Dear Members,
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who completed our survey. We have been amazed at the over 600 responses. Your feedback will help us shape the future of our organisation and develop services and support for the growing needs of our existing and new members. As the year progresses, we look forward to sharing our progress with you.
Many of you have been patiently awaiting the return of social and club meetings. We do thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding during COVID-19 restrictions.
We are very pleased to advise that with the easing of restrictions in NSW, club meetings can recommence, following COVID-19 safety requirements. This is a welcome return of such a vital program for our community.
The Field of Remembrance ceremony and ANZAC Day are two important occasions on the War Widows calendar. With so many restrictions in place last year, we are even more determined to ensure we respect and uphold history this year.
We will update you in the coming weeks as we finalise our plans. We will support ‘Light up the Dawn’ and will share more information on this in the next newsletter.
On a personal note, I am very honoured to have been accepted onto the Council of the Australian War Memorial. I am thrilled to continue my commitment to veterans and their families in this capacity.
Lastly, I congratulate and thank two ladies in our community for their Australia Day awards. Heather Gillam, Coordinator of the Epping Social Club who received the Parramatta Senior Citizen of the year award for her ongoing service to the veteran community. Shirley McLaren, Coordinator of the Northern Beaches Social Club received an Order of Australia Medal for her services to veterans and their families.
Congratulations ladies, we are very proud of you and grateful for your ongoing service to your peers.
Rhondda Vanzella OAM
President of NSW & National Australian War Widows
\”We rise by lifting others”
