remembrance - Families of Veterans Guild

War widows walk at Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway

Kelly Taylor — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:35:51 +0000

A walk of remembrance and connection at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway

During one of our recent wellbeing activities, war widows had the opportunity to visit the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway for a long-awaited return of the war widows walk, exclusive to war widows.

About the Walkway

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a living, growing memorial, functioning as an educational resource and a principal site of commemoration honouring all those who fought and served for Australia during World War Two. The Walkway is a peaceful and tranquil memorial featuring a magnificent Memorial Centrepiece and The Memorial Rose Garden, which features plaques dedicated to those who served. It is said to form a link with the past for today’s and future generations.

Walking together through history

With attendees following the guided tour, the day began at the Education Centre, where they learnt about the historical significance of Kokoda and the sacrifices made by those who fought in New Guinea. Listening to stories of courage and resilience reminded them why this memorial exists, not only to honour those who served but to acknowledge the families who carried on in their absence.

At the Memorial Centrepiece, Board Member Jennifer Collins AM and member Wendy McKean laid a wreath on behalf of all families of veterans, a simple gesture that spoke volumes. Surrounded by greenery and the peaceful setting of the walkway, the group paused to pay respects before continuing on the guided tour. The walkway’s peaceful beauty stood in stark contrast to the harsh conditions endured by soldiers, making the experience deeply moving but remaining a peaceful walk as a group.

Why this walk is so meaningful

The ladies present were accompanied by social worker Hayley from our Wellbeing Team and was able to facilitate the activity in a similar practice to what was once loved years ago when the war widow walks were hosted. After the walk, attendees gathered for lunch in the shaded area outside with sandwiches and a pastry, becoming an opportunity for more conversation and connection. Whilst the ladies present had visited the Track several times throughout the years, the Track is still refreshing, pleasant, and an opportunity to learn so much about those who served. The scenery may be familiar, but each walk brings new conversations and connections with each year it is held. It’s not just about remembering; it’s about knowing you’re not alone.

The afternoon concluded with a guest presentation from a physiotherapist at Sydney Pelvic Clinic, offering practical advice on pelvic health and support options. It was a thoughtful addition to a day focused on wellbeing, with war widows that were present being really hopeful that more ladies could join next year to experience such a genuine outing together.

Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter so you can be the first to see what wellbeing activities are available that focus on connection just like this.

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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Younger Members Social Club outing

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 02:55:34 +0000

Members visit of the Concord Rehab Hospital

Jenny, one of our members from the Younger Members Social Club, shared with us the story of a memorable outing with her club to the Concord Repatriation General Hospital during September. The journey took the group from the legacy of Australian military nursing history through to the level of care being provided to today’s veterans and their families. The day was organised with the support of Meg Green AM and Younger Members Social Club Coordinator, Dianne Vogt.

As a career Nursing Sister, Meg played a significant role in establishing the E.M. Lane Concordians’ Museum. Thanks to her connection along with Di’s coordination and collaboration with Concord volunteers and staff, their group was welcomed and treated to a very special behind-the-scenes experience.

The historical and contemporary story of the hospital and museum

Concord Repatriation General Hospital, located in Sydney, has a rich history as both a major teaching hospital and a centre for veteran care, originally established as a military hospital during World War II. Today, it continues its legacy by providing world-class medical and rehabilitation services to veterans and their families, including through the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and the dedicated accommodation facility, Fussell House. Adjacent to the hospital’s main campus is the newly opened E.M. Lane Concordians’ Museum, which honours the contributions of Australian military nurses from the Boer War through to the Vietnam War. The museum, named after Mrs Ethel ‘Stalky’ Lane AM MBE, serves as a bridge between the hospital’s historical roots and its ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served. The Younger Members Social Club’s visit was designed to give members a deeper appreciation of this continuum—connecting the sacrifices and service of military nurses with the comprehensive care now offered to veterans and their families at Concord. The day’s program, thoughtfully organised by Meg and Di, included both a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and an exploration of the hospital’s modern facilities, highlighting the continuing relationship between remembrance, healing, and community support.

The Ethel ‘Stalky’ Lane (E.M. Lane) Concordians’ Museum

The E.M. Lane Concordians’ Museum was opened on 9 May 2025 and named in honour of Mrs Ethel ‘Stalky’ Lane AM MBE, who served in the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War II, with postings at Concord Repatriation Hospital, Dubbo and Tamworth, as well as an assignment on Morotai in 1945–1946, where she cared for prisoners of war.

The ladies explored exhibits showcasing Australian military nursing uniforms dating back to the Boer War, along with diaries, personal papers, photographs and memorabilia from military nurses spanning the 1890s through to the Vietnam War. “This amazing history needs to be preserved so the dedication and service of these wonderful women is never forgotten”, Jenny said. In a community where the spotlight often falls squarely on the soldier, this exhibit reminds visitors that war’s weight is carried by many shoulders, the women who served beside the men, and the women who lived on after them. As war widows, this group of women could see a common trait between the military nurses and themselves; sacrifice.

The Museum’s mission to collect, preserve and share the history of Australian military nursing resonated strongly with their group, showing everyone the importance of honouring these women and ensuring their service is never forgotten. This was a day to remember; war widows honouring military nurses, and in doing so, seeing a reflection of their own strength and endurance.

National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and Fussell House

After the museum tour, they enjoyed lunch together at The Hub, seated along the edge of The Green. Soon after, they were welcomed by the Clinical Operations Manager for the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and Fussell House, who guided members through the state of the art facilities and the work being carried out to support veterans and their families.

The National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare offers a unique, holistic model of care, bringing together a team of health professionals dedicated to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of veterans. Members also visited Fussell House, a 19-room accommodation facility providing a home away from home for veterans and their families while they receive care at Concord. “An amazing facility, Fussell House provides veterans and their families from across Australia with a home away from home.” Said Jenny.

Reflecting on their day spent between the wonderful exhibition for the Australian Nurses and the world-class care being given to the mental and physical health and rehab of veterans and families made Jenny and her club “realise how blessed we are to be in our wonderful country”.

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War Widows Day 2025: honouring stories, service, and sacrifice

Kelly Taylor — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 01:07:03 +0000

Celebrating the lives of Australia’s war widows and their families who carry the impact of service

War Widows Day 2025 brought together hundreds at the Sydney Cenotaph to honour Australia’s war widows and their families and acknowledge the ongoing impact of service. The day was an opportunity to reflect on the strength, resilience, and dedication of those who have carried the weight of service long after service ended.

Distinguished guests recognise war widows’ service and sacrifice

The day was marked by the presence of Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, alongside General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Ret) and Lady Lynne Cosgrove. Their attendance highlighted that the contributions and sacrifices of war widows are recognised at the highest levels of government and demonstrated the national significance of War Widows Day.

Governor of NSW delivers a unique address

A significant part of the ceremony was the address by Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW. In her speech, the Governor acknowledged the sacrifices of war widows and their families, emphasising that their contributions to Australia’s service history extend far beyond Defence service. Her words highlighted the resilience, care, and dedication of those left behind, reinforcing why War Widows Day remains an essential day of remembrance.

Tributes of significance for war widows

Her Excellency’s address set the tone for the day’s tributes, honouring generations of war widows from World War I, all the way to modern conflicts. War widows in attendance reflected on the significance of being seen and acknowledged as wreaths were laid by the Governor, dignitaries, and representatives from Defence, Government, the Guild, RSL, and Legacy.

The Wattle Ceremony followed, led by Sir Peter and Lady Lynne Cosgrove, during which war widows paid tribute to one another. Escorted by Navy Volunteers in uniform, attendees recognised shared experiences, loss, and resilience across generations. The laying of sprigs of wattle symbolised both remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices that have allowed Australians to live in peace.

Sharing stories across generations

Central to the service this year, was the sharing of stories. The daughters of the late Elizabeth Wright, who passed away aged 104, recounted their mother’s life as a widow and carer of a veteran. Her story, of decades supporting her husband after his war service while raising a family, resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the continuing impact of service across generations. Attendees, particularly war widows, reflected on the connection between past and present, and the lessons of resilience and commitment passed down through generations of veteran families.

Reflection and community at the Fullerton Hotel

After the service, war widows shared a meal at the Fullerton, reflected on the Table of Remembrance poem read by Lady Lynne Cosgrove, and enjoyed a panel discussion between Former State Presidents reflecting on war widows who have inspired them. As attendees caught up and shared memories, the stories of war widows came alive, connecting generations through lived experience and keeping the experiences of war widows visible and connected to the lives Australians lead today.

The importance of storytelling and remembrance

Feedback from attendees reflected the emotional impact: the service was described as moving and affirming, a recognition of sacrifice, community, and intergenerational continuity. The day reinforced the importance of remembering, recording, and sharing these stories, ensuring war widows and their families are seen, heard, and honoured.

The inaugural War Widows Honour Roll

The War Widows Honour Roll is more than a list of names. It is a living record of stories, memories, and tributes. Families, friends, and communities are invited to share the name and story of a widow who has touched their lives. Each tribute ensures her story is remembered, her sacrifice acknowledged, and her life honoured for generations to come. The War Widows Honour Roll creates visibility for widows whose sacrifices are often hidden.

Add a tribute today and share the story of a war widow who has inspired you.

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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The poppy project brought to life

Kelly Taylor — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:57:05 +0000

The Poppy Project at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway

Anticipation has built over the months for many members excited and waiting for the unveiling of the wall of poppies at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway. Through our recent Digests, newsletters and online posts, we’ve shared the Poppy Project and its collaborative, remarkable initiative, directed by Kokoda Walkway Board Director, Jennifer Collins AM.

This beautiful project has finally come to life with the hard work and skill of our members and the community, allowing all of your hand made poppies to decorate the tree in the memorial garden at the track, the memorial honoured to Bruce Kingsbury VC who was killed protecting the village of Kokoda in Papua New Guinea in WW2 and also a wall of poppies.

The heart of the project consisted of over 7,500 handcrafted poppies, lovingly created by our members and community from NSW, ACT, QLD, many of them being war widows and their families. These small yet powerful symbols of respect have come together to form an art installation that honours the sacrifices of veterans and their families.

A thank you to those who collaborated

The Poppy Project was supported by a network of club coordinators and Kokoda staff who provided participants with wool, patterns and reply envelopes to make the crafting process seamless. This project could only come to life and be this successful with the help of our members and the community across the states. Each and every participants unique poppy is accumulated with the thousands of others to create the memorial garden and wall of poppies.

This initiative has demonstrated not only the enduring gratitude felt towards veterans but also the strength of community ties, as individuals from all across Australia worked together for this meaningful cause. Now every person passing through the track are able to stop and appreciate the beauty and hard work it took to create the wall.

The project has touched the lives of many, including one of our member Yvonne, a war widow, and her sister Jennifer, who together crocheted poppies for the installation. Their dedication goes beyond crafting as Yvonne connected with her local RSL Club in Old Bar, NSW, to share the story of the project and its significance.

During her search, she discovered Major Scott Babington, an RSL member who frequently leads treks along the Kokoda Track. Major Babington has since become an ambassador for the project, honouring the memory of four local men from the Manning area who gave their lives on the Kokoda Track. On his next visit to Papua New Guinea, he plans to place poppies on their graves as a gesture of remembrance.

A community united in Remembrance

The display of poppies will stand as a stunning visual tribute to those who served and their families. Each handcrafted poppy embodies not only the gratitude of those who created it but also the stories and connections formed through this shared effort.

Projects like this remind us that honouring the past is a collective responsibility and an opportunity to unite communities through acts of care and remembrance.

If you’d like to see the project, make sure to visit the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway to view the sea of poppies and poppy wall, knowing that many of your own handcrafted efforts are in that artwork.

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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The legacy of the Anzac Memorial

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 02:43:57 +0000

The Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney – thoughts and tributes to veterans and their families

The Book of the Anzac Memorial, written by Bruce Dellit who was also the architect for the Memorial, offers a moving tribute to veterans and, perhaps most profoundly, to the families left behind; the war widows, parents and children who endured loss and sustained the home front through resilience and love. Dellit delves into the history and intent of the Anzac Memorial and discusses how it was conceived. As more than just a tribute to those who served, it is a sanctuary for the families and a place where their sacrifices and silent strength are woven into the architecture itself.

The Anzac Memorial was built not just as a monument for those who served, but significantly as a sanctuary for the war widows and families. It stands as a symbol of their enduring love and resilience. The architecture of the Memorial itself tells their stories. Its solemn walls and serene spaces are meant to offer comfort and a place for reflection. For many, visiting the Memorial is like visiting a loved one’s grave, a place where we can feel their presence and honour their memory.

Dellit’s narrative highlights the extraordinary qualities of the women left behind after both World War One and World War Two, emphasising that the Memorial was built with their grief, memories, and their sacrifices in mind. He writes:

“Those qualities, so finely exhibited by those who served, were not confined to them alone, but were also proved instinctive in the women left behind – the women who so courageously waved good-bye to those who went away; who maintained, by their courage, the home-life of the nation in its darkest days; who brought succour to their menfolk overseas by their constant correspondence and gifts; who by their nobility added greater inspiration to those who served; and who in the cruel days of casualty lists accepted with resignation and quiet courage the sacrifice of their beloved.”

These words resonate deeply, acknowledging the silent strength and unwavering courage of war widows and the families of veterans. They maintained the fabric of our nation during its darkest days, providing not just physical sustenance but emotional strength to those on the front lines.

The Anzac Memorial is not just a place to honour fallen soldiers, it’s a place that recognises the incredible contributions of the families left behind. The Memorial was designed with these incredible women in mind. It was a place where they could find solace and feel a sense of pride for the sacrifices they made. The memorial serves as a reminder that their struggles and contributions are an integral part of our national history.

“It is hoped by all those associated with the production that ‘The Book of the Anzac Memorial’ will be found worthy of the beautiful structure it is designed to illustrate and interpret; and that it may in some degree bring into the privacy of the home a reflex of the sympathy, the reverence and the pride of which the Memorial itself is so finely compact.”

This reflection captures the essence of what the Memorial represents, a beacon of sympathy, reverence, and pride. It is a place where we can all come together, not just to mourn but to celebrate the incredible resilience and courage of our veteran families.

Let’s remember that every brick and every inscription at the Memorial holds a piece of the collective stories of our veterans and their families. It’s not just a place of mourning, but also a place of healing and remembrance. It is where we honour not just the fallen soldiers, but also the families who supported them.

Support the Anzac Memorial

Support the Anzac Memorial and celebrate its 90th Anniversary by purchasing a copy of the 90th Anniversary publication. Ninety Treasures – 90 Years, showcases the remarkable depth of the Memorial’s cherished collection, featuring 144 pages of vivid illustrations and stirring narratives. Collectively, the 90 treasures and their stories demonstrate the diversity of NSW military experience and the valour, resilience, and profound sacrifices of generations of Australians whose lives have been affected by war.

Photo credits: City of Sydney

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Queenwood students learn the stories of veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 06:10:34 +0000

This Remembrance Month, we look back at our visit to Queenwood School that was earlier this year after ANZAC Day. As we remember the fallen this month, this school visit and the stories of the war widows and veteran spouses are important to be told, so we never forget the families left behind.

Queenwood students hear the stories of veteran spouses

As part of their Term 2 curriculum earlier this year, Year 3 students at Queenwood school embarked on a deeply moving exploration of the ANZAC tradition and the impact of historical conflicts like World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. To bring these lessons to life, the Families of Veterans Guild CEO Renee Wilson, along with war widows Shirley McLaren OAM and Lynne Boyd, shared their personal stories and experiences. Together, these remarkable women offered students a glimpse into life on the home front revealing the courage, resilience, and love that sustained families through some of history’s most challenging times. As we enter remembrance month, their visit takes on even greater significance, reminding us to honour not only the veterans but also the families whose sacrifices often go unseen.

The stories of different generations

Renee, Shirley, and Lynne each brought their unique experiences to the classroom, bridging the gap between generations with their stories. The students were eager to learn about how these women maintained contact with their loved ones during periods of conflict. Renee and Shirley shared their experiences of writing to their partners, albeit in very different eras. Shirley, as one of the first recruits of the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF), recounted how she made handwritten letters to her husband, which took months to reach him. In contrast, Renee spoke about sending emails, which allowed for instantaneous communication, a testament to the advancements in technology over the years. In this month of remembrance, these stories of love and connection underscore the importance of remembering those who served and the families who supported them.

Lynne provided a different narrative, reflecting on her life with her husband after his service, particularly focusing on the long-term impact of his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. She also discussed the draft, shedding light on how conscription was used to bolster troop numbers during that period. Lynne’s personal connection to Queenwood was joined by the presence of her granddaughter, a Year 6 student at the school, who joined the session to listen to her grandmother’s story.

Shirley captivated the students with tales of her time in the WRAAF, sharing how she was the only one among her friends to meet the recruitment standards. She emphasised that determination and self-belief could lead them anywhere, inspiring the students to dream BIG and aim high in their future careers. Her message resonated with the students, who, so close to ANZAC Day at the time, reflected on the lasting legacy of courage and service.

Renee shared her modern-day perspective on being part of the veteran community, focusing on her husband Gary’s service and his subsequent accident. Her story resonated with the students, who were particularly interested in Gary’s journey of resilience and recovery. It was a powerful illustration of the strength and support that families provide to veterans, a message that resonates strongly as we say “We Remember” this month.

An unforgettable learning experience

The session was a memorable and educational experience for the students, who had many questions for the panel. Unfortunately, time constraints meant that not all questions could be answered, leaving the young learners eager for more. The presence of Families of Veterans Guild was warmly received, with even the School Principal joining the Year 3 students and teachers for the session.

The visit by the Families of Veterans Guild provided valuable perspective to the students studies, offering them a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. The stories shared by Renee, Shirley, and Lynne highlighted the resilience and strength of those who serve and those who support them, making a lasting impact on the young minds at Queenwood School. Their words continue to resonate in this remembrance month, as we honour and remember the sacrifices that have shaped our history.

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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