Guild Digest - · PDF fileIncluded with this edition of the Guild Digest is a very important...

WAR WIDOWS’ GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSWGuild Digest

SEPTEMBER 2017

2 GUILD DIGEST SEPTEMBER 2017

EDITORIAL

CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER: The material in this Guild Digest has been checked thoroughly and to the best of our knowledge is correct. However, errors may occur which are beyond our control. If this should happen, we apologise most sincerely.

3 From the Chair4 Vale Mary Burchell4 War Widows’ Guild Survey5 State President’s Message6 From the CEO7 Annual General Meeting10 Andrew Condon AGM Talk11-12 Contemporary Widow Perspective

13 National President report14 - 15 Welfare News16 Friendship Line & iPad Training17 Transport18-19 Guild & Social Club News20 Events & Letter 21-22 Life Member News23 Gardening & Recipe INSERT WWG Christmas Gifts

WAR WIDOWS’ GUILD OF AUSTRALIANSW LIMITED

ABN 24 083 075 914

Under the Patronage of His Excellency General The Honourable

David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New South Wales

and Mrs Linda Hurley

STATE PRESIDENTMs Rhondda Vanzella OAM

CHAIRMrs Jenny Wheatley

BOARD OF DIRECTORSK Arthur, D Haines, B Jeanes,

B Morrison, L Raymer, W Thompson, R Vanzella OAM, J Wheatley, B Worswick,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERPatricia Campbell

GUILD DIGESTISSN 1449-3691

Editorial CommitteeP Campbell, L Hayward

PublisherWar Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW Limited

HEAD OFFICELevel 14, 227 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Email: [email protected]: www.warwidowsnsw.com.au

Telephone: (02) 9267-6577Facsimile: (02) 9267-6601

Toll free numbers (for country members)Enquiries and Welfare: 1800-451-615

Friendship Line: 1800-451-615

Office hours:Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Annual Subscription: $30 due 1 April each year

Donations to War Widows’ Guildof Australia NSW Limited

are tax deductible

* * * *MOTTO

“We all belong to each other.We all need each other.

It is in serving each other and insacrificing for our common good that

we are finding our true life.”(King George VI, Extract from

Christmas message 1941)

Looking to the futureThe theme of this years’ Annual General Meeting was planning for the future. This edition of the Guild Digest continues to explore this theme.

The world changes so quickly now, and the needs of our members are no different. In the year since the last AGM, we have been very busy, with significant work being carried out to secure the Guild’s future for all our members.

Frequently we ask ourselves, what would Jessie Vasey think of today’s Guild, and how can we best continue her mission in the very different world that is 2017, and into the future?

Membership is reducing, as are the number of war widows overall. Last year we had a reduction in membership of 800 members, or 15% of the membership.

Included with this edition of the Guild Digest is a Survey. This is your chance to tell us what you think about the services you receive from the Guild and from Legacy.

The survey forms part of a broader plan to prepare the Guild to continue on for many more years.

At the end of the day, our goal is to serve every member. Our membership is the backbone of the Guild - because without members we don’t have a Guild.

This means that we are looking at new ways to work with war widows including the new generations of War Widows, so that we can continue Mrs Vasey’s mission.

OUR COVER Front:

Guild Annual General Meeting with attending members raising their hand

to agree with the State President, Rhondda Vanzella OAM. (photo by Jan Stevens)

Back: Winner of the AGM Raffle Prize Olive Shankley, with painting by

Gloria Gardiner.

3GUILD DIGEST SEPTEMBER 2017

FROM THE CHAIR FOR YOUR DIARY

Welcome to the third edition of the Guild Digest for 2017.

There were more than 100 members who enjoyed the hospitality of the Wesley Centre during our 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 26 July. The dinner held for our country members the previous evening was a great testament to the fellowship our organisation provides for members. During dinner, we shared spirited conversation, plenty of laughter and a few tears. Many thanks to our special guests Gwen Cherne and Pennie Looker for the thoughts they shared after dinner.

Members at the AGM supported the key messages from our speakers. Wendy Thompson shared a moving story about the importance of the Guild to one of our members, a story that would be replicated many times. Wendy challenged us, as she enters her last year on the Board, to maintain the focus on friendship and support that underpins the Guild. Andrew Condon spoke about the need for organisations who support the members of the defence sector and their families to find ways to effectively collaborate ultimately for the sake of those they seek to assist.

Meg Green, our National President asked for and (informally) obtained support for transition to a model, as yet undetermined, that would provide better co-ordination between State offices of the War Widows’ Guild. Rhondda Vanzella OAM, our committed and passionate State President, used the evolution of the telephone through the last 50 years to encourage members to support the movement for change to ensure the Guild remains a strong organisation for members.

The key fact is that since the Guild’s founder Mrs Vasey established this organisation the world has changed. It may not feel like it, however war widows are among the Government’s most financially supported benefit recipients. We must identify the point of difference we provide to members. We must maintain the history so the story of the Guild continues to be told. We must collaborate with like-minded organisations without losing the identity of the Guild. We must find a way to be a strong voice nationally for all widows. We must do this without losing the identity of the Guild or the sense of belonging and friendship upon which the organisation was founded. This is not an easy task however the Board was heartened by the support for these principles by members at the AGM.

Included with this edition of the Guild Digest is a very important survey which will help us improve our member services. I encourage you to devote some time to this and take advantage of the opportunity to have your say about the services you need from your Guild.

Jenny Wheatley CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

National Guild Conference 16-20 October CanberraWar Widows’ Walk and Picnic Thursday, 26 October Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Concord See page 22Rivendell Flower Show 23 - 24 September, 10 am - 4pm Thomas Walker Estate, Rivendell Hospital Rd, Concord $20 (children $5)Guild Survey Return Date 22 October 2017 Return your survey via post ASAPRemembrance Day Saturday 11 November Minute’s silence, 11amChristmas Party 6 December, 10:30am The Grace Hotel, SydneyBridge Group Fridays at 10.15am Head office Contact Barbara PittawayPlease register for the above events at head office on 9267 6577 or 1800 451 615

Christmas Party Wednesday 6 December 2017

Registration from10:30am

The Grace Hotel Level 2, Cnr York and King Streets,

Sydney $70.00 per person

TRANSPORT: $15.00 if eligible

Bus Transport for Clubs deadline: Tuesday 31 October

Bus Transport for individuals deadline: Tuesday 7 November

Register on reverse of mailing sheet.


VALE MARY BURCHELL - FORMER DIRECTOR

War Widows’ Guild Survey

Enclosed with this edition of the Guild Digest you will find an eight page survey. We have partnered with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Sydney Legacy to develop a formal survey of our members.

We know that many of our members are also members of Legacy. If this is the case for you, please fill in both the War Widows’ Guild & Legacy sections as we will share these results with them so that both organisations can improve their services to you.

This is a chance for you to have your say about what is important for you as a Guild Member.

The survey will help the War Widows’ Guild to develop support services with the goal of improving

the health, social, and economic wellbeing for war widows, now and in the future.

Completing your survey

We have prepared the survey to learn about what you like about the Guild and what we could do better. We encourage all members to fill in the survey and send it back. A reply paid envelope will be included for you to return it.

Once you have completed the survey, pop it in the reply paid envelope included and post it back to us by 22 October 2017.

This envelope doesn’t need a stamp and is free to post.

If you lose your copy or need a new one, please contact the Guild office.

If you need help filling out your survey, please give the Guild office a call on 02 9267 6577 or 1800 451 615.

“Hello Girls”, a favourite catch phrase, synonymous with member Mary Burchell. (1929 - 2017)

Mary sadly died in May 2017 after being an active member of the Guild since 1992 when she joined just three months after her husband,

Norman, passed away. Five years later, Mary was on State Executive and then became an inaugural Director in 1998 when the Guild became a company, a position she held for six years - the maximum term.

Mary gained managerial experience in the business world within AMP and her own businesses, including an art gallery. She also gained experience as palliative care counsellor, radio announcer and reader, a member of Lifeline and Radio for Print Handicapped. This background armed her well for

her role on the Board. Mary was passionate about the members’ welfare and was true to the Guild aims – to watch over and protect the interests of war widows. She also was diligent in ensuring the Guild upheld its legal obligations under its Constitution.

Mary was passionate about reaching out to isolated war widows, establishing the Guild’s Friendship Line, which she co-ordinated for four years – October 2000 to October 2004. Many country members have appreciated regular calls from the group of volunteers who continue to reach out by phone to our members. She left a lasting legacy of friendship.

Many of our members attended the Discussion Group, also organised by Mary from 1999 to 2007. Mary wrote up the monthly talks in the Guild Digest to enable all members to benefit from the information imparted by the speakers.

Fond of quotes, Mary closed her resignation letter with one:

“The best cure for an empty day or a longing heart is to find people who need you, the world is full of them…”


Hello members,

Since my last letter in the June edition of the Guild Digest, the Guild has held its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

This time, I’d like to give those of you who were unable to attend the AGM an overview of the meeting, and give you an update on what has been happening at the Guild, including the important survey delivered with this edition of the Guild Digest.

Firstly, I am happy to report that our AGM was well attended and provided a great snapshot of where we are today and where the Guild is headed into the future. Our members who came along participated enthusiastically, providing thoughtful questions and comments during the meeting. There were several informative speakers whose speeches can be found on pages 7 - 10.

We were fortunate enough to have Andrew Condon as guest speaker. Andrew is a veteran with service in the Middle East (2004 and 2006) who subsequently worked in the veteran sector for the past 10 years in a range of roles, including as CEO of Sydney Legacy, NSW Associated Clubs, and as a member of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters.

Andrew gave a very thought provoking speech that is well worth a read, on page 10. I encourage you to discuss Andrew’s address at your monthly meetings and I would be interested to know what members think.

Please feel free to let me know either by calling head office 02 9267 6577 or emailing me directly [email protected]

Secondly, the board has commissioned a survey of our members by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) so that we can better understand what our members require as we plan the future of the Guild. Throughout the process of drafting the survey, I have worked closely with Paul Lane, President of Sydney Legacy.

We understand that many of our members belong to Legacy as well, and by collaborating closely with Legacy, both organisations will have the information they need to improve and tailor services to our members.

It’s really important to us that you complete the survey. Every member who responds helps to shape the future of the Guild. This is your chance to tell us what you want and need from the Guild so that we can improve our services to you.

I would like to thank you in anticipation of you taking the time to provide your feedback, the survey will take about 20 minutes to fill out. Your contribution is invaluable, and we are sincerely grateful for your response.

Finally, I am very excited about the introduction of iPad training which aims, in some small way to address the issue of social isolation that many of our members face. iPad training is offered to our members in their local areas, with many sessions run across the state in both metropolitan and regional areas.

We have had a wonderful response with more than 60 members on the waiting list to learn how to use this modern and easy-to-use technology. If you would like to book in to the lessons or learn more about iPad training, give the office a call.

Can you believe the year is nearly over? I hope the year so far has been good to you, I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the Christmas Party.

Until we meet again

Rhondda

P.S. Don’t forget to fill in the survey, pop it in the postage paid envelope and send it back. Thank you.

Rhondda Vanzella OAM STATE PRESIDENT

STATE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Rhondda Vanzella OAM with Paul Lane, President of Sydney Legacy


Guild Survey Have your say

With this issue of the Guild Digest, we are including a survey for all members to complete. We encourage all members to fill in the survey and send it back. This is a chance for you tell us what you like about the Guild and what else the Guild could do for war widows. We have provided more information on page 4.

Guild AGM

Our AGM was held in August and it was stimulating to have guest speakers talking about the future of the Guild. Importantly, the National Guild President, Meg Green, told us that the National Guild will struggle financially in the future and it is necessary to take action to make changes before this happens. The problems are caused by the reduction in the number of war widows and the associated reducing finances available for the National Guild. There are eight separate Guild organisations around Australia, and there would be a benefit to working together more effectively.

Our special Guest speaker, Andrew Condon also spoke about the increasing numbers of organisations working within the veteran community and what other organisations are doing to work more closely together and in some cases to amalgamate.

These matters will be discussed at the Guild’s National Conference being held in Canberra in October.

New Projects

We have several new projects underway. One is the Survey of members I mentioned above.

Communications Review

We have also engaged a consultant to review our communications. The purpose is to look at how we communicate with our members, with other organisations and with the community. We have also engaged a communications coordinator who will work on our communications such as the Guild Digest.

FROM THE CEO

Patricia Campbell

She will also review our image in the community to ensure we are clearly identifiable.

One area we hope to develop is to provide more information online. In doing this we are fully aware that many of our members are not online, and we will not be reducing our communications in print and by mail. However, for those who have email, we are developing an e-newsletter to keep our members up to date more quickly. We are also hoping to use email where possible to keep our Clubs up to date. However, I want to assure members that we will not be reducing our existing communications.

Part of this project will be to update our website and our Facebook page, and to make them easier to update, so we can keep them current.

If you or your family are on Facebook, please ensure you “follow” our page and “like” our posts. The address is War Widows’ Guild NSW.

We are also running iPad training for members, to enable those who would like to be able to access the internet to become computer “savvy”. We encourage our members to consider undertaking the training to open a new world to you.

Guild Christmas Items

At this time of the year, we usually have a four page insert itemising our items for sale. Due to the reduction in the numbers of members who are buying these items, we regret that we have decided not to carry diaries any more. We have a number of calendars and assorted Christmas cards which will be available in packs of 5 and 10. You can see the items we have for sale on the insert included in this edition of the Guild Digest. You can also purchase these and other items, such as mugs, poppy scarves, poppy umbrellas, from the Guild office, over the phone, and at the War Widows Walk and our Christmas Party as usual.

Next events

I hope to see as many of you as possible at the War Widows Walk and Picnic on 26 October and also at the Guild Christmas Party being held again at the Grace Hotel. Both events should be good fun and will offer lots of friendship. Don’t forget to register.

Patricia Campbell CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The last financial year was a year of achievements for the Guild: the celebration of the NSW Guild’s 70th Anniversary by members around NSW, the move of the Guild office from its location of over 20 years in Castlereagh St to a new office in Elizabeth St – a mammoth task for all the staff; the Guild joined with the Partners of Veterans to organise a major service for the families of Vietnam veterans at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This was a most moving service, and the feedback from all those who attended was excellent.

We finalised the sale of our Collingwood St housing property. Following this, the Board has made a detailed decision about how the proceeds should be invested to enable the Guild to continue its operations. Once we sell all our properties, the money we have will be all the funds the Guild has available to maintain us into the future.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors has changed since last year, with the retirement of Naida Isenberg in February this year after six years’ service to the Board, for which we thank her. We are delighted that Brigadier Bronwyn Worswick has now joined the Board and she brings not only legal skills but a strong background in the Australian Defence Force. On your behalf I warmly welcome her to the Board.

The election of directors for 2017 has confirmed our current directors, ensuring stability as we move forward.

This year has also seen Rhondda Vanzella OAM taking the position of President, and she has tackled this position with great zeal. She has a strong interest in increasing our communications with war widows and assisting our members to become more connected through the greater use of technology.

She has also been actively engaging with the contemporary widows from recent conflicts, and I am delighted to see some of these members here today. With a wealth of contacts in the ex-service community she has built on the Guild’s relationships with a wide range of organisations. I am pleased to advise that the Board has re-appointed Rhondda as President for the forthcoming year.

Guild Survey

We are excited to advise that the Guild has developed a survey of members, being conducted by the University of Technology. We are expecting the results to be available by the end of the year. The purpose of the survey is to obtain a profile of members and what they think about the Guild and the services it provides. This will help us to plan for the future. I thank the members who have been involved in the focus groups over the past few weeks.

I ask all members present and our Club representatives to look at encouraging all our members to complete the survey, as it will help the Guild in planning for the future. We are suggesting that clubs might encourage your members to bring the survey to your next meeting to complete it, and ensure it is posted.

Information Technology

To assist interested members to use modern technology, our President has introduced iPad training for members to show how easy it can be to access modern technology. Information technology is not just for young people, many of our older members also keep connected. You are never too old to learn.

The Future

Guild National President, Meg Green, and the NSW board have been considering the future of the Guilds. The Guilds in all States have been losing member numbers quite quickly and up to four of the smaller states may not be able to continue into the future. For this reason, the NSW and National Guilds have been examining options, as we think it is necessary for there to be a national organisation or network to provide support and assistance to war widows Australia-wide and to continue the Guild’s voice for all war widows with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Chair’s AddressThis year, our Annual General Meeting included a number of speakers, including Andrew Condon, which are on the following pages. Below is a summary of Jenny Wheatley’s address.


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - FINANCIAL REPORT

Guild Finances

The Guild’s auditors, HLB Mann Judd, have again provided an unqualified audit report. The financial position of the NSW Guild improved in FY2017 as a result of a continued strategic transition out of Guild housing to a portfolio of investments. This restructures the Guild from being asset rich but income poor into an organisation with a sustainable financial position for the future.

Guild Income

The Guild’s annual income for the year ended 31 March 2017 was almost $8m. There were one‐off income receipts of $6.8m ‐ almost $6m from the sale of the Guild property at Collingwood Street and just under $1m from the compulsory acquisition of the old office building in Castlereagh Street.

The normal operating income was $1.1m which is consistent with previous years. The arrangements with Evolve Housing have continued to deliver income above expectations to the benefit of the Guild’s members.

The Guild also gratefully received approximately $180,000 from Bequests, donations and grants.

Guild Spending

During 2017 the Guild spent $2m for ordinary operations. Due to the extraordinary one‐ off income the Guild achieved a surplus of $5.9m which was used to increase the Guild’s financial reserves.

The Guild’s two largest costs are office accommodation and employee costs which are both subject to increases due to inflation. Over the past 12 months the Guild has reduced its staffing levels to keep expenses under control. The Guild has also moved to smaller premises following the compulsory acquisition of the building at Castlereagh Street.

Guild Assets

The Guild’s net assets are now worth $19m. The sale of the property and the compulsory acquisition proceeds delivered an overall increase in the net assets of the Guild of $2m in FY2017. Therefore, rather than having 84% of assets tied up in property the Guild now has a 50/50 split between Property and Cash and investments as we move into the current year.

Deputy Chair’s AddressDeputy Chair, Laura Raymer presented a summary of the financial affairs of the Guild for the year ending 31 March 2017 (FY2017) at the AGM.


Historically, Legacy, the RSL and each War Widows’ Guild were strong in their own right and each had a different part to play for their membership; however today all memberships are diminishing and there is also a large cross-over in membership.

I believe there are 4 steps to address this issue and secure our future in 2017: Consolidate, Collaborate, Converge and Continue.

Consolidate

We need to come together as best we can as a Guild to form a singular national body in order to represent all War Widows across the country.

Collaborate

We need to collaborate with like-minded organisations in order to learn from one another and identify gaps in our services.

Converge

We need to converge with other organisations to free up funding and improve services for members. By joining forces with similar organisations we can better serve women affected by conflict.

Continue

We must continue. We know that there are thousands of war widows who still rely on the Guild, and many more who may be in need of improved services offered by an improved Guild.

I believe it is important that we become strong leaders in this space just as Jessie Vasey did. We must hold our head high, and do this last and most important thing. If we consolidate, collaborate, converge and continue we will ensure our members are well looked after, and leave an important legacy for our children and members in the future.

AGM TALKS

Guild membership across the country is in decline, and we must do what we can to ensure the future of the War Widows’ Guild.

Forming one national body will create opportunities to expand and strengthen our membership. I believe we have a significant role to play and we have a unique perspective that must be put forward in order to continue. If we do nothing we are in danger of extinction. If we keep going the way we are it is only a matter of time before the national body will have to close its doors.

We need to combine all states to create a truly national body with each state having a representative who is able to advocate for their individual state. We need to combine all states

so that each state feels that they are a valuable part of the national organisation. By combining all states this ensures that the National Guild can continue into the future.

The National Guild would then be a powerful think tank representing all war widows with expertise and knowledge gathered from all states. If we go ahead with this as a way forward – we will not only see our members being well looked after but I believe we will leave an important legacy for our children and for the contemporary widows who come behind us.

I believe that we need to make a clear commitment to work towards combining all states into one national, member based organisation to ensure our future. You, as members of the New South Wales Guild need to support your organisation to work towards this goal.

We are in a perfect position to rewrite the end of our story. We are in a position to take positive action and leave an important legacy not only for our children but the contemporary widows who will come behind us.

State President AddressThis is a summary of the address made by State President, Rhondda Vanzella OAM at the AGM 2017.

National President AddressThis is a summary of the address made by National President, Meg Green at the AGM 2017.


AGM TALKS - ANDREW CONDON

Minister for Veteran Affairs and others, including the National Mental Health Commission in their report on Veteran mental health.

Some work on this issue has begun, so watch this space.

Organisations supporting our veteran community now need to exist in a different environment. Thus challenging the appropriateness of organisational structures and operational methods that supported previous generations being continued for future generations.

Some form of negotiated collaboration is likely to be included in the end state for most organisations in the veteran community, or at least as part of the journey to a future structure. There is already significant motivation in sections of the veteran community to collaborate more than currently occurs.

There is currently a window of opportunity to set the conditions for generational change, but that window is fast closing. None of us are getting any younger, and organisational resources are generally being consumed, not accumulated.

Discussion and consideration of options is required, and need to be debated.

But most importantly, decisions need to be made of actions to take, and those actions need to be taken.

Thank you again for the opportunity to be the guest speaker at today’s AGM, and I wish the members of the Guild, and of all established organisations in the veteran community, all the best with their deliberations, and I hope history will look favourably on the actions taken.

Andrew Condon, CSC

Andrew is a veteran with service in the Middle East (2004 and 2006) who subsequently has worked in the veteran sector for the past 10 years in a range of roles, including as CEO of Legacy NSW Associated Clubs, was a member of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters, and commissioned by the Aspen Foundation to undertake the ESO Mapping Project (2016).

He is currently working with Sir Angus Houston on the National Collaboration Project.

Achieving Generational Change in the Veteran Community.

The Guild was established as a member based organisation, using structures and means of communications common to that time in Australia. However, the relevance of member based organisations with structures established midway through the last century, with minimal changes to constitutions since, are now being challenged by younger generations.

As Australia moves into the 4th post war period of its history, many have been asking “are our veteran, and widow organisations ready to support contemporary veterans, widows, widowers and children, as organisations relevant to their needs within contemporary Australian society?”

While the future may not yet be clear, what we do know is that each generation of veterans has been different from the previous, primarily because they have come from and live within a different generation of society from that of their predecessors. The fourth generation of veterans, like previous generations, also have some additional aspects unique to current times.

Contemporary Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs), compared to more traditional ESOs, tend to have strong relationships with the private sector and are more easily able to obtain equipment and goods to support their programs. Their primary funding needs and challenges relate to salary and administration costs in providing services.

The growing number of organisations in the veteran space is causing concern in a number of quarters and there have now been calls for self-regulation by the

Andrew CondonThe following is a summary of the talk Andrew Condon gave at the War Widows’ Guild AGM 2017


NATIONAL PRESIDENT MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Another three months has passed and again this has been another busy period.

The National Guild continues to debate and discuss the future of the National Guild and ways to move forward. A monthly teleconference is held with all States and Territories. These teleconferences make for some interesting and challenging conversations. I am hopeful that we may have a more definite outcome at the National AGM/Council meeting/Conference to be held in Canberra between 17 – 19 October of this year. The AGM/Council meeting is taking shape, however, it still requires some further planning but I am sure that all will be well on the day.

In June, I was able to attend the Annual General Meetings in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. I have had four trips to Canberra since my last report to attend the Dental and Allied Health Workshop, the Claims Management Forum and the Veterans’ ‘Mates’ Editorial Committee. I have also had a meeting with the Minister, The Hon. Dan Tehan to bring him up to date with the organisation’s activities and progress in regard to the National body.

I also took the opportunity to meet with the opposition spokesperson for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth. They are both very supportive of our organisation and it is imperative that we maintain an ongoing dialogue with the relevant politicians in Canberra.

The National Guild was also invited to attend the French National Day in Canberra on July 14 at the French Embassy and the Legacy President’s Luncheon at Parliament House, Sydney.

On May 31 of this year His Excellency the Governor General dedicated a most magnificent Boer War Memorial. The memorial is located on Anzac Parade, Canberra and if you are visiting Canberra I would suggest that you take the time to visit this memorial.

The Veterans’ Mates website is worth visiting: www.veteransmates.net.au. There are a number of useful topics that you may find interesting. The latest module release is one titled ‘Wound Care’ and covers some practical tips for looking after our skin as we age.

I have also had the opportunity to attend and lay a wreath at the Memorial Service in recognition of the 55th Anniversary of the initial deployment of the

Australian Army Training Team to South Vietnam on 31st July, 1962 and to recognise the return to Australia in Operation Reunite of the bodies of Team members originally buried overseas. This was conducted at the Land Warfare Centre Canungra, Queensland. While in Queensland I also attended the Australian War Widows’ (Queensland) AGM. The weather in Queensland was of course very pleasant for this time of year – not so cold as New South Wales.

I have also had the opportunity to attend and speak at the New South Wales Annual General Meeting on 26 July. Andrew Condon gave a very informative address titled ‘Achieving Generational Change in the Veteran Community’. The address challenged the relevance of member based organisations established many years ago to their relevance today and whether we, as one of the old established organisations, are doing enough to support our younger, contemporary veterans, widows and children.

The address also challenged the limitations of membership of organisations to just that of veterans and/or widows. By opening up membership then perhaps a better outcome for veterans and widows could be achieved. By restricting membership, the potential pool of members is limited. Andrew’s address was thought provoking and was extremely relevant to the National organisation.

Well ladies, ‘til next time. Take care.

Meg GreenNATIONAL PRESIDENT

Meg Green and Rhondda Vanzella OAM in (unintentionally) matching suits at the AGM.


AGM SPEECHES - GWEN CHERNE

Emily and I watched videos on YouTube, and I explained to her what it was that we would be attending. We talked about her father, how much he loved her, and how much he sacrificed for us and for Australia.

When we walked up the steps to the Town Hall Chapel, I felt like running away. I actually felt like a fraud. I felt like I would be judged, unwelcome. I felt vulnerable and raw, like the nerves on my skin were completely exposed to the air.

I hoped Bree had given them the heads up so that I wouldn’t have to explain anything when I arrived. A part of me wanted to just be there and blend in. I thought we had arrived just on time, but as it turned out, we were there early, hours early. Sometimes, God has funny of way of giving us what we need, and not what we think we need.

I cannot remember who I met first. It was a blur of lovely and helpful women whisking Emily and me into the church pews and making sure we were okay. I felt welcomed and cared for, but I was still skeptical that if the truth of Pete’s death was spoken, I would not be so welcome.

Someone came to sit with me and asked where Pete had been when he died. It was the question I was dreading. The one I felt would expose me, our story, and how I didn’t belong there with these women. All of them, many of you, whom I assumed had all lost your husbands gallantly at war. And many of you, like Bree Till, had. But many had lost their husbands back here at home years afterward. Obviously, I had not done my research, but I didn’t know that at the time.

I was worried that Pete’s death would not be accepted. I thought that he would be seen as a coward, and therefore his service would not be valued the same as someone who had lost their life on the battlefield or in training.

In that moment of such raw vulnerability, I held on to the fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs had only recently acknowledged that Pete’s death was due to his service. I remember staying myself and forcing myself to answer her, saying, “He died at home. He took his own life.”

I could literally see her heart break for me; the empathy and compassion that she showed me in that moment was nothing short of a blessing.

My husband was Sergeant Peter Jon Cafe of Second Commando Regiment. He served in East Timor, Cambodia, Afghanistan and Iraq to name a few. He is survived by myself, his father, his four sisters, his daughter Ashleigh and her three children, and our children: Thomas, who is 18 and has just been posted to Townsville with the Army, Emily who is five and Lachlan who is two.

I became a War Widow on the sixth of February of this year. A few months ago saying that I was a war widow, or reading it on my Gold Card, made me burst into tears. Now, it is something I wear with pride and gratitude.

I am new to this club. A club I didn’t know existed really, or didn’t actually think about until a mere five and half months ago. I first came to know of this club when Bree Till – our cover girl from the last Guild Digest, called me and told me I would be accompanying her at a War Widows event in Sydney in April the week of ANZAC Day.

I didn’t look up anything about the event. I just knew I needed to attend and that I could bring my children. I was still so very fragile at that stage, but decided to go. I trusted Bree and knew deep down that she would make sure I was only attending events that would help with our healing.

As I was getting ready, I was nervous and not entirely sure I should go, but I remembered something my mother always said to me: 80% of life is just showing up. I decided to show up and figure the rest out when I got there.

As Emily and I sat on the train to Town Hall, I remember looking up the War Widows and the “Field of Remembrance” on my phone.

Gwen CherneGwen Cherne is a contemporary widow who spoke about her experience learning about and joining the War Widows’ Guild at an official dinner the night before the AGM. Below is a summary of her speech.

CONTEMPORARY WIDOWS - GWEN CHERNE


From that moment on, Rhondda, Meg, Patricia, other staff and so many widows approached me, sat with me, held my hand, held Emily’s hand, chatted to us and included us in the ceremony.

I had never before understood the healing or power of being acknowledged for all we had been through and all we were going through.

I realised during that day that I was now a part of this fabric, this beautiful club of strong women, and a few strong men. And while I was amongst complete strangers, they all seemed to know and understand me in a way that my family and closest friends simply could not. There is a look you give, an understanding you have. No words are necessary.

I have never been on the receiving end of empathy that is so healing and so powerful. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into the fold. I would not be standing here without you or without your love and support.

You have paved the way and advocated to provide for all of us. The War Widows Guild has ensured that your needs are considered and hopefully for the most part are being met.

If I have my numbers correct however, there are more widows over 100 years old in the Guild than there are under 60. I fear the number of widows under 60 is lower than it should be, not because we are not out there, but because we don’t know the Guild exists, or we do not think we would belong.

Having met many of you I now know that could not be further from the truth. I know we have a right to stand beside you. I understand that you welcome us, and you are open to our new set of needs.

Since Pete’s death, I have been on a mission to help other current military families, and those left behind. I have come to realise that part of my healing is wrapped up in being involved and ensuring my son Tom has a better, stronger and more supportive Army for him and for his future family.

I have met with the Senior Leadership Group of the Australian Army, Special Operations Command and Military Families Australia. I have worked closely with a number of Non-Commissioned Officers and High Ranking Officers on a directive that sets out new expectations for proactive engagement

with families to help build trust and provide access, resources, education and support for families.

The role of fellow widows is powerful and probably underestimated.

I say this because the first person to help me, to truly get me and what I was going through was Bree. If you haven’t met her, she is a force of nature. She is kind and fierce.

A few weeks after my husband’s passing, she asked to come and see me. I didn’t know her very well. She sat with me, she asked who was supporting me. She made a list of names and organisations who were involved with us, Defence Community Organisation, Legacy, Commando Welfare Trust, Veterans and Veterans Families Services, the unit, etc. She knew that while the support is there, it is overwhelming to navigate - especially for a new widow. She talked to me about the support that I could expect and the support for which I needed to ask.

Each widow needs to be able to grieve in our own time, but know there are people we can call on that have empathy and support. People who have been there before and know what we have been through.

The more I learn about the War Widows’ Guild, the more I reach out to other wives and widows/widowers, the more I realise the strength of an organisation like this one. And yet, the more I see the more there is to be done. There is so much more to be done.

Contemporary widows’ needs are different than your needs. I have children who range in age from 2 to 18 years old. I work full-time and have no family to support us here in Australia. You have done so much for us, and we are grateful. Now, we look to your support, to help guide us. To help us determine what are the new needs, and how we can advocate for those, together.

We respect the past, we are grateful to you for the way you have paved for all of us, and we hope you will welcome us in bringing our needs to light as the Guild continues to grow and change.

In all honesty I cannot thank you enough for the warmth, kindness and generosity that I have received from many of you since Emily and I attended the Field of Remembrance. Thank you again for your time and support of us and this new generation of widows.

AGM SPEECHES - ANDREW CONDON CONTEMPORARY WIDOWS - GWEN CHERNE


Reducing electricity costsWe recognise that the rising cost of energy has been a major concern for many of our members. Below is some information about different rebates and payments that you may be eligible for.

DVA one-off PaymentIn early July 2017 the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) made a one off payment of $75 (single) as an energy assistance payment to relieve rising energy costs. Members should have received this payment by now. In addition DVA pays an Energy Supplement of $14.20 per fortnight which is included in the War Widows Pension.

Additional payments in NSW include the Low Income Household Rebate and a Gas rebate. To receive these rebates contact your energy provider. If you receive gas by bottle, phone Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Family Energy Rebate

The Family Energy Rebate is provided by the NSW Department of Industries to families who receive Family Tax Benefit A and B directly into their nominated bank account. It is means tested and must be applied for annually. For further information contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Other payments from DVAThere are additional payments available from DVA and your energy provider if there is a requirement for essential medical equipment, e.g. oxygen/sleep apnea machines or medically required heating/cooling. The payment from DVA is in addition to the support in purchasing the equipment. You only need to register once with DVA to receive this

payment but you must register every 2 years with your energy provider.

What do to if you are having trouble paying?There are other options if you still have difficulty paying your account. The first step is to contact the energy provider to advise them of your situation. They may extend the due date for payment or establish a payment plan. Every 1 – 2 years shop around for alternative providers and check for competitive rates and discounts. Your provider may be willing to meet these rates otherwise consider changing providers. If you change providers make sure you let them know if you are eligible for a rebate or concession and that it is applied to your new account.

Save Power and Home Power Savings ProgramSeveral years ago the NSW Government established the Save Power and Home Power Savings Program. This program ceased in 2013 and many war widows accessed the program. This has been replaced by the appliance replacement offer. The offer provides discounts on replacement of old refrigerators (over 6 years old - 40% discount) or plasma/cathode ray tube televisions (50% discount). Replacing these appliances may save you several hundred dollars each year on your energy bill.

If the balance of the purchase price of these new appliances is an issue you may be eligible for an advance on your pension from DVA. Another alternative may be a no/low interest loan. For further information on these loans ring 1800 509 994.

National Debt helpline 1800 007 007 also provides free information, support and advocacy to people in financial difficulty.

NSW Planning and Environment VouchersNSW Planning & Environment issue $50 vouchers under the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme to assist people who are experiencing a short term financial crisis. These vouchers are issued through various charities such as St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army. For further information contact 1300 729 867 or 02 9842 8550.

WELFARE NEWS


Retirement Villages and Over 50’s living

Recently, you may have seen media coverage about retirement villages, entry and exit fees, reselling of units in retirement villages, ongoing charges and the variety of regulations. These factors vary between retirement villages for a number of reasons, including company policies, Government regulations and the type of ownership. As a result of the issues raised, there have been a number of State and Federal Government enquiries.

Moving into a retirement village or over 50’s living facility is a lifestyle decision. The facilities and services may suit you now, but if your needs change in the future, the financial implications of moving again, including how you can sell the unit, can be complex.

Services offered at villages by operators are different to Residential Aged Care facilities (hostels and nursing homes) and may vary to those subsidised through the Australian Government Community Care services.

If you are considering moving into a retirement village it is important to seek legal advice so that you understand the contract, including entry and exit fees, regular ongoing fees and the regulations.

You can access free advice on retirement villages and over 50’s living from the following organisations:

Seniors Rights Service: www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au02 9281 3600

NSW Fair Trading: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au 13 32 20

Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW: www.cotansw.com.au02 9286 3860

If you currently live in a village, you can contact the Retirement Village Residents Associated (RVRA): www.rvra.org.au 1300 787 213

MY AGED CAREOlder war widows may be able to access additional aged care services by registering with MYAGEDCARE.

MYAGEDCARE provides community services that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) does not, including Meals on Wheels, community transport and aged care assessments. MYAGEDCARE can also provide you with updates and in depth information on changes to Residential and Community Services.

If you would like access to these and other services now or in the future, you must register with MYAGEDCARE. Your family members are also able to register on your behalf. The Guild’s Community Services Workers can provide you with information, but please contact MYAGEDCARE to register for these additional services.

To register, please call 1800 200 422

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling ServiceEligibility to access Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) has been increased to all current and former members of the Australian Defence Services who have at least one day of full time service. Counselling relating to the veteran’s service is also available to their partner, children and other family members, especially if the veteran has died through conflict or suicide.

Gold card holders may also obtain a referral from their GP to a psychologist or psychiatrist for specialist services such as drug and alcohol services or child and adolescent mental health. The issues for referral are not limited to the veteran’s war service and may require specialist counselling.

WELFARE NEWS

Pensioner Concession Cards Replacement Pensioner Concession Cards (PCC) will be reissued to 88,700 Centrelink and 3,600 DVA Pensioners who lost this entitlement on 1 January, 2017. PCC will be issued from 9 October, 2017.

Gas rebateIf you hold a PCC or Gold Card you may be eligible for a gas rebate. If you are a natural gas customer please contact your energy company. If your gas supply is bottled (not a BBQ gas bottle), please call Service NSW on 13 77 88.


GUILD AND SOCIAL CLUB NEWS

Dear friends,The War Widows’ Guild has offered the Friendship Line service to members for 17 years. We understand how important it is for our members to maintain a connection with our community. Our new coordinator, Sharon, has written her first letter to introduce herself to our members.Hello ladies,

My name is Sharon; I’m the new coordinator of the Friendship Line.

First I would like to say a very big thank you to Barbara Bell for all the work she has done over the past several years as coordinator. Barbara is enjoying taking things a little easier new- she is still manning the phone monthly and enjoys chatting to our members, she also fills in for me whenever needed.

This year has just flown by, with all the activity with the office move, staff changes while the whole team in the office has worked hard to maintain the regular things of the Guild for us members.

Member and former Guild Director, Mary Burchell was instrumental in the setting up of the Friendship Line in 2000, I feel she would be very proud and pleased with what it is today. Mary’s recent passing saddens us all, I feel all of you who receive calls from the Friendship Line really appreciate the work Mary and her team did to have this volunteer service started.

So many of our lovely ladies are doing such wonderful things – I’m reminded of one lady who was just back from a Murray River cruise for a number of days which she enjoyed immensely, and another lady that has joined a choir and is doing a lot of travel with that activity and just loves it.

Sharon

Guild Friendship Line 1800 451 615

10am - 3pm, Mon - Fri All members may register for calls

Veterans’ Line 1800 011 046

Every day of the year, all members

FRIENDSHIP LINE

Our iPad training has continued to prove very popular.

OJ Rushton, our iPad trainer, has run a number of workshops, and there are more than 60 members on the waiting list to attend future workshops.

These are a few of the comments from members who have attended the most recent workshop

“I think I will buy one.”

“I found this very informative and also fun.”

“It was great, I learned a lot.”

“I have learned what to do with notes and take photos.”

Just think how this might be able to transform your life – maintain contact with friends and family, join Facebook and keep in contact with the Guild and your friends, order your shopping from the supermarket and have it delivered, book fares for travel, find out information quickly and easily, entertain yourselves by playing cards or games, either as solitaire, or playing other people online. Information technology is not just for young people, many of our older members also keep connected.

If you would like to attend or learn more, please contact the Guild office.

IPAD TRAINING

Members attending iPad training around the state.


TRANSPORT

It will be Spring by the time you read this issue of the Guild Digest, and I hope that puts a spring in everyone’s step!

Speaking of steps, I recently returned from a month’s trip to Europe to visit my youngest son. It was very interesting observing the transport systems in other cities. My conclusion with regard to London: heaven help you if you have a disability, or are an older person with mobility problems! Many Tube Stations do not have wheelchair access, or a lift, and as many of you will know the platform can only be accessed via very long, steep stairs or escalators. As I broke my foot just before leaving, and was wearing a boot, it was a good lesson in problems faced by less mobile persons. Also, cobblestone streets aren’t exactly “walker friendly”. I think Sydney compares most favourably in terms of transport and pedestrian access.

Annual General MeetingOnly 34 members were transported to the AGM with Guild Transport, down on previous years. We unfortunately experienced problems with pickups from two of our service providers this year, and of course this causes great distress to members who find themselves running late through no fault of their own. Please be assured all taxis and buses are confirmed in writing and sometimes errors occur which are out of my control.

Fortunately everyone arrived safely and were able to enjoy one of our best AGMs. Thank you to Kelly and Hayley at Premier Cabs, Kurt at St George Cabs, Kim at Mercy Community Services Newcastle, Kiara at

Live Better C.T. Cowra and Deb at Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Community Transport for their excellent service.

Transport Risk ManagementThe Guild is currently re-visiting its Safety and Risk Management policies. This includes risks associated with providing Guild-subsidised transport.

We know it can be difficult for some members to get in and out of vehicles. Some members may be concerned about bringing a walking stick or walker with them, or feel they need to rush so they don’t hold up other passengers.

Your safety is our priority. Please allow your driver to assist you, where possible. Take your time. If you are travelling on a Community Transport bus which specifies a bus assistant, please ensure you have one and rely on him or her. Your Transport Coordinator can assist with finding an assistant if need be.

Please do not under any circumstances attempt to physically assist another member. “We all need each other”, but please don’t use this as a reason to offer a supporting arm. There is then a risk to two members.

Spirit of Anzac ExhibitionHawkesbury, Liverpool and Hornsby Social clubs and Cronulla/Sutherland Guild club enjoyed visits to the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience at Darling Harbour in April. Local Community Transport services provided transport for our members to this exhibition.

Coming EventsPlease have a think about your transport requirements if you will be attending the War Widows’ Walk and Picnic on Thursday 26th October and the Guild Christmas Party on Wednesday 6th December. If your Club requires a bus, this will need to be booked well in advance, so please request this as early as possible.

Guild Transport is your Transport Service to meetings and events. Please don’t hesitate to call me at Head Office if you have a request or questions.

Jenny Yule, TRANSPORT COORDINATOR


Gosford Social Club Celebrates 60 YearsGosford War Widows Social Club celebrated their 60th Anniversary in July. Rev. Bob Hooper spoke briefly and said Grace. Elizabeth Ward the President of Brisbane Waters Legacy congratulated the Gosford War Widows Social Club on their 60th Anniversary and

spoke eloquently about the similarities of Legacy and War Widows and how we need to work together as we move forward. Rhondda Vanzella OAM, State President, updated members on what is happening with the Guild and also spoke about the Guild moving forward.

Bankstown Social Club Celebrates 50 Years Members and guests celebrated the 50th Anniversary Luncheon on 15 May at the Bankstown RSL Club. Patrons Jim Wrigley and Bruce Pawley presented Certificates of Appreciation to Committee Members, including Myra Lucas who has been the Honorary Treasurer for 19 years.

Guests included members from Campsie, Rockdale and Penshurst with apologies from Liverpool club members. Former Bankstown members, Muriel Graham, Shirley McAllister and Phyllis Calligan, some old Bankstown members travelled from Mittagong to attend. Saresa Andrews represented our State President and was accompanied by Patricia Campbell and Lesley Mann. Patricia Campbell spoke about the history of the Bankstown Guild Club over the last 50 years.

Hawkesbury Social Club Celebrates 10 YearsThe Hawkesbury Social Club celebrated their 10th Anniversary with a delicious lunch at Kravings Restaurant at Kurmond. Everyone enjoyed their day and most of the original members were able to attend.

Manly Balgowlah ClubManly Balgowlah held a lovely High Tea farewell lunch in May, with invited members from the Northern Beaches and Mosman area to bid farewell to the club. This was a sad occasion to see a club close after 53 years of faithful service and support to the war widows in the area. Some of the members will join the members at the Northern Beaches Social Club.

Guild Volunteers The Guild held a Volunteers Recognition and Thank You Morning Tea at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in May. More than 30 members were joined by State President, Rhondda Vanzella OAM at the Volunteer Recognition and Thank you morning tea, where she presented a number of people with Certificates of Recognition for their service.

Our Guild could not function without the dedication of the members who volunteer as coordinators and the different Guild Club Executive Committee positions.

In 2016 there were also 84 members who volunteered at Guild functions including the The Field of Remembrance, Friendship Line, Hospital Visits and the Christmas Party.

GUILD AND SOCIAL CLUB CELEBRATIONS


GUILD AND SOCIAL CLUB NEWS

Field of Remembrance - Central CoastIn contrast to the pomp and circumstance of larger dedication services, the Entrance War Widows’ Guild Club had a less formal but touching way for its ANZAC Field of Remembrance. It was sited in the Cenotaph Memorial Park, a special place in a picturesque setting with the sun shining on the sparkling water.

Mrs Fran Brock, Club President ably coordinated the 12th Anniversary of their Field of Remembrance on the Central Coast. Reverend Kathy Dunstan set the tone with prayers and a reading. Hugh David Brock, Fran’s grandson and a young student recited with feeling the poem In Flanders Fields. Official participants, guests and members of the public planted crosses in remembrance of their spouse, relative or family friend who gave their lives in the service of Australia or afterwards.

Particular appreciation is extended to the Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-Branch for its unending support. It was a deeply moving dedication, during which wreaths were laid on behalf of the club and the War Widows’ Guild NSW.

ClubGRANTS Donations

The War Widows’ Guild thanks the following organisations for their generous donations towards activities such as special occasion luncheons, room hire and bus outings for Guild and Social Clubs:• Bankstown RSL $3,900 for Bankstown Guild Club• Chatswood RSL $12,100 for Chatswood Social

Club• Club Liverpool $2000 for Liverpool Social Club• Cronulla RSL $2,500 for Cronulla Guild Club• Dee Why RSL in kind room hire for Northern

Beaches Social Club• diggers@the entrance $1,000 for the Entrance

Long Jetty Guild Club• Figgy Bowlo $2,500 for Wollongong Social Club• Hornsby RSL $2,000 and Magpies Waitara Rugby

League Club $1,000 for Hornsby Guild Club• Orange City Council $500 for Orange Guild Social

Club• Penrith RSL $2,500 for Penrith & Lower Blue

Mountains Guild Club • Port Macquarie Panthers $5,000 for Port

Macquarie Guild Club• Queanbeyan Leagues Club $1600 and

Queanbeyan Kangaroo Rugby League Football Club $1400 for Queanbeyan Social Club.

Transport Travel GrantsThe following Clubs have made good use of theGuild’s Travel Grants this year, as follows:

• Nowra Social Club took an ocean drive to Wollongong

• Taree members drove to Wingham for lunch

• Upper North Shore members drove along Sydney CBD foreshore and then had lunch at Castlereagh Boutique Hotel

• Wallsend Social Club visited Budgewoi

• Cabravale members drove to Cabravale Diggers for a luncheon

• Orange Social Club hired a bus to Wentworth Golf Club for lunch

• Dubbo and Gunnedah members travelled to their local RSL and bowling clubs respectively

• Kiama members travelled to Shellharbour Links

• Raymond Terrace members also took a bus trip.

Thank you to all those to have supported the War Widows’ Guild through the ClubGRANTS and Travel Grants program.


COMMEMORATION & EVENTS

VIETNAM RECEPTION - GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Good morning ladies,

I am writing to let you know how much I enjoyed being at the Vietnam Veterans’ reception on Saturday afternoon.

Apart from the stunning venue and the wonderful food, everyone was so friendly and so keen to enjoy themselves despite the solemn purpose of the occasion.

Watching old mates meet up after some considerable time and listening to them tell stories about others was such a privilege.

I met people who I had never met before and they were hugging me like we were family. I guess in a sense it was a “family” of people affected by a war.

A couple of men from the Association have volunteered to help me find out some information about what my late husband did in Vietnam. Bob was so funny saying; “I’m not the man you need but I will track him down and bring him back to you. Now don’t you move!” it took some time and effort but he found Tony who is “onto it!”.

So to you hardworking, self-sacrificing and absolutely fabulous women, thank you for putting my name forward for this event - although as good as it was, I appreciate the time and friendship you give everyone even more.

All blessings to you

Diane Griffiths

Above: Rhondda Vanzella OAM and Jennifer Collins at Victory in The Pacific at Kokoda Track Memorial walkway.

Below: Peace Project 2018 presentation to the Far South Western District Council Bi-Annual Meeting in Holbrook with OJ Rushton and RSL Youth Choir Ambassadors,

Zoe and Mae-Rose

Above: Rhondda Vanzella OAM with the new President of the NSW RSL, James Brown, at the

Cenotaph for the Victory in the Pacific service


LIFE MEMBERS

Ada Emerson 1920 – 2017

Ada was born in Five Dock, a suburb of Sydney and had a brother and sister.

She went to Drummoyne Public School and her favourite things were playing under the trees in the school playground and playing on the swings in the park with mates. As a teenager Ada enjoyed bushwalking, weekly dances, watching local wrestling matches and going to the movies.

Ada had to leave school at 11 as there was no money for uniforms. Her first job was in the school canteen which she hated as her friends would see her. Later. Ada would learn to sew and become a seamstress and tailoress.

During the war, Ada was a member of the volunteer Fire Brigade and a member of the Australian Women’s Army Corps where she met some fabulous women.

Ada met her husband Leslie at a friend’s party in Sydney after which she missed the last ferry and bus home to Harbord, a passing stranger gave her a lift

on his motor bike. Those were the days when we trusted everyone.

Leslie was also from Five Dock and before the war he was a master locksmith. During the war he was in the Army Signal Corps and served in New Guinea. They were married at Harbord in 1947. For the wedding Ada made her own dress out of parachute silk.

Ada had four children, and has four grandchildren and six great grand children. At 17 one of her sons became a quadriplegic. Her four grandchildren all adored him and called him “Uncle Googy Egg”.

Leslie passed away in 1967 and Ada joined the War Widows’ Guild not long after.

Ada has always felt honoured to be a member of the Guild and keeping up with what is happening with other members through the Digest. She has been to a few meetings when she was more mobile but has been unable to attend for many years.

When her son was alive they created the first Toastmasters Club in Australia for people with disabilities to give them a voice and enable them to communicate better within the wider community – Able Spirited CADRE which is still going strong.

Sadly, Ada died in August shortly after being awarded her life membership.

Daphne DunnDaphne was born in Brisbane and had five Brothers and two sisters. Her mother, Johanna, and father, William, were both from Scotland.

She enjoyed the life on the farm, riding her pony, going fishing and swimming in the creek.

When she left school her first job was at Modern Tiling Company as a secretary, however she also had to mind the office while the staff were working at jobs.

During the war, Daphne moved to Sydney where she worked at Wilcox Mofflin Ltd, a wool firm.

Daphne met her husband Eric Lloyd Dunn who

had served as a Flying Officer in the war. They met at Pennant Hills, a Sydney suburb, where Daphne played tennis with Eric’s sister. They were married at Eastwood in 1949. They were late arriving at Yamba for their honeymoon and found that their booked room had been given to someone else.

Daphne and Eric had 3 sons and she has 3 grand daughters and one great granddaughter. Eric passed away in March 1967 and Daphne joined the War Widows’ Guild shortly after. She joined the Eastwood Guild Club for friendship and assistance, before joining the Guild Club at Dee Why, now known as the Northern Beaches Social Club.

Daphne’s memories of the Guild are meeting people with the same interests and the advice and comradeship from every club, the bus trips and sight seeing that she could not have done on her own.

Daphne would like to thank the Guild for its thoughtfulness and giving her the strength to carry on.

New Life MembersWe are pleased to recognise two new life members. These new life members were awarded life membership at the 2017 Annual General Meeting


LIFE MEMBERS

War Widows’ Guild

Walk and Picnic Thursday 26 October 2017

Kokoda Memorial Track and Walkway, Concord

TIME: 9.30 am – 1.30pm

COST: $10.00

Register with Head Office by: Monday 2 October

TRANSPORT: $15.00 if eligible

Bus transport for Clubs deadline: Tuesday 12 September

Bus transport for individuals deadline: Tuesday 26 September

ValeThe following Life Members have recently passed away.Marie Eslick – Life Member since 2009Gladys Power – Life Member since 2011Dorothy De Mestre – Life Member since 2013

Vale Patricia Bridges OBE 1929 - 2017

Patricia Bridges completed a business secretarial course in Sydney after leaving school and then joined the Air Force as a clerk-general based at Air Force headquarters.

She married Robert Dallison Bridges in 1950 in Sydney. Robert served in the Army in World War II and died in 1958, leaving her a war widow. In 2009, Patricia was awarded Life Membership of the Guild.

Patricia was very active during her life, achieving great success as a keen golfer and golfing administrator.

In 1981 Patricia was awarded the OBE for “services to golf and the community”. In 1994 she was appointed chairman of the women’s committee of the World Amateur Golf Council, a position she held until 2000, and became the first Australian to hold an executive position on an international golf committee.

In 2001 she was awarded life membership of Women’s Golf Australia and, in 2006, the first and to date only life membership of the newly established Golf Australia. She worked passionately, including as a travelling delegate to the United States, to build momentum and sponsorship to revive the Women’s Australian Open championship and, in her honour, the trophy for its annual winner is named the Patricia Bridges Bowl. (Based on obituary by Mark Hayes)

Audio Guild DigestYour Guild Digest is available on CD, free of charge to Guild members with a print disability such as vision impairment or literacy difficulties. Vision Australia readers narrate the printed magazine onto compact disks, then post them to Guild members who have requested it. Please call head office on 9267 6577 or for country members 1800 451 615 to register if you would like to receive the Guild Digest on audio.

Do you have a CD player?

If you are a member of Vision Australia’s Library, you can play the CDs on your DAISY player. To become a member of their library, contact Reader Services on 1300 654 656. Vision Australia lends players to Library members, free of charge.

Patricia Campbell and Lady Suzi Martin, Guild member and former Guild Co-Patron

attended a Thank You for Mrs Bridges’ life in August.


SpringI received an email from a teacher at a school where some of my grandsons

attend, requesting me to accompany them on an excursion to Fagan Park, 38-48 Arcadia Road Galston, and explain to all the students of the school the different plants associated with the themed gardens in the park. My immediate thought was what an honour to be selected. Not having any knowledge of the park, I immediately researched information, and with my wife visited it to get a visual feel as to what I would be in for. I was so impressed with what I saw, I couldn’t wait for the day to arrive.

Prior to 1980, Fagan Park was used as a dairy, and prior to that a very successful citrus orchard until the Great Depression. In 1980 Bruce Fagan and his sister Ida donated the property to the Department of Lands, with Hornsby Shire Council appointed as sole trustee of the Park. The Council received a Bicentennial Grant towards the cost of the construction of a Garden of all Nations within the park. The park consists of 55 hectares, of which 10 hectares comprise of the Gardens of all Nations. The original homestead “Netherby”, the packing shed and milking complex, were all restored in time for the bicentennial year and are being used as a rural museum.

This park is big, well maintained, and has something for all ages to enjoy. The paths are asphalt and wide, giving easy access for all. One of my grandsons has

a disability, and with the aid of his wheel chair, and his assistant, was able to enjoy the time in the park with his mates.

The only fees that I am aware of are, $5.00 parking fee per vehicle, electric barbecues and if you would like to hire one of the five large picnic shelters. Full costs and further information about the park can be obtained from Hornsby Council.

Garden Tips for SpringWith the Spring sun beginning to warm the soil, our loved plants are feeling hungry after their winter sleep. Now is the time to start to fertilise the garden and our pot plants. Insects too are hungry, so check your plants, and take the necessary action to prevent their destruction. Happy Gardening,David Symonds

FOOD FOR THOUGHTTime is nature’s way of keeping everything from happening at once. John Archibald Wheeler

Love is not only something that you feel, it is something that you do. David Wilkerson

Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life. Yoko Ono

TASTY TREATWinter Rice Pudding Serves 2Ingredients

- 2 1/2 cups of milk - 1 tsp vanilla essence - 1 tsp cinnamon - 1 tbs honey - 1/2 cup arborio rice - 1 tbs sultanas - 1 pear, pealed and diced - 1 tbs brown sugar

Method

1. Place milk, vanilla, cinnamon and honey in a large saucepan; bring to the boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. 2. Add the rice and sultanas to the milk, reduce to medium low heat and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice has cooked and the pudding is thickened.3. Meanwhile, place the pear and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until pear is softened. 4. Fold pear through the rice and serve warm.

Guild member, Olive Shankley, winner of the Annual General Meeting raffle prize,

a painting by Gloria Gardiner.

Guild Digest - · PDF fileIncluded with this edition of the Guild Digest is a very important...

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Transcript of Guild Digest - · PDF fileIncluded with this edition of the Guild Digest is a very important...