War Widows Guild of Australia

The War Widows’ Guild of Australia is a group which promotes and provides companions, counselling, and support for its members.

Australian War Widows’ motto was adopted by the national organisation in 1949 to set the mood, tone, harmony, and the working together of the conference and the organisation.

“We all belong to each other. We all need each other. It is in serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life.”  

King George VI, extract from 1941 Christmas message

The Guild was established in 1945 in Victoria by Mrs Jessie Mary Vasey, widow of Major General George Vasey who was killed en route to New Guinea during World War II.

It began with the smallest of beginnings - focusing on craft - which taught weaving and other handicrafts to members so that they could augment their inadequate pensions.

As Guilds were established in all States, the organisation became a powerful lobby group which was consulted by Governments on all matters concerning War Widows.

Each State made its own arrangements to cater for their members’ needs, but all made housing a priority. By 1954, the Guild was in a position to take advantage of the Aged Persons Homes Act and go on to make provisions for housing for their members.

Going forward the guild is looking to modernise and consolidate - ensuring that there is always a service to look after War Widows in need and advocating on behalf of all War Widows to the federal government.

On 7 July 2020, the War Widows Guild of Australia Incorporated changed the name of the organisation to Australian War Widows Incorporated.