To support the families of those who have served, the ACT will formally commemorate War Widows Day for the first time.
War Widows Day recognises the contribution and personal sacrifice made by hundreds of surviving widows and widowers across the Territory and the many thousands across Australia.
It is held on 19 October to coincide with the birthday of Jessie Vasey, who founded the War Widows Guild of Australia (now Australian War Widows) in 1945.
The ACT Government is acknowledging the day with a commemorative event in partnership with the Australian War Widows’ ACT branch.
“War Widows Day gives us a sense of pride as it acknowledges the women who worked so tirelessly to establish the War Widows Guild in Australia in 1945,” Robynne Mitchell, president of War Widows ACT, said.
“We especially remember the founder, Mrs Jessie Mary Vasey CBE, born on 19th October, who fought continuously for widows’ rights. This Day, each year, should encourage widows to connect with each other in support of each other.”
Emma Davidson MLA, ACT Minister for Veterans and Seniors, said War Widows Day will form part of the long-standing tradition in the ACT of acknowledging the pivotal role the families of veterans hold in our community.
“I am proud the ACT is joining New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia in acknowledging the friendship, commitment, and sacrifice of war widows,” Ms Davidson said.
“On 19 October every year, we will reflect on the values of honour, friendship, community, inclusivity, and support that have etched these families into our national consciousness, our history, and our future.
“I would particularly like to acknowledge the work of War Widows ACT, which has been pivotal in achieving this recognition for the more than 700 war widows in the ACT.”
The ACT Government will launch the 2023-24 Veterans Grants program which supports organisations to deliver community-based activities for veterans and their families.
“This year, we have increased the maximum application level from $10,000 to $15,000 for projects that deliver wellbeing support services and activities of broad-scale benefit to the veteran community and their families,” Ms Davidson said.
“We particularly encourage applications addressing the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging their proud history of military service in the Australian Defence Force that continues to this day.”
Applications for the grants can be made at www.communityservices.act.gov.au/veterans/grants.
