On 19 October at 10.30am, Australians will gather at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney, for the annual War Widows Day ceremony. This ceremony is a moment of recognition, reflection, and remembrance.

Acknowledging the unique sacrifice of war widows and families

War widows have endured profound loss while raising families, supporting communities, and carrying forward the legacies of their partners who served. Many face isolation, particularly as they are aging. The ceremony reminds us that their sacrifices continue to matter today.

The Cenotaph: a site of significance

The Cenotaph in Martin Place is a powerful, historic location. It frames War Widows Day as both a solemn public act and a reminder of the enduring contributions of families to Australia’s security and peace.

How Australians can participate

Alongside the ceremony, you can:

• Wear the War Widows Day pin, a visible token of solidarity and recognition.
• Add a tribute to the War Widows Honour Roll, preserving a widow’s story for future generations.

Honouring every story

Every tribute, every pin worn ensures no widow is forgotten. War Widows Day is a reminder of Australia’s history and the ongoing contributions of the families of our veterans. It is a day to honour courage, resilience, and sacrifice, and to stand together as a community that values their stories.

Email us at guild@fov.org.au to attend the War Widows Day ceremony and add a tribute to the War Widows Honour Roll.

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On 19 October, Australians will mark War Widows Day — a day to recognise the women whose lives have been forever shaped by service. Across the country, more than 31,000 known surviving war widows and widowers continue to carry the legacy of partners lost in defence of our nation. Behind every number is a story of love, loss, resilience, and courage.

Introducing the War Widows Honour Roll

This year, the Families of Veterans Guild introduces the 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.

Why the War Widows Honour Roll matters

The War Widows Honour Roll creates visibility for widows whose sacrifices are often hidden. While veterans’ service is widely recognised, the contribution of those left behind is equally vital. Inspired by the Field of Remembrance virtual tributes, it is a personal, living act of remembrance for all Australians.

How to participate

Alongside the War Widows Honour Roll, Australians can:

• Purchase and wear the limited-edition 2025 War Widows Day pin, a symbol of national recognition and solidarity.
• Attend the War Widows Day ceremony on Sunday 19 October at 10.30am, at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney. For more information on the day, please email us at guild@fov.org.au.

Every tribute tells a story. Every story ensures that the sacrifices of war widows are acknowledged, remembered, and valued. This War Widows Day, join us in honouring their lives and their legacy.

Show your support by adding a tribute to the War Widows Honour Roll or purchasing your War Widows Day pin.

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Coffee catch up at the Royal Australian Mint 

On 17 January, defence and veteran families gathered at the Royal Australian Mint café for a relaxed and enjoyable catch up over drinks. This gathering provided a wonderful opportunity for families to bond with new acquaintances and share stories and strengthen the bonds within the defence community over a coffee.

Following the café catch up, attendees explored the newly refurbished Mint, immersing themselves in the fascinating world of coins and currency. Attendees gained insight into the history of Australian coins, the coin design process and the Mint’s crucial role in producing the nation’s currency. 

A particular highlight of the visit was the behind the scenes experience of watching coins being minted on the factory floor in real time. Interactive exhibits and games added an extra layer of fun, making the experience engaging for all ages. Attendees left with a special self-minted commemorative coin, serving as a lasting memory of a day spent with family!

Kokedama workshop 

On 23 January, veteran families of all ages gathered at Kissing Point Cottage for a morning of mindful grounding and social connection. War widows, partners of current and former serving ADF members and their children took part in a hands on Kokedama plant making activity while enjoying a delicious morning tea provided by Kissing Point Cottage. 

Kokedama, a traditional Japanese gardening technique, involves creating a moss-covered ball of soil wrapped in string to nurture a small houseplant. Participants molded, patted, wrapped, and squeezed their creations to create a beautiful Kokedama! The activity provided a unique opportunity for reflection, connection, and learning over a day of creativity and getting your hands messy.

These activities are just the beginning of an exciting year ahead for our Wellbeing Program. If you missed out or are looking for other ways to get involved, stay tuned for upcoming events designed to support and connect defence and veteran families of all kinds. Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter so you don’t miss a thing! 

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