Welcome to the Families of Veterans Resource Hub

The Guild Digest - Autumn

Read our latest Autumn edition of The Guild Digest, a special ANZAC Field of Remembrance & ANZAC Day edition. Featuring news and events, social calendars, information for members and what's been happening.

Voices Of Veteran Families

Watch this video and hear the first hand experiences of the families of Australian Veterans. Find out what it was, and is, for them. Listen to the story of the mother of a veteran who died as a result of his service. Listen to the story of a partner who became a carer for her critically injured veteran and the story of a widow of war and her children left behind. This is the story, these are the voices of the families of Australian Defence Force serving members, past and present.

A Guide To Grief & Loss

Read this information sheet about grief and loss. Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to the loss of someone or something meaningful. It can take many forms and impact emotions, thoughts, and daily life in different ways. Understanding the grieving process can provide comfort and guidance during difficult times. Our free guide explores the various aspects of grief and loss, offering insights, practical support, and reassurance to help you navigate this journey.

Our Story - Women Empowering Women And Their Families

Watch this video on the story of the Guild is a story of women helping women. This video reveal the incredible and unique story of the the Families of Veterans Guild, owned and operated by Australian War Widows NSW Ltd. The organisation has existed for almost 80 years, supporting war widows and families impacted by defence service and wars.

Community Services Guide

Explore our Community Services Guide to learn about the wide range of services and support available specifically to war widows, defence and veteran families. Including a wide range of service providers, this guide is a unique and invaluable resource for those seeking assistance and connection to community programs that benefit defence and veteran families, including war widows.

ANZAC Day: A Day That Is Felt

Read about how ANZAC Day makes our CEO feel. This time of year, causes deep reflection of what is and what could have been. ANZAC Day, its lead up and aftermath is a day whose gravity and meaning is difficult to express with words. 

ANZAC Field of Remembrance

Watch this video on The ANZAC Field of Remembrance that has been held in Australia for 73 years. It began in 1952 when Mrs C J Pope, widow of Rear-Admiral C J Pope, RAN, assisted by what was then known as the War Widows’ Guild of NSW, now the Family of Veterans Guild, organised the Field of Remembrance at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Safeguarding Against Text And Call Scams

Read this information sheet for guidance on recognising common scams, along with steps to take if you’re contacted by a scammer, and tips to safeguard your personal information.

Rise Together Initiative Interview with ABC Radio Newcastle

Watch this interview with ABC Newcastle, our CEO discusses in length the need for initiatives like Rise Together to support the career development and empower the partners of our current and former serving ADF members.

Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment And Support Bill 2024

Read our CEO’s response to the passing of the Veterans Bill—a historic step forward in simplifying a long-broken system. While this progress is welcome, it’s only the beginning.

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Honouring Jessie Vasey And The Legacy Of Our War Widows

Watch and celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of women who have shaped history. Join us this International Women’s Day as we reflect on the extraordinary contributions of our fonder, Jessie Vasey, and the war widows who have profoundly impacted our society.

Defence And Veteran Services Commission

Read this piece from our CEO. Did you know about a new amendment that has been proposed to the VETS Bill stand up the Defence and Veteran Services Commission without being consulted? We didn't. 

CEO Renee Wilson Interview - ABC Radio Brisbane

Watch our CEO Renee Wilson discussing the Defence Honours and Awards System with ABC Radio Brisbane and the Senate inquiry into the integrity of the system.

But What About Our Veteran Families?

Read this article by 'The Mandarin' about how ADF members perform better and serve longer when their family is happy. We need to support our families so we can ultimately support our veterans. 

Voices Of Families

See and hear the voices of defence and veteran families and what they are telling us in this video.

A Better Tomorrow For Veterans And Their Families

Read this Defence Connect Article about building a better world for Australia’s veterans and their families is a sacred duty and mission for the nation, with the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide now handed down, it is time to get to work, explains CEO of Families of Veterans Guild Renee Wilson.

War Widows Day 2024 - Governor General Message

On 19 October 2024, for War Widows Day, we celebrated our war widows and honoured their stories of love and sacrifice. War Widows Day 2024 was acknowledged by many, including the Governor-General of Australia in this wonderful video.  

War Widows Day 2024 - Tribute To The Stories Of Our War Widows

Watch this moving tribute made for War Widows Day 2024. War Widows Day is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and connecting war widows, ensuring they feel honoured and acknowledged, giving us an opportunity to honour their stories, bravery, and sacrifice. 

The Royal Commission Into Defence And Veteran Suicide

Read this article from our CEO and her response to the Royal Commission. The Defence and Veteran support system isn’t meeting the expectations of the Australian community. 

Online Confidence & Safety: Helping You Get Online

Read this beginner-friendly guide to help you gain confidence using technology. Covering the basics of getting online, setting up devices, and staying connected safely.

Intergenerational Defence And Veterans Families Community Art Day

A Community Art Day bringing together veterans' families across generations to connect, and create. Watch different generations get together and create this meaningful art together.

Understanding Intimate Partner & Family Domestic Violence: Context & Action

This webinar offers an understanding of intimate partner and family domestic violence within veteran and defence families, covering warning signs, context, support, safety, and how to approach it.

Why The ANZAC Field of Remembrance Matters

Read or CEO's piece on why the ANZAC Field of Remembrance is important. More than just a service, the ANZAC Field of Remembrance is a powerful reminder that war and service do come home. Standing as one, remembering together, united by their loved ones service.

Online Confidence & Safety: Social Media Basics

Read this guide for an introduction to social media. What it is, how to use it safely, and how platforms like Facebook, Instagram etc. can help you stay in touch with loved ones and communities online.

Accountability, Transparency And Trust

Trust. It takes a long time to build and a moment to break. Read our CEO's reflection on the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the veteran support system.

Navigating Transition To URF

Transitioning to Unaccompanied Resident Family (URF) can be one of the toughest decisions a Defence Force family make on their journey of Defence life. Read this guide to support your wellbeing during this transition.

How Do We Make Sure No Veteran Family Is Left Behind In The Wake Of The Royal Commission?

Read this Defence Connect Article on how over countless hours of hearings, witness statements, and phone enquiries, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has heard evidence crucial to the future of Australia’s veteran community. Throughout this process, there has been a recurring theme – the lives of veteran families are full of unique experiences, opportunities, and challenges which differ from the broader population. It has highlighted the important role that defence and veteran families play for our nation, which is, too often hidden, from view.

Setting Boundaries And The Importance Of It

Read this sheet on the importance of boundaries. Often, we are so concerned about ensuring that everyone around us has our undivided time and attention that we sacrifice our own mental health to do so. How do we continue supporting those around us without it taking a toll on our wellbeing? The answer is setting boundaries.

International Women's Day - ‘Inspire inclusion’

This webinar was delivered in celebration of the women in our community this coming International Women’s Day. 'How can we inspire inclusion' will cover the subject of inclusion for women, noting issues we hear a lot about women becoming more invisible as they age, especially in sectors that are traditionally male dominated – but that benefit of their inclusion.

Challenging Conversations And How To Approach Them

We can all be in situations sometimes where we need to communicate information to an individual or group that makes us feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we avoid these conversations altogether. Read about how you can make these conversations more productive.

The Ongoing Problem In The system

Read our CEO's reflection on John Armfield’s testimony at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Coping With Grief And Loss During The Holiday Season

Read this guide on coping with grief and loss during holiday seasons. There are many reasons you may be experiencing grief and loss this year. You may have lost a loved one recently or perhaps some years ago. You might be physically separated from your loved one this year for reasons outside of your control. Whatever the reason, we are here to support you.

Insights For Veteran Families

Listen in to this webinar around exploring grief and loss in veteran and defence family experiences. With personal reflections, and practical advice to help families and war widows navigate through tough times.

Online Confidence & Safety: Zoom Basics

Read this easy introduction to using Zoom. Explaining what it is, how it works, and how to join video calls using your computer, tablet or phone, so you can stay connected with family, friends, and services.

Why Remembrance Day Matters

Remembrance Day is a very important day to our community and all Australians. It is a day when we come together and remember the costs of war. Read our CEO's piece on the importance of Remembrance Day.

ANZAC Day Interview Of Board Director Bree Till By The ABC News

Watch ABC News interviewing AWWNSW Board Director Bree Till after the 2023 ANZAC Dawn service at Martin Place in Sydney

Is Incontinence Affecting Your Social Life?

Read this guide for information and practical tips for managing incontinence. Helping you feel more confident, stay active, and enjoy social outings without worry.

ABC News Interview With Meg Green

Watch this interview of Meg Green on the day of our ANZAC Field of Remembrance, to talk about the day and the upcoming anniversaries of the Vietnam War.

What Is Social Connection?

Read this information sheet for an introduction on social connection. When we think of looking after ourselves and our wellbeing, we often only think about what we consider essential, such as eating healthy, staying active, and getting a good night's sleep. However, research shows that social connection is a key psychological need.

AWWNSW CEO Interview - ANZAC Field of Remembrance 2023

Watch ABC News interview of AWWNSW CEO, Renee Wilson, on the morning of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance

Why Social Connection Is Important

Did you know that social isolation impacts negatively on your health and wellbeing? In fact, social isolation and loneliness have a greater impact on mortality than smoking, obesity, or alcohol consumption. Read all about the importance and effects of social connection

Online Confidence & Safety: Closing The Digital Divide

Technology is often foreign at first. It takes a little while, and a little knowledge, to understand what does what and how to use a computer, mobile phone and the internet. The Australian Government has created several online courses on its Be Connected website to help get every Australian online. Here is what they say about getting started online.  

Talking To Your Child About The Death Of A Parent

Read this guide that supports caregivers to have challenging conversations such as the death of a parent with children in a trauma informed and structured way. This guide provides a scaffold with tips, do’s and don'ts when talking about the death of a parent with a child, and how to support the child’s wellbeing in line with their age and stage of development.