Australian War Widows WA Inc

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Australian War Widows WA Inc GUILD MOTTO:
We all belong to each other. We all need each other. Many war widows, especially those with small children to support, now lived in near poverty.

It is in serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GUILD
While may were celebrating the end of the war in 1945, thousands of war widows faced an uncertain future without their husbands. Although Prime Minister John Curtin addressed the issue of war widows’ pensions as part of his Post War Reconstruction initiatives, the pension was well below the basic wage. It is under these circumstances, that Mrs Jessie Mary Vasey, the widow of Major General George Alan Vasey, established the War Widows’ Craft Guild, first in Victoria and then in other states. In Western Australia, the Guild held its first meeting, chaired by Mrs Vasey, on 29 November 1946. The inaugural State President was Mrs Marjorie Learmonth, widow of RAAF pilot Charles Learmonth. For many war widows it was in meeting together that they found support from others who understood their own experiences of grief and loss. Mrs Vasey firmly believed in self-help instead of charity, and the Guild fought to have war widows’ pensions seen as compensation for their husband’s lives rather than a government handout. During the early years, members undertook training in weaving and various crafts to supplement their meagre pensions. A speciality of the war widows was rug making, exquisite embroidery work and weaving. As a national body under Mrs Vasey’s leadership, the Guild became a powerful lobby group on behalf of all war widows influencing the government on issues such as accrued recreation leave, pensions and health care. In Western Australia, the Guild became an incorporated body in 1949. The Guild continues to provide the information and support for war widows from all areas of conflict. As the war widow population ages, one of the key issues is one of social isolation. The Guild provides opportunities for its members to meet together weekly at its community centre, as well as regular day outings. It has also organised overseas trips to Gallipoli and the Western Front. Young war widows have much in front of them in raising children alone. There is still much to be done in ensuring governments continue to provide appropriate assistance. It is also important to ensure that benefits gained are not lost.

11/11/2026
19/10/2026
What a lovely day at the Australian War Widow’s in Menora where some of our members enjoyed a beautiful morning tea cele...
19/10/2026

What a lovely day at the Australian War Widow’s in Menora where some of our members enjoyed a beautiful morning tea celebrating War Widows Day! 🌺

12/10/2026

During Australia’s involvement in the Afghanistan War (2001 to 2021), more than 35,000 Australian Defence Force personnel served in Afghanistan and related operations across the Middle East.

Among them was Amanda Heartsong, who arrived in Afghanistan in 2011.

Amanda's service experience was impacted following attacks on her RAAF base on Christmas day. She began to struggle under the pressure of the war zone and returned to Australia a month earlier than her contingent, an experience she now speaks candidly about.

‘I know I am forever altered but I have adjusted to living as this altered being,’ Amanda said.

Amanda’s experience reminds us that behind every deployment are people whose lives are shaped by conflict long after their service ends. Their stories, and those of the many Australians who served alongside them, form an important part of our national remembrance.

On 11 October 2026, DVA will hold a national commemorative service to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

To read more of Amanda's story or to register for the Afghanistan 25th anniversary event, visit: https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/beyond-the-battlefield-women-reflect-on-their-service-in-afghanistan

14/09/2026

Today is National Peacekeepers’ Day.

It marks the 79th anniversary of Australia’s first contribution to peacekeeping.

Since 1947, more than 65,000 Australians have participated in peace missions regionally and across the globe.

While ADF personnel make up most of this number, police and civilians also serve as part of peace operations.

Today, we honour and reflect on the efforts of Australia’s peacekeepers and commemorate their dedication and sacrifices.

Lest we forget.

The Australian War Widows W.A. Inc. held their Annual General Meeting on Monday 8th June. Thank you to those members and...
09/06/2026

The Australian War Widows W.A. Inc. held their Annual General Meeting on Monday 8th June. Thank you to those members and invited guests who attended. Your continued support is much appreciated. Congratulations to our new Life Member recipient Mrs Sue Wilson.

04/04/2026

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Easter.

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15 Plantation Street
Menora, WA

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Monday 8:30am - 2:30am
Tuesday 8:30am - 2:30am
Wednesday 8:30am - 2:30am

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