After a successful outreach lunch in Southwest Sydney, we are thrilled to announce the official launch of the Macarthur War Widows Social Club! The inaugural morning tea saw 23 attendees sharing meaningful connections and conversations in a warm, welcoming environment. 

Meet the club coordinators 

Meet the club coordinators, Fran O’Donohoe and Kay Meredith. Fran, an army veteran with a long standing connection to service life, and Kay, who recently moved to Campbelltown to be closer to family, both expressed their dedication to making the club a supportive and enjoyable space. 

Fran and Kay have already set plans in motion by gathering input for the club’s name, organising regular meeting schedules, and arranging a special Christmas lunch. Their goal is to create a strong network where members can meet, share stories, and find a sense of community and support. 

Club luncheon  

Recently, on 23 October, members in the Southwest Sydney area gathered for a beautiful luncheon at the Campbelltown RSL 

The gathering kicked off with introductions from Fran and Kay, who outlined their vision for the new club. Attendees enjoyed coffee, tea, and treats while discussing upcoming events, including Kokoda Day on 3 November at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway and Remembrance Day Service on 11 November at Mawson Park. 

Special guests from the war widows community shared insights and reflected on our War Widows Day 2024, celebrating recent achievements and memorable moments.   

Save the date – Christmas lunch 

As for the Christmas celebration, the group voted to reschedule the November meeting to Wednesday 11 December for a festive lunch at Campbelltown RSL. The gathering will take place at Loft Dining, where Fran and Kay will create a festive atmosphere with seasonal decorated tables to add some holiday cheer. Lunch is complimentary for financial members. Non-members are welcome to becoming financial or pay for lunch on the day and enjoy the celebration. Please RSVP by calling the office at 9267 6577 or email programs@fov.org.au 

Interested in joining a club? 

To join the Macarthur War Widows Social Club or to find a club near you, view our War Widows Program page and use our handy interactive map on to locate clubs in your area. 

Reach out to the War Widows Program team at programs@fov.org.au for any support regarding clubs or call the office at 9267 6577. 

The post Macarthur War Widows Social Club first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Our organisation is dedicated to supporting veteran families in Australia. Our organisation remains committed to improving the lives of Australian veteran families. In line with this vision, we strive to keep our war widows connected with their peers and the broader community. To achieve this, we have a dedicated team delivering our War Widows Program. Our services include social and guild clubs, the Friendship Line, the Transport Program, 100th birthday recognitions, outreach efforts, and case management. If you’re interested in joining, volunteering or becoming a member, contact us at (02) 9267 6577 or programs@fov.org.au.

Southwest Sydney engagement at Campbelltown RSL

On 28 August, we held an outreach lunch at Campbelltown RSL, welcoming 65 members and guests from the Southwest Sydney region. We were joined by esteemed guests, including President Queen Dunbar, Board Director Yvonne Stapleton, former Board Director, State and National President Meg Green AM, former board member and President Wendy Thompson, and former Board Director Lynne Boyd.

Event highlights

The day began with a warm welcome from our War Widows Program team and volunteers. President Queen Dunbar shared important upcoming dates, including War Widows Day on 19 October and key outcomes from our recent AGM. She introduced newly elected board members Lyn Bye, Brigadier Jocelyn King CSC, and Yvonne Stapleton.

Significance of social clubs for war widows

Social and guild clubs play a vital role in keeping members informed about events and news. They also provide spaces for widows to gather, share experiences, and build friendships. War Widows Program Manager, Jo highlighted our 100th Birthday Recognition Program and the Friendship Line and Birthday Call initiatives, encouraging more members to volunteer. Suggestions for social club engagement included visits to other clubs, sharing ideas, and featuring guest speakers. The room buzzed with new ideas, including Maureen Beverly’s suggestion to share video clips of guest speakers during meetings.

Special recognitions and gratitude

A surprise birthday announcement was made for those celebrating their special day in August. We extended our invitation to this lunch to the Campbelltown Sub-Branch, and five of their members joined us. Shayne-Anne O’Leary, Campbelltown RSL Group Community & Partnerships Manager, donated lucky door prizes and shared exciting plans for the RSL. She highlighted that Campbelltown RSL membership is free, encouraging members to take advantage of this opportunity. Eight more guests received special gifts from Queen, on behalf of the Families of Veterans Guild.

A successful gathering with more to come

Throughout the event, guests enjoyed a delicious meal, shared stories, and reconnected. Special thanks were given to the Campbelltown RSL team for their outstanding hospitality, as well as to the families, friends, and carers who joined us to make the day memorable. We were delighted to see interest in our new Campbelltown Social Club, with 20 guests expressing their desire to be involved. There was also great enthusiasm for future outreach lunches and volunteer opportunities.

Future engagement and how to get involved

The event underscored the importance of reconnecting members who might have become isolated. The War Widows Program continues to offer various ways to stay connected, including social and guild clubs, the Friendship Line, and the Transport Program. Members are encouraged to join local social groups, receive Friendship Line calls, volunteer, and stay updated through the Digest and newsletters. If you are in the areas of Campbelltown, Liverpool, Camden, or can travel to the Sydney CBD and would like to connect with an existing social club, please reach out to the Programs team.

New Social Club in Campbelltown

The first Social Club meeting, launched during the outreach luncheon on 28 August, will commence with morning tea at Campbelltown RSL on Wednesday 23 October, at 10:30 am. Members can agree on the club’s name and decide on suitable dates and times for future gatherings. If you reside in the Macarthur, Bowral, Cabra-Vale or surrounding areas and are interested in meeting closer to home, it only takes two people to create a local social club. With the launch of the social club in Campbelltown, we’re ready to welcome new members, volunteers, and a club coordinator. For more information, contact the War Widows Program team at (02) 9267 6577.

The post Connecting war widows: a gathering in Campbelltown first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.