Enhancing Lives through War Widows Social Clubs
Our War Widows Program is dedicated to supporting and connecting war widows. Through our various initiatives, we ensure that war widows remain connected with their peers and the broader community. Our program includes Social and Guild Clubs, the Friendship Line, the Transport Program, 100th birthday recognition, outreach and engagement, and service connection and case management. We are committed to improving the lives of Veterans’ families, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing a supportive network for war widows to connect and stay connected through our social clubs.
Our latest Event: Christmas in July Luncheon at Chatswood RSL
On 16 July 2024, we celebrated a special Christmas in July luncheon at Chatswood RSL. This event aimed to reconnect and engage war widows and families from Northeast Sydney, bringing together 50 current, new, and past members.
Event Highlights
Families of Veterans Guild Board member Lynne Sullivan, President Queen Dunbar, Programs Manager Jo, and Support Officer Pauline welcomed 50 festive members and guests including Noelene Touhill, Chatswood Social Club Coordinator, Heather Gilliam, Epping Social Club Coordinator, Shirley McLaren OAM, Northern Beaches Social Club Coordinator and Members of the North Ryde Social Club.
Our wonderful volunteers, including Janice Lawless, Jackie Clark, Lynne Sullivan, Francis Goddard, Fiona Duncan-White, and Susie McLachlan, ensured everyone felt the festive joy.
Heart-warming Moments
The event was a resounding success, filled with lively conversations, festive joy, and a strong sense of belonging. Members reconnected, shared stories, and received valuable resources like information booklets, The Guild Digest and our Newsletter.
Queen Dunbar expressed her gratitude for the impressive turnout and highlighted the importance of the War Widows Program’s focus on engagement and connection. She also updated us on the upcoming AGM, board member nominations, and War Widows Day on 19 October.
Special Recognitions and Gratitude
Members enjoyed a delicious festive lunch and were surprised with lucky door prizes, including dining vouchers and special gifts. Special thanks to the Chatswood RSL for their generous grant and the Chatswood War Widows Social Club for their hospitality.
Future Engagement and How to Get Involved
The War Widows Program offers various ways to stay connected:
- Join Local Social Groups
- Receive Friendship Line Calls
- Volunteer
- Stay Updated through The Guild Digest and Newsletter
If you’re in Chatswood, Epping, Northern Beaches, North Ryde, or can travel to Sydney CBD, please reach out to the Program’s team. If you’re interested in starting a new local social club, it only takes two people to get started. For more information, contact us at (02) 9267 6577.
A Successful Gathering with More to Come
Thank you to all the wonderful members, guests, and volunteers for making this event special. We look forward to more gatherings and creating new memories together.
About the War Widows Program
The Families of Veterans Guild, formerly known as Australian War Widows NSW, continues its mission to support the families of Australian Veterans. Our War Widows Program includes:
- Social and Guild Clubs
- Friendship Line
- Transport Program
- 100th Birthday Recognition
- War Widow Outreach and Engagement
- Service Connection and Case Management
If you want to join a social group, receive a friendship line call, volunteer, or update your details to receive The Guild Digest or our Newsletter, please contact us at (02) 9267 6577.
