With the recent closure of War Widows South Australia Inc., war widows in the area might have felt worried about losing the connections they had built over the years with other war widows in their community. The unique friendships and strong community that grows amongst war widows and veteran families who share similar experiences, are essential to their wellbeing. This is why we expanded our services to ensure war widows in SA continued to have a home. 

Supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, we delivered our first two wellbeing activities in Adelaide, followed by one in Townsville. Each of these activities has provided an opportunity to get to know the local community and test the need for our support. 

Adelaide war widows walk and veteran family dinner 

We held our first wellbeing activity on 27 March with war widows gathering for a morning walk through the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, followed by lunch. The war widows walk gave those in attendance an introduction to what our social connection and wellbeing activities are all about: moments for themselves and to connect with their peers. 

Surrounded by gardens, glasshouses and flowers unique to this region, widows reconnected with familiar faces and welcomed new ones into the group. For many of the women, it was the first time they had seen one another since the closure of their association. The walk offered a long-awaited chance to pick up where they had left off. “Thank you for bringing us together again,” one widow shared with our team. 

The war widows present also shared that they had never met in such a setting before, and that it was wonderful to connect outdoors with both familiar and new faces. The oldest war widow of the group was delighted to share her wisdom and knowledge of local flora, which led to others joining in, asking questions or sharing knowledge as well. This type of engagement from widows reminds us of why the Guild exists: to carry forward the vision of our founder Jessie Vasey CBE OBE, ensuring war widows across the nation continue to feel supported, connected and valued. 

Later that evening, war widows and veteran families came together for a dinner. We were pleased to bring families of current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, including war widows and mothers of veterans, together in person. The dinner gave families a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences and to meet our team for the first time. 

This dinner marked an important step in extending our support to SA, offering a space for war widows and veteran families to meet and grow meaningful connections. It was also an important step for our team to meet local widows and families and better understand the support they need. Held at Pirate Life Brewing in Port Adelaide, the dinner was relaxed and the atmosphere welcoming and joyful; as one of our young attendee said, “I can see the happiness.” 

The wellbeing team also organised two additional visits to Adelaide in May and delivered another dinner and further wellbeing activities to engage the community. Those visits are being happily welcomed by local widows and families, allowing us to connect with more of them and to reach those who missed out last time, because every widow and veteran family deserves this opportunity. 

Townsville guided meditation 

Further north, Townsville families had a relaxed, calm introduction to their very first wellbeing activity with guided meditation. Held at Inner Light Meditation Centre, the session offered gentle breathing exercises, meditation focused on mindfulness techniques, and peaceful music to relax. 

With positive responses to our activities surrounding mindfulness in the past, we want to continue to host activities like these to create space for veteran families to slow down and take a moment for themselves. 

With 11 family members in attendance, we were able to see firsthand the desire for community and connection with other defence and veteran families in the area, reminding us how important our wellbeing activities are. 

In delivering this targeted support in both Adelaide and Townsville, we aimed to address unmet needs for war widows and veteran families, with the mission to strengthen the wellbeing of the broader veteran family community. 

With the support of the Government Grants, and following attendees’ positive responses to our delivered activities, our team is busy planning additional activities outside of NSW and the ACT. We listen to our members’ feedback and aim to provide activities that cater to a variety of people, ages, and interests. If you are a widow or family member of a veteran, we encourage you to join us at our next free activity in person, and online. Find an activity you like on our wellbeing activity page.

Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter so you are the first to know about upcoming activities!

Afternoon watercolour painting session for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Set aside an afternoon just for you! War widows, defence and veteran families are warmly invited to join us on 6 May 2026 for a relaxed watercolour painting session and afternoon tea in Rose Park, a chance to get creative, and spend time with others who understand what defence life feels like. 

This hands-on activity is facilitated by our Wellbeing Team and is our first popular watercolour activity in Adelaide!

Watercolour painting

War widows, defence and veteran families are warmly invited to join us for a relaxing watercolour painting session and afternoon tea. Enjoy a creative activity in a welcoming setting, meet some of our team in person, and connect with others who understand the unique experiences of Defence life. Whether you’re looking to unwind through creativity, meet new people, or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon out, we’d love to see you there.

There is no cost for this activity. Your watercolour painting session and afternoon will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “The craft day was a wonderful way to focus on self-care, enjoy a relaxing activity, and build connections with others.”  

Event information

• Location: 141 Fullarton Road Rose Park SA.

• Date and Time: Wednesday 6 May 2026, 1pm – 3pm. 

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Learning the history of Middle Head: presentation for war widows, defence and veteran families

Hidden stories of Middle Head presentation

War widows, defence and veteran families are warmly invited to join us at the Families of Veterans Guild office in Chatswood for a presentation by veteran Alan Toner about the military history of Middle Head. It is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the rich military heritage of Middle Head, learn about its important role in Australia’s defence history, and connect with others in a supportive and welcoming environment. Come along for a morning of storytelling, conversation, and shared community connection. 

Morning tea will be provided.

Hop on the Metro train (just a quick 14min ride from either Central to Chatswood or Ryde to Chatswood). Feel free to explore the lively streets of Chatswood, with its great shops, dining, and unique attractions.

There is no cost for this activity. Your presentation and morning tea will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “It was an engaging activity and I enjoyed learning about the area’s history.” 

Event information

• Location: Families of Veterans Guild, 1/9 Help St Chatswood, NSW, 2067.

• Date and Time: Saturday 23 May 2026, 10am – 11.30am.  
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 21 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Watercolour painting session for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Join us in Chatswood on Friday 29 May 2026 for a free watercolour painting session, open to all war widows, defence and veteran families. Whether you’re a partner, parent, widow or adult child of someone who served or is still serving in the ADF, you’re welcome to take part. 

This hands-on activity is facilitated by our Wellbeing Team and offers a relaxed space to try something creative, meet others with similar experiences, and get creative with watercolours!

Watercolour painting

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join a calming and creative morning of watercolour painting. Facilitated by social workers, Hayley and Gabby, this session offers a supportive and relaxed space where participants can connect with each other and art while exploring a mindful painting activity. 

Watercolour painting encourages creativity, relaxation, and self-expression. With its soft, flowing style, it provides a soothing way to slow down, focus on the present moment, and enjoy the simple process of painting. Participants are welcome to unwind, enjoy light conversation, and paint at their own pace in a friendly and welcoming environment over morning tea. 

No prior painting experience is required, and all skill levels are warmly welcomed.

Hop on the Metro train (just a quick 14min ride from either Central to Chatswood or Ryde to Chatswood). Feel free to explore the lively streets of Chatswood, with its great shops, dining, and unique attractions.

There is no cost for this activity. Your watercolour materials and morning tea will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I’m grateful for the chance to connect with such an amazing group. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in self-care while meeting new people and sharing experiences.” 

Event information

• Location: Families of Veterans Guild, 1/9 Help St Chatswood, NSW, 2067.

• Date and Time: Friday 29 May 2026, 11am – 1pm.
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 20 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join us for watercolour painting online

It is time to get creative and relax with our watercolour painting session online on Thursday 30 April, free for all war widows, defence and veteran families. 

This is an easy, enjoyable way to bring the whole family together from home, without having to travel or organise a thing. A complete watercolour kit will be sent to your door, so all you need to do is log in and take part.

This session will be facilitated by our Wellbeing Team who will help guide you along the way whilst still providing you with creative freedom to paint whatever you like. Watercolour is a simple medium for beginners and experts alike, so come along and enjoy connection, creativity and self-care in a relaxed group setting no matter the experience level!

Watercolour painting online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join a calming and creative evening of online watercolour painting. Facilitated by social workers, Evelyn and Gabby, this session offers a supportive and relaxed space where participants can connect with each other and art while exploring a mindful painting activity from the comfort of home. 

Watercolour painting encourages creativity, relaxation, and self-expression. With its soft, flowing style, it provides a soothing way to slow down, focus on the present moment, and enjoy the simple process of painting. Participants are welcome to unwind, enjoy light conversation, and paint at their own pace in a friendly and welcoming environment. 

No prior painting experience is required, and all skill levels are warmly welcomed. One watercolour kit will be provided per household, with additional brushes and paper available for extra participants joining from the same household.

There is no cost for this activity. Your watercolour kit will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I’m grateful for the chance to connect with such an amazing group. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in self-care while meeting new people and sharing experiences.”

Event information

• Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Thursday 30 April 2026, 7pm – 8pm (AEST).
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 16 April.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join us for watercolour painting online

Looking for a low-pressure, creative activity to unwind and meet others? We’re inviting war widows, defence and veteran families to join us for a free watercolour painting session online on Wednesday 8 October 2025. 

Open to anyone connected to defence service — including partners, widows, parents and carers — this session is part of our Wellbeing Program and is designed to support connection, creativity and self-care in a relaxed group setting. 

Watercolour painting online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for an evening of watercolour painting. Facilitated by Social Workers, Gabby Steel and Hayley Lam, veteran families will be guided to create their own artwork over a 90-minute session. 

Please have a cup of water, a board or something to use underneath your watercolour paper that can get wet, any paintbrushes you wish to use, a lead pencil and eraser, and an old towel for drying the paintbrush during the activity. Watercolour is washable, however wear old clothes just in case. If you have any other paint brushes, please feel free to bring along to use and find what works for you. 

There is no cost for this activity. Your watercolour painting kit will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to Wellbeing activities said “I’m grateful for the chance to connect with such an amazing group. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in self-care while meeting new people and sharing experiences.”

Event information

• Location: Online via Zoom.

• Date and Time: Wednesday 8 October 2025, 6.30pm – 8pm.
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 24 September.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.