16/02/2024
Nancy Wake Memorial Ride - 2025
Mission Statement
The inaugural Nancy Wake Memorial Ride (MWMR), will raise the profile of women veterans of the ADF, whilst celebrating the achievements and life of WW II heroine, Nancy Wake, and provide the opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of women aged over 50 living in regional South Australia.
Objectives
• The team will gain the skills required to ride a bicycle over 500kms following the route taken by Nancy Wake through occupied France in 1944. They will need to train and develop the necessary fitness level and bicycle knowledge to safely undertake the ride.
• Participants will share Nancy Wake’s story with schools and communities throughout the Limestone Coast.
• Participants will engage with local communities and veteran groups in France.
• The group will apply for grants, sponsorships and generally fundraise to finance their training and ride in France. This will include funding the support personnel, any equipment/resources required to ride safely and to assist learning some basic French language.
• The inaugural ride is to take place in May 2025.
Method
• Providing a positive, visible presence of female veterans in the Limestone Coast through training sessions, community engagement and media opportunities.
• The team will share their individual stories and experiences of life in the ADF at a time when the role of women was being redefined.
• Share Nancy Wake’s story of courage and resilience through school visits, community engagement and promotional material.
• Contribute to research into women’s health and wellbeing conducted by Military Emergency Services Australia (MESHA) and Invictus Australia.
Outcomes
• Greater awareness of the existence and contribution of female veterans in the Limestone Coast community and beyond.
• The Limestone Coast community has an increased awareness and appreciation for an acclaimed Australian WWII heroine.
• Published research gained from quantifiable health and wellbeing data obtained throughout the project.
