Widows’ News: We are here for you

At War Widows NSW, our mission is to provide vital support to all widows of partners who have lost a loved one through participation in Defence service. We welcome any war widows who are not members currently, and those affected by the loss of a family member or friend, to join our family and benefit from the unique and beneficial services we provide to our members.

Liverpool Social Club Coordinator Dulcie Davis accepting a Club grant from Austral Bowling Club.

Members who have attended the War Widows AGM for 20 years plus. Left to right: Ruth Pearson, Myra Lucas, Agnes Teunissen, Diana Bland, Margaret Tanner, Laurel Blow and Audrey Blood.

Friendship and communication

One of the highly valued services we offer is our Friendship Line. Supported by volunteers who are members themselves, the Friendship Line provides the opportunity for our members to receive regular contact, therefore helping them feel more connected.

Our members genuinely appreciate receiving these calls as many of them are isolated by their location or do not have regular contact with family or friends. As war widows themselves, our Friendship Line volunteers understand firsthand what our members have been through, and the kind of support they need.

Another way we can connect with our members is via our War Widows quarterly magazine, and our e-newsletters that are emailed regularly. These communications assist in keeping our members up to date on relevant issues and interests affecting war widows, such as government entitlements, events and member news.

Guild clubs and social clubs

The Guild has a network of 75 Guild and Social Clubs throughout metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW, providing a place for members to meet and join with other war widows who have been through similar experiences.

Many of the clubs have social events such as bus trips and luncheons as well as meetings. Guest speakers are invited to attend meetings to speak on topics of interest to members. The club coordinators provide regular updates from the Guild, keeping members up to date on Guild information as well as the various benefits available to them through agencies such as DVA.

Advocacy and welfare

We continue to develop greater communications and relationships with government departments, like-minded organisations and ex-service organisations as it will allow us greater opportunities to support and advocate on behalf of our members.

Our Welfare Officer is available to assist with queries that relate to the health and wellbeing of our members and is able to assist with referrals to the correct department or service provider.

Our main aim, as always, is to ensure members receive the most relevant, up-to-date information, access to suitable services and beneficial support. Building on these relationships will enable us to broaden these services and benefits.

If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a member of War Widows NSW, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome affiliate members to join us, such as other family members and friends. Contact us on 02 9267 6577 or via email (Guild [at] warwidowsnsw.com.au (Guild[at]warwidowsnsw[dot]com[dot]au)).