Future generations of students and the public will have a lasting testimonial to the remarkable contribution of Australian War Widows Queensland.
Hosting a War Widows’ Day lunch in Brisbane, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk paid tribute to the spouses of fallen Queensland veterans.
“Last year, I was proud to confirm that Queensland would be the first state to formally hold War Widows’ Day each year on the 19th of October,” the Premier said.
“The day is the birthday of Jessie Vasey OBE CBE, the Roma-born trailblazer who founded the War Widows Guild in 1947.
“To further recognise the organisation’s important work, today I can announce that the State Library of Queensland will be working with the Vasey family to capture the foundation story.
“My government will contribute $10,000 to create an oral history of Jessie’s achievements, for the State Library’s website and the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries.
“It will also be included in the Library’s school curriculum, so students today, and into the future, can learn, appreciate and celebrate Jessie’s work.”
“What started as a craft guild for other widows in Toowoomba grew into a national movement, which 75 years on is known as Australian War Widows.
“And today, they serve a community of widows and widowers nationwide. Australian War Widows Queensland protects the interests, welfare and wellbeing of its 2000 members and more than 10,000 war widows and widowers across the state.”
Also to commemorate War Widows’ Day, Queensland landmarks including Parliament House and Brisbane’s Story Bridge will be illuminated this evening in blue and white light – the colours of Australian War Widows.
“When Queenslanders see these landmarks tonight, I hope they’ll reflect on the lives of our war widows and widowers, as well as the contribution of Australian War Widows Queensland,” the Premier said.
“I commend Australian War Widows Queensland on 75 years of outstanding service.
“With honour, friendship, support and advocacy, they have touched countless lives – extending a helping hand through grief, and on life’s great journey.”
Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs Bart Mellish said War Widows’ Day was also an opportunity to raise awareness of the support available to the families of current and former Australian Defence Force members.
“Australian War Widows Queensland offers a range of services to its members – providing temporary and long-term accommodation, arranging counselling and home visits, and liaising with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on behalf of their members,” Mr Mellish said.
“The Queensland Government has proudly supported the work of Australian War Widows Queensland, providing funding for member functions, welfare staff and financial support through the Anzac Day Trust Grants Program.
“And through our dedicated Office for Veterans, we provide broader support to Queensland veterans and their families – with funding for legal assistance, housing, training and employment.
“Working alongside veterans, their families, and long-standing organisations like Australian War Widows Queensland, we hope to foster a more caring, inclusive and respectful State.”
Mrs Jenny Gregory, State President of Australian War Widows Queensland said the inaugural War Widows Day marked a significant milestone for the organisation.
“We are delighted that the Queensland Government continues to recognise the important work of Australian War Widows Queensland and has formally dedicated 19 October each year to recognise loved ones left behind by those who have served Australia,” Mrs Gregory said.
