Australian War Widows Queensland - AWWQ

12/06/2026

Thirty years ago today, on 12 June 1996, Australia experienced one of its worst peacetime military tragedies.

During a night counter terrorism training exercise near Townsville, two Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters collided. The men on board were undergoing specialist training to ensure they were ready to answer the call if Australia ever needed them.

Eighteen servicemen lost their lives. Fifteen were members of the Special Air Service Regiment, and three were from the 5th Aviation Regiment. Twelve others were injured, with injuries that would shape the rest of their lives.

In the darkness and danger that followed, survivors and rescuers repeatedly entered burning wreckage to search for their mates. Fourteen men were later recognised for their courage and selfless actions at the crash site.

Thirteen women became widows. Ten children lost their fathers. Parents buried sons. Brothers lost brothers. Mates lost mates.

Today, we honour the eighteen men who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Australia. We also remember the injured, the rescuers, and the families whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy.

Lest We Forget.

For enquiries: AWWQ Head Office 07 3846 7706 • warwidowsqld.org.au

📷 Ian Coate

09/06/2026

Brisbane locals may be interested to know there are still a few tickets left for this interesting free talk at Anzac Square this Sunday at 10.30am.

Learn about the history of Rosemount Military Hospital at Windsor and the vital role it played in caring for returned servicemen following World War I. Presented by Associate Professor Clifford Pollard, this talk explores the challenges faced by wounded veterans and the medical staff who supported their rehabilitation. Bookings are essential.

The next free talk at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is 'Caring for the wounded: Rosemount repatriation hospital' and there are still a few last minute seats available.
Rosemount, located at Windsor, was opened in 1915 as 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital (AAH), later becoming the 27 AHH. It specialised in the rehabilitation of orthopaedic and spinal injuries with massage, physiotherapy and amputee services. Rosemount draws attention to the essential role that medical staff played in the ongoing rehabilitation of wounded soldiers.
This talk will be presented by special guest Associate Professor Clifford Pollard, who served in Bougainville and East Timor as a member of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.
Don’t miss your chance to join us next week on Sunday 14 June to hear about the history of Rosemount Military hospital and the crucial role it played caring for returned service personnel.

Follow the link to secure your secure your seat:
https://qld.pulse.ly/avby8bmnac

A section of the new ward at Rosemount Military Hospital, Page 24 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 13 September 1919, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image no 702692-19190913-s0024.

06/06/2026

Today, on National Military Working Dog Day, we pay tribute to the remarkable dogs who have served alongside Australian Defence Force personnel.

One such dog was Flo Joe, a much loved kelpie cross explosive detection dog who completed four deployments to Afghanistan. Working alongside her handler, then Sapper Ian Moss, Flo Joe helped detect improvised explosive devices, weapon caches and other threats, playing an important role in keeping Australian personnel safe.

Like many military working dogs, Flo Joe was more than a highly skilled partner. She brought comfort, companionship and a sense of home to those serving far from their families. Whether trying to herd goats, reacting to her first camel, or curling up beside a soldier after a long day, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

After her service, Flo Joe became the mascot of the North Queensland Sappers Association. Following her passing in 2014, the Association paid for a headstone in her honour, which is now displayed at Townsville RSL. Her resting place bears the simple inscription: “Our Mascot, Our Memory”.

Those who have worked with military dogs often speak of the unique bond between handler and dog. Reflecting on Flo Joe, Sergeant Moss said, “I miss her every day. I've got a beautiful painting of her hanging in my house.”

Today, Defence continues to train military working dogs through the Explosive Detection Dog School at Holsworthy Barracks. Many of these dogs are given a second chance through adoption programs before going on to serve their country.

For enquiries: AWWQ Head Office 07 3846 7706 • warwidowsqld.org.au

📷 defence.gov.au: Army explosives detection dog Floe Joe stands with her mates on operations in Afghanistan.

05/06/2026

On 6 June 1944, the world awoke to the news that Allied forces had launched a daring assault on the heavily fortified beaches of northern France, an operation that became known as D-Day.

Although their numbers were comparatively small, Australians played a significant role in this historic endeavour. Approximately 500 Australian sailors and 2,500 Australian airmen participated in operations associated with the invasion.

Tragically, fourteen Australians lost their lives on D-Day, while many more Australian airmen were killed in operations leading up to 6 June 1944 and in the days that followed.

Today, we pause to reflect and honour the brave military personnel who served during the Normandy landings, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home.

Lest We Forget.

For enquiries: AWWQ Head Office 07 3846 7706 • warwidowsqld.org.au

📷 AWM: One of the most famous images of WWII, depicting the landing of troops of E Company, 16th Infantry Regiment of the United States 1st Infantry Division at Omaha Beach in the early hours of 6 June 1944.

05/06/2026

Tomorrow is Queensland Day!

Take a look through the winners and discover some of Queensland’s best bakeries, cafés, beaches, camping spots and more. We hope you enjoy the Queensland Day celebrations wherever you are across our great state.

31/05/2026

On the night of 31 May 1942, war came to Sydney Harbour.

Three Japanese midget submarines entered the harbour in a daring attack aimed at Allied naval vessels anchored in Sydney. While their intended targets were missed, a torpedo struck HMAS Kuttabul, a former Sydney ferry being used as accommodation for naval personnel at Garden Island.

The explosion sank the vessel and claimed the lives of 21 Allied sailors, including 19 Australians and 2 members of the Royal Navy. Many others were injured.

The attack shocked the nation and demonstrated that Australia was not beyond the reach of the war being fought across the Pacific. It remains one of the most significant wartime attacks ever carried out on Australian soil.

We remember the 21 Allied sailors who lost their lives in the attack and all those affected by this tragic event.

Lest We Forget.

For enquiries: AWWQ Head Office 07 3846 7706 • warwidowsqld.org.au

📷 AWM 012427: Upper deck of the damaged, partly submerged HMAS Kuttabul.

29/05/2026

Today, on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we recognise and thank the Australian men and women who have served in peacekeeping operations around the world.

Since 1947, Australians have served continuously in peacekeeping roles, helping communities recover from conflict and supporting peace in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Australian peacekeepers have played an important role in more than 60 international peacekeeping operations. Today, we remember the 17 Australians who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations and honour all who have served. We also acknowledge the lasting impact that service can have, including the silent struggles many veterans continue to face long after they return home.

To all Australian peacekeepers, past and present, and to the families who stood beside them, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

For enquiries: AWWQ Head Office 07 3846 7706 • warwidowsqld.org.au
📷 AWM: Australian military observers serving as part of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG), beside the Shatt-Al-Arab waterway, Iran, 1989. Photo: Michael Coyne. Accession number: P09592.003

25/05/2026

Today marks the anniversary of the first attack on Fire Support Base Balmoral during the Vietnam War.

At 3:45am on 26 May 1968, Fire Support Base Balmoral came under heavy attack from a North Vietnamese Army battalion following an intense rocket and mortar barrage. The attack was met by Australian infantry and four Centurion tanks, which had arrived at Balmoral only the day before.

The battle marked the first time since the Second World War that Australian tanks fought in close support of infantry.

The Centurion tanks played a decisive role in the defence of Balmoral. Their machinegun fire and canister rounds helped prevent the vastly outnumbered Australians from being overrun and stopped the enemy from exploiting breaches in the barbed wire defences. The tanks also proved invaluable in destroying enemy bunkers while protecting Australian troops from small arms fire.

By around 5:00am, the North Vietnamese forces withdrew. Four Australians were killed and 14 were wounded in the fighting.

Lest we forget.

📷 AMW P01770.015 Members of 102 Field Battery at Fire Support Base Coral

22/05/2026

We are delighted to announce that the Jessie Vasey Statue will be installed at the Mothers’ Memorial Gardens in Toowoomba, following formal approval from Toowoomba Regional Council.

This is a deeply significant milestone for the War Widows’ Guild and for all who honour the legacy of Jessie Vasey — founder of the War Widows’ Guild of Australia in 1947.

Jessie Vasey dedicated her life to supporting and advocating for the rights and welfare of war widows. Her tireless efforts provided countless widows with the support, friendship, and resources they needed to rebuild their lives after the loss of their spouses. Her legacy continues today through Australian War Widows Queensland (AWWQ), inspiring and supporting war widows across generations.

Toowoomba holds a special place in the history of the War Widows’ Guild. The Mothers’ Memorial Gardens were established as a place of remembrance for mothers who lost sons and daughters in war, making it a profoundly meaningful location for this tribute. The installation of the statue within these gardens recognises both the enduring sacrifice of military families and the important role the Guild has played in providing care, connection, and advocacy throughout Australia.

The statue will stand as a lasting reminder of Jessie Vasey’s vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the war widow community.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with members, supporters, and the wider community.
Further information regarding the official unveiling event will be advised in upcoming Bulletins.

22/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week.

We want to take a moment to thank all our incredible volunteers for your dedication and support over the years. Since the very beginning, your selfless contributions have helped shape who we are today.

A special thank you to our committed Board members, group coordinators, committee members, volunteer visitors and drivers. Your support means so much to our organisation and members.

Thank you to all AWWQ volunteers! 💙