With the NSW Government declaring October 19 as the inaugural War Widows Day, Brisbane Water Legacy has celebrated the 850 widows under its care.
CEO Peter Lawley said Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy was established in 1951 and communications with all widows was a priority, whether they live independently or in care.
“We provide them affordable and dignified accommodation within our Point Frederick Village and have five separate Widows Groups which span the areas from Toukley to Woy Woy and Ettalong,” he said.
“While we assist these groups with their own individual monthly trips, guest speakers and interim special occasion celebrations, throughout the year, we also create combined opportunities on a grander scale where all are invited to come together as a Legacy family to share the joy of that day, celebrating their lives at a time truly just for them.”
Saresa Andrews, 79, has lived at the Legacy Village for the past five years.
A past President of NSW War Widows from 2017-19, she lost her husband in 2009 as the result of a lung disease he developed while serving in the Malayan Emergency, a guerrilla war fought in British Malaya between communist pro-independence fighters of the Malayan National Liberation Army and the military forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth.
“Veterans from that war don’t get recognised very much in Australia,” she said.
“There are only 85 widows in Australia from that conflict.”
Andrews said the Legacy Village was a great facility.
“It’s on quite a large site and is set to be redeveloped into a modern apartment building, which is exciting,” she said.
“It was built in the 1960s and is not really fit for purpose as widows age; many of the ladies I live there with are in their 90s.”
She said staff at the Village play a huge supportive role.
“When people need assistance they will tell them where to access help such as Meals on Wheels or Home Care,” she said.
“They also help with legal issues and accessing a Gold card for women whose husbands die from medical conditions due to their service.
“It is a real community here; it is independent living – we look after each other and are much like a family.”
Saresa Andrews
She said activities such as bingo and craft were available but COVID-129 restrictions had had a “terrible impact” on the community.
“Many are still afraid to go out on public transport or to shopping centres,” she said.
The NSW Government has designated October 19 as a special day for the state to officially recognise war widows and widowers of members of the Australian Defence Force for their contribution and personal sacrifice.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the date would be an annual day of acknowledgement for NSW war widows who were formally thanked in Parliament during the inaugural event.
A star ceremony was held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park and a reception at Parliament House to acknowledge the day.
Perrottet said it was important day to say thank you for the sacrifices made by the families of our veterans.
“A day of acknowledgement for all the partners who have lost a spouse who served in the Australian Defence Force is long overdue and I look forward to commemorating this day moving forward.”
premier dominic perrottet
October 19 was the birthday of Jessie Vasey (1897-1966), founder of the Australian War Widows Guild, who worked tirelessly to ensure that war widows were recognised by governments in Australia and given the financial support and services they needed.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney, David Elliott, said war widows have made significant contributions to communities across the state since the First World War.
“Over 1,200 veterans transition from the ADF into NSW annually, and many of these veterans have a family that has supported them through their service,” he said.
“This support has been given by families for over 100 years, and it is important that war widows have a strong network around them advocating on their behalf.”
Today, there are more than 15,000 surviving widows and widowers of servicemen and servicewomen across the state.
Terry Collins