Most military histories focus on the role and sacrifices men made in the name of war and now the Wyong Family History Group is also recognising the role of women in Australia’s military history.
The group has applied for a grant to produce a book to be called Service Women of the Central Coast- their lives and service, which is expected to be completed in the next few months.
They hope to record the names of any women involved in any military conflict, but also a short account of their service and their connection to the Central Coast.
The group is calling upon the community to provide information about service women on the Central Coast and anyone who can help should contact Wyong Family History Group via secwfhg2@westnet.com.au , Post Box 247 Wyong, NSW 2259, phone on 02 4351 2211 or their cottage at 9/8 Rankens Ct, Wyong is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.
Once initial contact is made, one of their members will be in touch to arrange access to information, photos and anything else of interest.
Already Wyong Family History Group has written two books specifically about the men of the Central Coast – one by Michael Rookesberry in 1997, entitled Every Mother’s Son and another by Wyong Family History Group in 2009, entitled Central Coast Roll of Honour.
The group was proactive in raising community awareness of the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations back in 2015 and also involved in celebrating the Centenary of the naming of Anzac Ave, and the unveiling of a plaque in Wyong in 2016.
In 2019 they designed banners commemorating the Centenary of the Armistice which were placed along Tuggerah Straight, many of them highlighting the specific contributions of local men.
Source: Wyong Family History Group