National War Widows Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the significant contributions of war widows in the ACT and across Australia.

This year marks 80 years since Mrs. Jessie Vasey founded Australian War Widows (formerly the War Widows Guild of Australia), an organisation that supports war widows nationwide.

War Widows ACT was established in 1965, meets monthly at Legacy House in Deakin and hosts regular social events - including a Field of Remembrance Service before Anzac Day.

With support from the ACT Government, Canberra Legacy, and Canberra Services Club, War Widows ACT is holding a commemorative lunch at Ainslie Football Club to commemorate this significant day.

Minister for Seniors and Veterans, Suzanne Orr MLA recognises war widows in the ACT.

“Today is an opportunity to acknowledge war widows in our community and thank them for the significant work they do in the veteran community. It is also a chance to pause and reflect on the many challenging experiences they have endured, and the sacrifices they have made. I pay tribute to the resilience of all war widows across Canberra and nationwide” Minister Orr said.

“Today is also a chance to thank Australian War Widows and War Widows ACT for their extraordinary advocacy and work. They support war widows in a multitude of ways, including advocating on their behalf, linking them to important social services and facilitating social connection and friendship. I also want to thank and acknowledge the many other dedicated and hardworking community organisations in the ACT which support veterans and their families.”

Community organisations that support veterans and their families are eligible to apply for Veterans Grants. Applications close on Tuesday 28 October.

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