuis guided the day’s proceedings, sharing updates on programs like the Friendship Line, 100th Birthday Recognition, and upcoming wellbeing activities. Members were also encouraged to purchase the limited-edition 2024 War Widows Day pin, available online for those who missed out. 

Local highlights of the last few months included Legacy Orange’s morning tea in recognition of War Widows Day, showcasing the strong community support in the region. 

Jo spoke of the importance of gatherings, noting they go beyond sharing updates to create spaces where members can connect, check on each other’s wellbeing and build lasting friendships. The event celebrated the strong sense of community, with thanks given to the Orange Ex-Services Club for their exceptional hospitality.

To conclude the luncheon, three secret lucky door prizes, bottles of wine generously donated by CEO of Orange Ex-Services Club Nathan Kelly, were drawn. Congratulations to the lucky winners: Helen Neville, Jennet Quinn and Deidre Molloy!

The Orange War Widows Social Club also held its Christmas Lunch on Wednesday, 11 December, at the Orange Ex-Services Club, and regular meetings will resume on 19 February 2025. 

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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Prior to the event, efforts were made to reach out to both current and past members in the surrounding region to Forster – Tuncurry. While not everyone could attend, the response was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the enduring strength of our community bonds.

The gathering was a resounding success, the room was filled with chatter creating an atmosphere brimming with camaraderie and a sense of community spirit. Local members reconnected after a long time apart, and new members came together to share stories, past experiences, and discuss exciting plans for the future of the Forster-Tuncurry war widow social group. The event saw the connection and support between the Port Macquarie area and Laurieton group coordinators and members. 

One of the highlights of the event was the encouragement of participation from all attendees. Members who had been inactive were warmly welcomed to meet with members from the local and further areas, while those new to the group were greeted with open arms. Through shared interests and common goals, we rekindled the sense of belonging that lies at the heart of our social group. 

Important updates regarding volunteering opportunities, The Digest, newsletters, and meeting schedules were shared during the event. Members were informed about upcoming activities and encouraged to get involved in various initiatives aimed at enriching both their own lives and the wider community.

A noteworthy moment during the event was when Matt, the duty manager of Club Forster surprised the guests welcoming the ladies back to Club Forster after a long time away during the COVID lockdowns. In a gesture of generosity, Club Forster donated $150 worth of club vouchers for three lucky door prize winners to share. This gesture added an extra layer of excitement and appreciation to the gathering, showcasing the strong partnership between our social groups and the local community. 

Special recognition goes to Lyn-Anne Bye and Sylvia Smith, the dedicated coordinators for the Laurieton social club. Their efforts in organising events, day trips and most importantly a sense of care and community within the group. Their commitment to ensuring inclusivity and warmth within the Laurieton social club is truly commendable. 

We extend this gratitude to Peter, the Legacy bus driver who transported and joined the lunch, along with the many more events that could not happen without his support.  

We also express our gratitude to Loyis Goodyear, the coordinator of the Port Macquarie social club, for her commitment to facilitating meaningful interactions and activities for our members. Loyis herself was among the lucky recipients of a door prize. Currently, she is collaborating with two members from the Laurieton social club, who also received prizes, to plan future events. Furthermore, the Forster-Tuncurry ladies have spoken of hosting a joint social gathering at Club Forster in the near future. 

In a heart warming tribute to longevity, we recognised and celebrated our remarkable ‘life members’ in the room and at home ranging from 100 through to 104 years young.  Congratulations were also given to the ladies becoming life members next year. Their achievements are a testament to the vitality and resilience within our community. 

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