GUILD DIGEST WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW

 
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GUILD DIGEST WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW
WAR WIDOWS’ GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW   June 2019

GUILD DIGEST
GUILD DIGEST WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW
WAR WIDOWS’ GUILD                                                                                                                            From the CEO
    OF AUSTRALIA NSW LIMITED
           ABN 24 083 075 914                                  FOR YOUR DIARY ✍                                                               Our vision is to be the go-to              We will have a broader offering that attracts
     www.warwidowsnsw.com.au

    “We all belong to each other.
                                                   Honouring Women United                      NOTICE OF MEETING                              organisation for women and their           and meets the needs of both current and
We all need each other. It is in serving           by Defence Service                          The Annual General Meeting                     families united by defence service,        future war widows, as well as use technology to
  each other and in sacrificing for                Last Post Ceremony                          of the War Widows’ Guild of                    and our mission is to improve the          communicate with our members. We will create
   our common good that we are                                                                 Australia NSW Ltd will be held on
                                                   4.45pm, Wednesday, 14 August                                                               lives of women and their families          opportunities for members to be involved and
         finding our true life.”                                                               Friday, 30 August 2019 at 10am at
             –King George VI                       Australian War Memorial,                                                                   impacted by defence service through        engaged, virtually, physically and emotionally,
                                                                                               Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, 169
  Extract from Christmas message, 1941             Canberra                                                                                   understanding, care and advocacy.
                                                                                               Castlereagh St, Sydney. Morning                                                           with emphasis on being proactive not reactive.
                                                   Dinner                                                                                     Our strategic pillars outline the
      Under the patronage of                                                                   tea will be available from 9.30am                                                         This will include creating a peer-to-peer
                                                   7.30pm, Wednesday, 14 August                                                      cornerstones to achieving these goals.
 The Honourable Margaret Beazley                                                               and the meeting will be followed by                                                       strategy.
AO QC, Governor of New South Wales                 Parliament House, Canberra
                                                                                               light refreshments. To allow us to
                                                                                               provide catering, please RSVP to      We are developing a strong respected brand so
         STATE PRESIDENT                                                                                                                                                                 We realise that it is crucial to have strong
      Ms Rhondda Vanzella OAM
                                                   Guild AGM                                   head office by Monday, 5 August       that other organisations will want to collaborate
                                                                                                                                                                                         governance, as well as a diverse, capable and
                                                   Friday, 30 August 2019                      2019 on 9267 6577 or 1800 451         with us. We will also use our point of difference
       BOARD OF DIRECTORS                                                                                                                                                                expert Board with the rights skills to govern.
      K Arthur, L Boyd, G Cherne,                  Castlereagh Boutique Hotel,                 615 (country).                        to fill the gap in ex-service organisations with
    J Collins, B Jeanes, B Morrison,               Sydney                                      If required, transport assistance                                                         Expert sub-committees will assist and support
                                                                                                                                     respect to representing women and their
            R Vanzella OAM                                                                     must be requested through                                                                 the Board and appropriate controls, policies
                                                   War Widows’ Walk                                                                  families impacted by defence service.
     CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER                                                                   head office no later than Friday,                                                         and procedures will be established.
       Madeline Dermatossian                       and Picnic                                  2 August 2019 for large groups        Additionally, we will build a national footprint
             GUILD DIGEST                          9.30am, Thursday, 24 October                who require a bus and Friday, 16                                                          The key is to have the right people in
                                                                                                                                     and establish a program for all States to engage
            ISSN 1449-3691                         Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway,              August 2019 for cabs.                                                                     management functions who are held to account
                                                                                                                                     with government. This will ensure that we are
            PUBLISHER                              Concord
                                                                                                                                     included in State Government reviews and            and sufficiently empowered to deliver on the
War Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW Ltd
                                                                                                                                     roundtable discussions that impact members          above goals.
             HEAD OFFICE
                                                                                                                                     entitlements.
     Level 14, 227 Elizabeth Street
           Sydney NSW 2000
                                               CONTENTS
                                                                                                                                     Our aim is to broaden our membership and            MADELINE DERMATOSSIAN
              EMAIL
                                             From the CEO                               3    Gwen Cherne’s appointment to 22         engage with new, as well as existing members.       CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
     guild@warwidowsnsw.com.au
                                                                                             The Australian War Memorial
     Telephone (02) 9267 6577                State President’s Message                  4
      Facsimile (02) 9267 6601                                                               Women’s Weekly article     23-25
           Toll free numbers                 National President’s Report                5    – The War Within
        (for country members)                Minister for Veterans’                     6
 Enquiries and Welfare 1800 451 615                                                          Health News                26-27
                                             Affairs Report
    Friendship Line 1800 451 615
                                                                                             Arthritis NSW                  28
          OFFICE HOURS                       Contemporary Widows’ Report                7
     Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm                                                             Welfare News                   29
                                             Commemoration and Events                  8-9
      ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION                                                                    Transport News                 29
      $30 due 1 April each year              Daphne Dunne’s funeral                    10
                                                                                             Guild and Social Club News 30-31
                                             Field of Remembrance                    11-17
    Donations to War Widows’ Guild                                                           Members’ News              32-33
of Australia NSW Ltd are tax deductible      Anzac Day 2019                          18-19
                                                                                             Friendship Line                34
                                             Honouring Women United                  20-21
     DISCLAIMER: The material in this
 Guild Digest has been checked thoroughly
                                             by Defence Service                              Gardening                      35
    and to the best of our knowledge is
 correct. However, errors may occur which
   are beyond our control. If this should
                                                        FRONT:                                   BACK:
                                            OUR COVER

   happen, we apologise most sincerely.
                                                        His Excellence General                   Selection of
                                                        the Honourable David                     photos from the
                                                        Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and                68th Field of
                                                        Mrs Linda Hurley laying a                Remembrance in
                                                        cross at the 68th Field of               Sydney and the
                                                        Remembrance in Sydney                    Anzac Day March

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section name State President’s Message                                                                                National President’s Report

                   I wish to acknowledge all            The Guild must change to meet the very                          Dear Ladies,                              Editorial Committee and the Veterans’ MATES
                   members of the Guild, all the        different needs of today. We must understand                                                              Reference Group until 2021. I have accepted
                                                                                                                        The end of 2018 was extremely
                   work and support each and            the end goal which is to be ‘service fit’ to meet                                                         both these invitations and I am very pleased to
                                                                                                                        busy. 2019 is also shaping up to be a
                   every one of you has given to        the needs of our older members. While at the                                                              represent the National Guild and all members
                                                                                                                        busy year.
                   the Guild and each other over        same time we need to meet the needs of all                                                                at these meetings.
                   the last 12 months. For this         woman united by defence service.                                The      Productivity     Commission
                   support and the work you have                                                                                                                  I attended the Prime Minister’s Veterans
                                                                                                                        released their draft report into
                   done so willingly, “I say thank      I know we are resilient and recognise that                                                                Employment Awards dinner in Canberra on 5
                                                                                                              ‘Compensation and Rehabilitation for Veterans’
   you.” You are all the heart and soul of the Guild.   change is necessary within the Guild. I ask                                                               March 2019 and have also attended an ADF
                                                                                                              on 14th December 2018. These documents
                                                                                                                                                                  Transition Seminar at Bankstown on 20 March
                                                        all members to move with the times, to stay           are available on the Productivity Commissions
   Like many of you here today, since I can                                                                                                                       2019. I attended a Health, Justice and Ageing
                                                        connected and walk with your board and                website. Further submissions were sought
   remember, my life has been one of service to my                                                                                                                symposium at University of Technology, Ultimo.
   community wherever I have lived. Change has          management as we make the changes to make             from the Productivity Commission regarding
                                                                                                                                                                  This symposium was run by Relationships
   been a big part of our everyday lives. I believe     our Guild service fit for 2019 and beyond.            this report and public hearings were held in
                                                                                                                                                                  Australia mediated by Julie McCrossin, a well
   the only constant in our lives has been change.                                                            each capital city. The National Guild did submit
                                                        I thank you for all for your service to each other,                                                       know Australian broadcaster. The symposium
   Life changes every day for every person in some                                                            a response to the draft report. I attended and
                                                        the Guild and your community. I know your                                                                 focused on the issues of legal rights for the
   way.                                                                                                       presented to the Productivity Commission
                                                        communities and the Guild are better places for                                                           elderly and on the significantly increasing issue
                                                                                                              hearings on 26 February 2019. Transcripts of
   We have all lost our loved one. We have watched      all your services.                                                                                        of elderly abuse in the community. Elder abuse
                                                                                                              the public hearings are also available on the
   our children grow up and marry. And we love                                                                                                                    is not a crime committed by a stranger in most
                                                                                                              Productivity Commission website.
   to spend time with them and grandchildren            Finally, I ask you all for your ongoing support as                                                        cases. Abuse usually happens at the hands of a
   if we have been blessed with them. Our own           we manage this change to the Guild. To do this,       The Veterans’ Advocacy Scoping Study release        person trusted by the elderly person such as,
   birthdays keep piling on and on and we know          we must be disciplined, as we prepare, equip          date was delayed from December 2018 to              a partner, a family member a friend or carer.
   we are growing older. Our wisdom tells us so.        and support each other to successfully adopt          February 2019 however, it has now been              Abuse can take many forms: physical abuse,
                                                        change in order to drive organisational success       released and further submissions have been          psychological/emotional abuse, social abuse,
   So too the Guild must change. I truly believe it                                                           sought.
                                                        and outcomes.                                                                                             financial abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. If
   is this change in our lives, this love and support
                                                                                                                                                                  you feel that abuse is occurring, there are
   that we give to each other which is the glue         Thank you,                                            I have just returned from the Budget lock-up
                                                                                                                                                                  many places to seek assistance: NSW Elder
   of the Guild. Many of us have never worn a                                                                 at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. There
                                                                                                                                                                  Abuse helpline – telephone: 1800 628 221 and
   uniform, however we have all served in our own                                                             are some positive outcomes from the budget.
                                                                                                              The most important is that of Partner Service       Relationships Australia.
   way. We have all felt the quiet tears that well up   RHONDDA VANZELLA OAM
   when we remember our loved one, no matter            STATE PRESIDENT                                       Pensions – Eligibility Alignment. This removes      There is currently a Royal Commission in Aged
   how many years since they passed.                    “WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS”                           the inequality between married and de-facto         Care underway. I would encourage you to put
                                                                                                              partners by extending the Partner Service           in a submission should you have any issues that
                                                                                                              Pension (PSP) by 12 months post-separation          you may be aware of that are affecting someone
                                                                                                              to all former partners. This measure will also      you know in permanent aged care facilities. The
                               YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR STRATEGY PLAN                                           allow former partners to remain on PSP after        Guild has not yet put in a submission however,
                                    INFORMATION MORNING TEA                                                   the 12-month period where special domestic          it is our intention to do so. Submissions close in
                                                                                                              circumstances, such as domestic violence,           June 2019.
           The Directors of the Guild recently attended a strategic planning day to develop a plan
                                                                                                              apply. Basically, this provides support for those
          for the next 3 years. It was agreed that consultative sessions would be conducted to give                                                               Take care,
                                                                                                              separating due to domestic violence. $6.2
       members the opportunity to provide feedback, before the final plan is agreed upon. The next            million has been allocated for this measure.
                                           session will be held on
                                                                                                              I have been asked to continue on the                MEG GREEN
                                      Tuesday, 4 June 2019 10am-12pm
                                                                                                              committees for both the Veterans’ MATES             NATIONAL PRESIDENT
           at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. Meg Green, our National President, along with a
         number of Board Members will also attend, to bring us up to date on the national agenda.

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section name         Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Report                                                                                                                  Contemporary Widows’
                                                                                                                                                                                             section
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Report
                                                                                                                                                                                                     name

                  Whenever I speak at public            Veterans and Families Counselling support to        The War Widows’ Guild of Australia in            three contemporary widows and the National
                  functions, I always start with a      families and improved consultation through          partnership with the NSW War Widows Guild        President.   It meets each quarter and the
                  simple message to our service         the Female Veterans and Families Policy Forum.      has created a Contemporary Widows Advisory       meetings are held as a teleconference with
                  men and women - ‘thank you                                                                Committee reporting to the NSW War Widows
                                                        More recently we have been working to                                                                one face to face meeting in August each year.
                  for your service’. Importantly,                                                           Board.
                                                        provide a way for war widows and their                                                               A number of vacancies now exist, and we are
                  I    follow    this    statement
                                                        families to provide direct policy advice to the                                                      calling for replacements.
                  immediately with a thank you to                                                           The Terms of Reference are to:
                                                        Government and in December I launched
                  the families for their support to
                                                        the Council for Women and Families United           1. Identify and prioritise emerging issues for   The NSW War Widows Guild is keen to ensure
   allow our Australian Defence Force personnel
                                                        by Defence Service. The Council provides               contemporary widows of veterans               the membership consists of both metropolitan
   to provide for the safety and security of our
                                                        a means for defence women and families to                                                            and rural widows across Australia. To this end
   nation. In many ways, the home front is as                                                               2. Identify current and emerging issues for
                                                        have a direct voice to me on issues that affect
   important as the frontline when it comes to                                                                 war widow’s families and support networks     we would like you to consider nominating for
                                                        them. It is important that the government -
   providing defence capability.                                                                                                                             this committee to ensure we hear the voices of
                                                        regardless of party or leader - is hearing about    3. Provide advice to and recommendations
   As the families of ADF personnel, you can face       issues from those experiencing them. We need           for endorsement by the War Widows’ Guild      all war widows regardless of where they live.
   many challenges. There is growing evidence           to know how having a serving family member             (NSW) Board for improvements in Local,
                                                                                                                                                             The nomination process involves providing
   showing that military service can have long          impacts on individuals and their families and          State and Federal governments’ operational
   terms effects not just on the serving member         how the Government can best offer support.                                                           your contact details including email address and
                                                                                                               policy and service
   but on their families, both during and following                                                                                                          a short couple of paragraphs on your reason for
                                                        The Council will include representatives            4. Identify opportunities for increased
   service. The unique demands of military service                                                                                                           your nomination by COB 30 June 2019. This
                                                        from across Australia and will be chaired by           engagement with Contemporary Widows
   means that ADF families must overcome the                                                                                                                 needs to be sent to the Chair of the Committee,
                                                        Gabby Costigan, who is the Chief Executive             who are geographically or socially isolated
   challenges of operational deployment, frequent                                                                                                            Jennifer Collins at jcol7799@bigpond.net.au
                                                        Officer of BAE Systems and a former Army               through the appropriate media and internet
   relocation and separation from family. Everyday
                                                        Officer. Gabby will be joined by a broad range         technology delivery
   decisions like schooling, childcare and partner                                                                                                           I look forward to your nomination. If you require
                                                        of members including veterans, partners,
   employment can be made even more difficult.                                                              5. Present to Government/s a list of issues      any additional information, please email me at
                                                        mothers, fathers, extended family and widows.
   You are the supporting network throughout                                                                   identified and possible solutions for this    the above address.
                                                        For more information, you can contact the DVA
   military life and beyond.                                                                                   cohort.
                                                        Engagement team at engagement@dva.gov.au.
   As Minister for Defence Personnel and                                                                    The membership consists of the Deputy Chair      JENNIFER COLLINS
                                                        I would also like to update you on recent
   Veterans’ Affairs, one of my key priorities over                                                         of the NSW War Widows Board along with           CHAIR OF THE CONTEMPORARY WIDOWS SUB-COMMITTEE
                                                        changes announced in the Budget that will see
   the last 12 months in this role has been a focus
                                                        family violence victims who are former spouses
   on the wellbeing of ADF personnel and their
                                                        or de-facto partners of veterans receive
   families.
                                                        increased support. The Budget provided $6.2
   In my last contribution, I offered my thanks         million to ensure former spouses and de-facto
   from the Australian Government to the War            partners can continue receiving the partner
   Widows’ Guild of Australia for the more than         service pension after their relationship has
   70-year contribution you have made.        The       ended and divorce proceedings have finalised.
   role of the Guild in supporting the widows and       This change is about creating equity for all
   other family members of ADF personnel and            former partners of veterans, regardless of their
   the broader veteran community is an important        marital status.
   one and I again thank you for your contribution
                                                        There is more to be done, but I am proud of
   across Australia.
                                                        what we have achieved so far. Thank you again
   Last edition I also spoke of some of the work        to the Guild and its volunteers for all you do in
   the Australian Government has been doing in          supporting war widows.
   an effort to improve services for ADF personnel
   and their families including the Family Support      HON DARREN CHESTER MP
   Package, expansion of the Open Arms –                MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

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section
  Commemoration
        name    and Events                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Commemoration and Events

        55th Annual Commemoration at the Merchant Navy Memorial                 Rhondda met James Brown, from RSL NSW, to discuss                  Younger Members Group Co-ordinator Di Green and war widow,              Dianne Vogt, President’s Representative, with John Sidoti, Minister for
                        at Rookwood Cemetery                                          our upcoming Honouring Women event                              Donnie Sloper met at the Dee Why RSL Fundraiser for the              Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans, at the Anzacs of Greece
                                                                                                                                                                Northern Beaches Veterans’ Centre                                                     Annual Luncheon

   Rhondda with Minister Darren Chester and Dianne Lawrie at the opening   Supporting Veteran Mental Health - A Day for Staff of Ex-Service
        of Thank You For Your Service at the Anzac Memorial Sydney                  Organisations at the Anzac Memorial Sydney

                                                                                                                                               Rhondda Vanzella and Madeline Dermatossian at the The Kokoda Track         Roger Selby, The President of the NSW Association of Jewish Service &
                                                                                                                                                                  Memorial Walkway, Concord                               Ex-Service Men & Women, and Rhondda Vanzella at the Sydney Jewish
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Communal Anzac Day Commemoration & Wreath Laying Ceremony

            The Board and past Presidents met in April to discuss               Gwen Cherne spoke at the Dee Why Veteran’s Centre
                    the new Strategy Plan for 2019-22                                     Resilience Luncheon in April

                                                                                                                                               Rhondda Vanzella, Meg Green, His Excellency Gil da Costa Monteiro and        MERCI AUSTRALIA in honour of the shared remembrance between
                                                                                                                                              Mr. Abel Guterres, Ambassador for Timor-Lest, at The Democratic Republic      Australia and France at the Sofitel Wentworth on Monday 29 April,
                                                                                                                                               of Timor-Leste Wreath Laying Ceremony, at The Anzac Memorial Sydney         with the Mayor of Arras and President of Hauts-de-France Tourism, Mr
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Frederique Leturque, The executive Director of the French First World War
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Centennial Mission Mr Joseph Zimet, Marie Gittard, The Regional Advisor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          at Hauts-de-France Tourism and Delegate for the duty of remembrance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Mme Mady Dorchies-Brillon, the consul general of France in Sydney Mr
        Rhondda was a finalist in the NSW Women of the Year Awards                    Rhondda was the Guest Speaker at the                                                                                                Nicolas Croizer, Rhondda Vanzella, Gwen Cherne, Meg Green and many
                                                                                  VIEW Club International Women’s Day Luncheon                                                                                                                  other distinguished guests.

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Daphne Dunne’s Funeral                                                                                                                                                                                                       Anzac Field of Remembrance

                       Daphne Dunne’s Funeral                                                                                     Anzac Field of Remembrance
                                                                  dressed to the nines, make up on with a lovely
                                                                  bright pink lippy. On very special occasions
                                                                  she would have matching lippy, nail polish and
                                                                  a pink rinse in her hair. Of more recent years
                                                                  no doubt helped by Michelle and applied with
                                                                  love. I think I could say those days were very
                                                                  special days for Daphne. Those were days when
                                                                  she no doubt thought of her own losses of two
                                                                  husbands, the losses of her friends and the
                                                                  memories of her special community.
             Photo credit - Daryl Charles Photography Pty. Ltd.
                                                                  Many of us here today, who attend the cenotaph
                                                                  regularly, will recall watching many dignitaries
   An amazing woman.
                                                                  at these services speaking to Daphne or
   A beautiful lady.                                              having photos taken with her, whilst Michelle
   Such a lovely lady and such a character.                       would take photos. Michelle you must have a
                                                                  wonderful library of your Mums photos…of her
   Someone very special.                                          treasured community and of her special Prince.      Meg Green (National President, War Widows Guild of Australia), David Mehan MP (State Member for The Entrance), Fran Brock (President of The Entrance
                                                                                                                      War Widows Guild Club), Emma McBride (Federal Member for Dobell) and Dianne Vogt (President’s Representative War Widows Guild Of Australia NSW)
   These were some of the hundreds of words                       Prince Harry that is. And what a beautiful                                           attended the 2019 Field of Remembrance for The Entrance War Widows Guild Club

   written on Facebook about Daphne;                              story that was. It is a story that has been told    A day filled with sunshine and a backdrop
                                                                  in every newspaper, on every TV station and in      of the glistening Tuggerah Lakes at The
   Today is a special day for us all. It’s a time when            many womens’ magazines. Despite all fuss and        Entrance, set the scene for a memorable Field
   family and friends come together to remember,                  limelight, Daphne described these times with
   to shed a tear or two, to laugh and to love while                                                                  of Remembrance held by The Entrance War
                                                                  her Prince as just like meeting an old friend. I
   reflecting on Daphne’s life of 99 years.                                                                           Widows Guild Club on Sunday 14 April 2019.
                                                                  know this story of her prince brought her much
                                                                                                                      This commemoration marked the 14th Field of
                                                                  joy and, might I say, much notoriety.
   Daphne’s right side was always heavy with                                                                          Remembrance service held by the Guild Club
   medals of her two late husbands including                      Daphne’s life story is a very special one. From a   at The Cenotaph Memorial Park, The Entrance,
   a Victoria Cross. She also always proudly                      woman’s perspective, one could say she was a        and was attended by over 70 people.                                            Janice Lawless, Meg Green, Di Vogt and Frances Brock at The Entrance
   wore her own medals; War Medal 1939-45,                        woman before her time. Imagine being a woman                                                                                                 Field of Remembrance lunch following the service
   Australian Service Medal 1939-45 and the                       signing up in 1942. Fast forward to 2018 where
   General Service Badge. Daphne was a woman                      we saw her in her wheelchair being supported
   united by defence service, united not only                     by Michelle leading the Anzac March. That
   by her own service but also that of her two                    was 76 years after she joined up. What a life of
   husbands.                                                      dedication.
   Today we celebrate Daphne’s life with the rich                 Michelle and family, as your extended family we
   traditions of someone who served her nation                    understand your loss and we are here to wrap
   with pride. Daphne lived her latter years with                 our arms around you all. Daphne was loved
   her loving daughter Michelle surrounded by a                   by her community, she was a kind, gentle and
   fantastic community of wonderful people.                       humble lady. May the peace that comes from           The Entrance Guild Members Janice Lawless (Treasurer), Noreen Kershaw
                                                                  your memories of Mum and Nanna, comfort                (Vice President) and Dot Bright (Vice President) were on hand to assist    Gulgong RSL Subbranch Field of Remembrance service on 14 April for War
   After her family, community meant everything                                                                         Fran Brock, President, with the smooth running of the day. These ladies      Widows and Indigenous Service personnel. From the left, Vera Chapman,
                                                                  you now and in the days ahead.                      collectively have been Guild members for over a total of 35 years and were         Kath Arthur, Hazel Miller, Shirley Drysdale (National Treasurer),
   to Daphne...especially every time she attended                                                                      instrumental in ensuring the distribution of the correct crosses for those          Gail Ratcliff (Indigenous Representative, David Henderson
   a service at the cenotaph. Daphne was always                   God Bless you all                                        guests wishing to place crosses in remembrance of their loved ones                          (President Gulgong RSL Sub-branch)

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section
  Anzacname
        Field of Remembrance                                                                            Anzac Field of Remembrance
                                                                                                                          section name

                          68th Sydney Field of
                         Remembrance Service

   If you attended this year’s Field of                   local and international governments,
   Remembrance service in Sydney, you will know           defence service, the church, organisations
   just how memorable and moving it was. The              that support veterans and their families
   Program was filled with so many wonderful              as they placed the wreath and crosses
   elements that touched the hearts of everyone           in honour of our loved ones, and the
   in the St Andrew’s Cathedral.                          war widows who participated in various
                                                          readings of poems and Bible passages
   The highlight was most certainly Jenny Ware’s
   outstanding speech – please find it in full         • Gwen Cherne did an excellent job as the MC
   below - she spoke from the heart and melted
   the hearts of everyone in the cathedral. Other      • It was nice to see war widows place floral
   comments that attendees made included:                tributes in recognition of the various
                                                         conflicts
   • The display board with the paper crosses
     from those who could not attend in person         • The placing of crosses by war widows and
     was a lovely touch                                  their families, and other congregation
                                                         members is always a touching and healing
   • To see the children’s choir seated in the choir     part of the service
     section of the cathedral was very special;
     and to have them sing was extremely moving        • It was an honour to witness the special
                                                         farewell given to the Governor of
   • The Archbishop’s meaningful address tied
                                                         NSW, David Hurley and his wife Linda
     together the meaning of everything that
                                                         Hurley. Rhondda’s speech was superb, and
     was in the program
                                                         the choir’s musical tribute to these special
   • It meant a lot to watch the respectful              people was beautiful, including the finale
     participation of the representatives from           ‘You are my Sunshine’.

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section
  Anzacname
        Field of Remembrance                                                                                                                                                   Anzac Field of Remembrance
                                                                                                                                                                                                 section name

                                                                                                            Our eldest son also joined the RAN,             feel that there was a light at the end of a
                                                                                                            entering through ADFA and serving for 10        tunnel, and not necessarily that of a fast
                                                                                                            years before changing over to the merchant      approaching train.
                                                                                                            navy and a life lived all over the world as a
                                                                                                            ship’s master.                                  Getting to know my fellow members has
                                                                                                                                                            highlighted for me that many of our brave
                                                                                                            Our youngest son opted for a very good          men and women didn’t die under enemy fire
                                                                                                            life here on home soil and jumped on the IT     at sea, on a battle field or in the air, but as a
                                                                                                            technology band wagon early in his career.      result of military service during an era when
                                                                                                            Both of our sons are still the source of much   the term “OH&S” and “PTS” had not been
                                                                                                            love and laughter for me.                       invented and this has created yet another
                                                                                                                                                            wave of Younger Member Widows.
                                                                                                            When Col passed away two and a half years
                                                                                                            ago, I had never heard of The War Widows’       I now understand that many of us go about
                                                                                                            Guild, but thank goodness a wise retired        our everyday lives with the acceptance that
                                                                                                            Submariner from our Sub Association had,        a shimmer of emotion waits silently at our
                                                                                                            and at Col’s wake made me promise to find       shoulder to give us a nudge at the most
                                                                                                            out the details in Sydney and to join as soon   inopportune moments.
                                                                                                            as possible.
                                                                                                                                                            Again, this is something we all continue to
                                                                                                            I would never have considered myself            experience no matter how long we are on
                                                                                                            coming under the banner of a War Widow,         our own.
        Jenny Ware gave the following                     My late husband Colin proudly served in           which conjured up pictures of women
        address at this year’s Field                      the Royal Australian Navy for 20 years,           knitting and baking scones. How wrong was       This is where the joy of being part of our
        of Remembrance Service                            18 of which were spent on Submarines.             I … just look at the amazing women filling St   wonderful Guild is so important … it tells us
        Good Morning Honoured Guests, Ladies              We met when he was in the first group to          Andrew’s today and there is not a knitting      there is nothing wrong with tears and we
                                                          be sent to the UK to undertake submarine          needle or scone to be seen amongst them.        are normal and there is now an acceptance
        and Gentlemen,
                                                          training with the British Navy back in 1963.                                                      that although this too won’t pass, it is okay
        When our NSW President, Rhondda                   He came back highly trained and with a            With much help from Barbara in The Guild        to “go with the flow”. Personally, this has
        Vanzella rang to ask if I would be able to        newly acquired but completely untrained           office and mentoring phone calls from           often meant managing by using the humour
        speak at today’s Field of Remembrance                                                               Rhondda, I signed up and attended my first      that played a large part in my life.
                                                          Pommy missus.
        Service, I said yes with great pride, although                                                      Younger Members’ Meeting in February
                                                                                                            2017…two short years ago.                       The Guild provides not just practical support
        I initially thought maybe Rhondda had             Colin went on to serve his country, not just
                                                                                                                                                            and advocacy, but more importantly,
        called the wrong number.                          in the Royal Australian Navy but also in a
                                                                                                            I was still very much grieving and don’t        emotional support, which is given with
                                                          public service role until his early retirement.
                                                                                                            remember how I made it into the room            compassion, humour, much needed hugs
        Perhaps I had better explain here before          Our lives were packed with laughter, two
                                                                                                            alone on that first day…but boy am I glad I     and of course, the odd glass of wine shared
        I introduce myself that I am an emotional         amazing sons with a dad totally involved in       did.                                            as we get to know more about each other
        person, can cry at the drop of a hat, not in an   their lives, despite months away at sea.                                                          on a journey that none of us signed up for.
        attractive gentle way, but with sobs, much                                                          The welcome was overwhelming and yes,
        sniffing and often red-faced, but this too I      We both enjoyed travel and were lucky             there were other women who understood           We can describe our involvement with the
        am learning to handle with no apologies and       enough to visit most of the countries on          exactly how I had been feeling and were         Guild as a lake of water, each time we put
        an endless supply of hankies. Please don’t        our bucket list. Even our arguments were          each undertaking their own journey. Even        our hand in to help each other, no matter
        give me any sympathy, but in the old Navy         legendary in a marriage that lasted for           so, these lovely Guild members still took       how small the help, the ripple effect touches
        vernacular, just “cut me some slack” as we go.    51 years.                                         the time to make this new bird on the block     all shores of the lake.

14 | GUILD DIGEST | June 2019                                                                                                                                                              June 2019 | GUILD DIGEST | 15
GUILD DIGEST WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW
section
  Anzacname
        Field of Remembrance                                                                                 Anzac Field of Remembrance
                                                                                                                               section name

        We are so fortunate to be guided by our          To me, this is part of belonging to The
        National President Meg Green, our NSW            Guild and illustrates the adage of Women
        President Rhondda and the rest of the            supporting Women.
        Board, who work extremely hard to ensure
        our Guild remains very much in discussions       My respect for this country’s generation
        with the relevant government departments.        of strong women who literally kept the
        One of the many aims within the Guild is         home fires burning, raised the children and
        to maintain the successful Friendship Line,      waited hopefully for their men to return is
        brilliantly managed by Sharon. I am sure         increasing more and more as I get to know
        many of you here are either volunteers           them.
        manning the line or recipients of the phone
        calls, which are made as regularly as we can     Likewise, having met Gwen, Bree and some
        manage with the volunteers available. With       of the Contemporary Widows, our Guild is
        no apologies offered, yes, this is a blatant     in safe hands to start to bring us in touch
        advert calling for more volunteers for the
                                                         with the more pressing needs of these
        Friendship Line please.
                                                         young and intelligent women, many of them
        Many of the Widows we contact have also          juggling grief, the needs of their own young
        served in the Defence Force themselves           families and the necessity to earn a living.
        and it is a privilege to be able to spend time
        on the phone and listen to the fascinating       In conclusion … If you know a service widow
        stories and to enjoy the humour still shown      who does not belong to The Guild yet,
        by so many of the Widows.                        please encourage them to take that first
        Imagine the pleasure of a good chat              step and come along. After all, as members
        when you are perhaps housebound with             of our Guild, we like to believe that not only
        increasing health problems, and yet our          do we talk the talk, but we also walk the
        Widows still retain a passion for life and for   walk.
        keeping their memories alive … it is a two-
        way street and we can help each other.           Thank you and go proudly in your world.

   I think Di Green summarised everyone’s                Well done, Jenny, for your courage, your
   thoughts after Jenny’s speech perfectly when          strength, and generosity of spirit in sharing
   she wrote                                             our story. I know your late husband would
                                                         have been looking down at you yesterday and
   “Congratulations on the wonderful speech
                                                         beaming with pride. I know that everyone in
   that you wrote and beautifully delivered at the
                                                         the room was proud of you, none more so than I.
   Field of Remembrance service yesterday. It was
                                                         I feel blessed to have you as a fellow war widow,
   truly one of the highlights of the service. Your
                                                         and to be able to call you my friend.”
   heartfelt words touched the hearts of everyone
   in the room. We all share - and are connected -
   in some ways, by the lived experiences of which
   you spoke.

16 | GUILD DIGEST | June 2019                                                                                         June 2019 | GUILD DIGEST | 17
GUILD DIGEST WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW
section
  Anzacname
        Day 2019                                                                                                                                                                                          Anzac Day 2019

                                Anzac Day 2019

                                                                                                          Rhondda Vanzella OAM laying a wreath at The Cenotaph at the     Gwen Cherne gave an emotional address at the
                                                                                                                          Sydney Anzac Dawn Service                              Dee Why Anzac Dawn Service

                                                                                                           Di Vogt, Emma McBride MP, Dot Bright, and Meg Green at the     Brenda Morrison with Deputy Mayor Susan and
                                                                                                               War Widows ANZAC commemoration at The Entrance              Pittwater House Cadets at their Anzac Service

   It was a lovely, warm autumnal day on Anzac          Without hesitating, my son-in-law Al lifted
   Day this year. Director Lynn Boyd was one of         the 2 extremely heavy grates, took off his                                          Audrey Blood OAM, former National and State President of The
   the members who marched in Sydney. Following         shoes, socks and trousers and climbed into the                                      War Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW, recited the Ode at the Anzac
   an extremely eventful start to her day, she sent     drain. By this time a crowd was forming, and                                        Remembrance Ceremony conducted at the April meeting of the
   the following story:                                 one man came over to ask what was going on                                          Hawkesbury Combined Probus Club this month.
                                                        quite aggressively. Quite a few other people
   Following our first Anzac march under the War                                                                                            Hawkesbury Combined Probus, a club of 200 members, operates
                                                        took photos, but unfortunately, we were so
   Widows banner, I decided to have my husband’s                                                                                            under the direction of President, Jim Berrell.
                                                        distressed at the time, that we did not get any
   medals remounted. So that my grandchildren
                                                        copies.                                                                  The Remembrance Ceremony took place in the Richmond Club
   could participate, I also purchased 2 miniature
   sets. As Jack is the eldest (6 years old), he wore                                                                            which was founded in 1947 by a group of WWII returned servicemen
                                                        Al couldn’t reach the bottom of the drain, so     and has become the leading club and community heart of the Hawkesbury Region.
   the large medals this year.
                                                        he had to remove his shirt as well. After quite
   We were all congregating on the corner of Pitt       a bit of fossicking, he thankfully located the    The Ceremony was conducted in a most respectful manner. Club members stood as a large
   St Mall and King St, where there is a drain. It      treasured medals. There was loud cheering         screen displayed the lowering of the flag and the last post played. After Audrey recited the
   is somewhat unclear what occurred, but Jack          and applause from the crowd as he put his         Ode of Remembrance, all joined in the response and observed one minute’s silence before the
   must have tripped, and the medals went down          clothes back on over his wet underwear and        Reveille was played with the raising of the flag.
   the drain. To make matters worse, the drain was      we proceeded to the marshalling area where Al
                                                        helped carry the War Widows banner for the        Probus Club members felt privileged to be able to honour and remember our Anzacs on this
   thigh high with dirty water. Not surprisingly,
                                                                                                          most significant occasion for all citizens of Australia and New Zealand.
   Jack was inconsolable.                               march through Sydney.

18 | GUILD DIGEST | June 2019                                                                                                                                                                          June 2019 | GUILD DIGEST | 19
section
  Honouring
        nameWomen United by Defence Service                                                                                                                          Honouring Women United by Defence Service

                  Honouring Women United
                                                                                                              leaders, business leaders, and leaders in the          Recognised for their service to this nation
                                                                                                              veteran space to explore the power of women;           Women will be acknowledged and honoured for
                                                                                                              and how, if we all work together, we can create        their sacrifices and contributions for the defence

                     by Defence Service                                                                       better understanding of the needs of women in
                                                                                                              uniform, and women on the home front.
                                                                                                                                                                     of their country.

                                                                                                                                                                      They will include: serving and ex-serving women,
                                                                                                              Wreath laying at Australian                            widows of partners who made the ultimate
                                                                                                              War Memorial (AWM)                                     sacrifice for the nation, and all women whose lives
                                                                                                              Honouring Women United by Defence Service              have been affected as a result of loss of a loved
                                                                                                              2019 will commence with a Last Post and Wreath         one through service, or who have a returned
                                                                                                              Laying Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial         veteran who is wounded, injured or ill.
                                                                                                              (AWM), where women from every major women’s
                                                                                                              organisation who have been impacted by service
                                                                                                              and their guests will be invited to attend the
                                                                                                              Ceremony.

                                                                                                              Last year’s ceremony attracted over 400
                                                                                                              attendees. Both the Prime Minister and the
                                                                                                              Leader of the Opposition put differences aside
                                                                                                              to jointly lay wreaths to honour women. This
                                                                                                              year the ceremony will again be dedicated to the
                                                                                                              service and sacrifice of women veterans over the
                                                                                                                                                                     Peace Poppies
                                                                                                              last 100 years who gave their lives as the ultimate
                                                                                                                                                                     The Peace Poppies will be given to all guests to
                                                                                                              sacrifice for their country.
                                                                                                                                                                     wear on the night of the HWUDS dinner.
                                                                                                              The new Governor General, His Excellency
   Year of Peace                                        is driven by a collaborative Committee comprised                                                             Thank you so much to Pamela Howard, Anne
                                                                                                              General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC
   2019 celebrates the Year of Peace, following the     of leaders from major organisations supporting                                                               Morley, Nancy Firth, The Glebe Society, Sarah
                                                                                                              (Ret’d) and Mrs Hurley have confirmed that they
   centenary of the ANZAC celebrations last year. In    female veterans and veterans’ families, including:                                                           Sciacca and Fay Ison who have sent us some
                                                                                                              will attend this year.
   celebrating peace, we need to honour those who       War Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW Ltd,                                                                      Peace Poppies for this year’s event.
   have made sacrifices for that peace; and for those   Legacy, the Australian Defence Force, Dept of
                                                        Veterans’ Affairs, Returned and Services League       National Dinner Event                                  We still need approximately 400 Peace Poppies
   who continue to make those sacrifices on a daily
                                                        (RSL), Women Veterans’ Network of Australia           Last year’s National Dinner drew over 500              for the event. If you would like to crochet some,
   basis.
                                                        (WVNA), Partners of Veterans Association (PVA),       attendees, including political, community,             please use the official Peace Poppy pattern
   Join us in honouring the service and sacrifices of   Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Federation        business and defence leaders, as well as leaders       shown here, with thanks to Elisabeth MacGregor
   women united by defence service.                     of Australia (TPI), and Royal Australian Army         of the major organisations that support veterans       of Leeton: http://tiny.cc/341x5y and post them to
                                                        Nursing Corps (RAANC).                                and veterans’ families, and women who are              the Guild office.
                                                                                                              connected to defence by their own service or the
   Collaborative Project led by the War                                                                                                                                TIME TO BOOK YOUR TICKET
                                                                                                              service of a loved one.
   Widows’ Guild and Legacy                             Honouring Women United by Defence                                                                              You can buy tickets and find more
   The major organisations in the veteran space         Service Event                                         This year’s dinner will be held in The Great Hall at     information on the new website
   in Australia identified the need to acknowledge      The events commemorates and honours all               Parliament House, Canberra on Wednesday, 14              http://honouringwomen.com.au,
   women united by defence service and joined           women whose lives have been impacted as a             August 2019.                                             or by contacting The Guild on
   forces to drive this project to do so.               result of their own service or that of a loved one.                                                            guild@warwidowsnsw.com.au
                                                                                                              Guest speakers last year included Dr Brendan             or 02 9267 6577.
   Honouring Women United by Defence Service            The goal of the Honouring Women United by             Nelson AO, Director of the Australian War                It is being held during a Sitting Week,
   2019 is a collaborative project led by the War       Defence Service event is to bring together            Memorial. He has confirmed that he will speak            so please book your hotel soon to avoid
   Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW Ltd and Legacy. It    political leaders, community leaders, defence         again this year.                                         disappointment.

20 | GUILD DIGEST | June 2019                                                                                                                                                                     June 2019 | GUILD DIGEST | 21
section
  Gwenname
        Cherne’s appointment to The Australian War Memorial                                                                Women’s Weekly Article - The War
                                                                                                                                                        section
                                                                                                                                                            Within
                                                                                                                                                                name

                                Media Release
   Appointment brings unique perspective to                efforts in helping educate the Australian public
   Council of the Australian War Memorial                  to better understand the sacrifices of our
                                                           serving men and women and their families,
   The Council of the Australian War Memorial
   will benefit from the unique perspectives of its        recognising the scars of their service,” Ms
   latest appointment, Ms Gwen Cherne.                     Cherne said.

   Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester           The Council of the Australian War Memorial
   today announced that Ms Cherne would serve              has oversight of the executive management and
   on the Council for a period of three years,             policies of the Memorial.
   replacing Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN                Mr Chester thanked outgoing member, Rear
   (Ret’d).                                                Admiral Doolan for his dedication and hard
   “Ms Cherne is an active member of the War               work in preserving and sharing Australia’s
   Widows Guild of Australia NSW, and a strong             military history as part of the Council.
   advocate for current serving families and those         Open Arms – Veterans and Families
   who are having difficulty settling into civilian        Counselling, provides support for current and
   life following transition from the defence force,”      ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.
   Mr Chester said.                                        Free and confidential help is available 24/7.
   “Ms Cherne has a wealth of experience                   Phone 1800 011 046
   working in and with government agencies,                (international: +61 1800 011 046 or
   non-government organisations and the United             +61 8 8241 4546) or
   Nations and, as a war widow herself, will have a        visit www.openarms.gov.au
   unique perspective to offer the Council.”

   “I have no doubt Ms Cherne will be an asset to
   the Council and will provide
   valuable insight as the War
   Memorial plans its $500 million
   expansion to proudly tell the
   stories of veterans from recent
   conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq,
   the Solomon Islands and East
   Timor.”

   Acknowledging her new role Ms
   Cherne said, “I am keen to work
   in the interests of veterans and
   the defence community and
   make them proud.”

   “It is important to continue the
   Australian War Memorial’s                  Photo of Minister Darren Chester, Gwen Cherne and DVA Secretary Liz Cosson

22 | GUILD DIGEST | June 2019                                                                                                                   June 2019 | GUILD DIGEST | 23
Women’s Weekly Article - The War Within   Women’s Weekly Article - The War Within

                                                 Re-printed with permission from Women’s Weekly.

24 | GUILD DIGEST | June 2019                                             June 2019 | GUILD DIGEST | 25
Health News                                                                                                                                                                                         Health News

   Going to Hospital?                                  the same type of dementia will be affected in         It is important to remember that the symptoms        Are you eligible for the Commonwealth
                                                       the same way. Memory issues and confusion             may be the result of a medically controllable        Seniors Health Care Card (CHSC)?
   If you are going to hospital please contact us
                                                       are expected, but symptoms can also affect            disease such as urinary tract infection. If you or
   on 02 9267 6577 or toll-free 1800 451 615, to                                                                                                                  War Widows who do not receive the income
                                                       the senses i.e. changes to vision, hearing, taste,
   advise us. On your return home, please let us                                                                                                                  support supplement and are over 60 may
                                                       smell and touch.
   know if you feel you need further information
                                                                                                                                                                  be able to apply for this healthcare card.
   about community services.                           Can we reduce our risk of dementia or
                                                       delay its affects?                                                                                         This means you do not have the Pensioner
   What is dementia?                                                                                                                                              Concession Card (PCC). There is an income
                                                       No matter what age you are, 30, 40 or 80 years
   Our brain controls every aspect of us – who we      of age, it is not too late to maximise your brain                                                          eligibility test. The limit is DIFFERENT to the
   are, (personality) what we do (behaviour), how      health.                                                                                                    test for the income support supplement.
   we think or forget (cognitive), how we move,
   eat and breath (mobility). Dementia can affect      There are 5 simple steps:                                                                                  War Widows currently receive most of the
   all these functions and senses.                                                                                                                                NSW State Government concessions thanks to
                                                       Step 1. Look after your heart.
                                                                                                             your family notice any changes, seek medical         their Gold Card. However many ‘independent
   Most people think dementia is inevitable.           What’s good for your heart is good for your           assistance to get a correct diagnosis. Don’t just    retirees’ have this card to assist with medical
   The likelihood will increase as we age but not      brain. If left untreated, high blood pressure, high   shrug it off that you are getting older.
   everyone will be diagnosed or show signs of         cholesterol and type 2 diabetes can damage the                                                             expenses.    There have been NSW State
   dementia and it is not necessarily hereditary.      blood vessels in the brain. This affects brain        Even if you are diagnosed with dementia there        election promises that CHSC card holders
   The incidence does increase with age, under         function and thinking skills.                         are many support services available for you
                                                                                                                                                                  will now be entitled to an energy concession.
   50 years ratio is 1:10,000, 55-60 years 1:500,                                                            and your family. You can put in place strategies
                                                       Step 2. Be physically active.                                                                              PCC card holders and war widows with a Gold
   60-65 1:65. In 2019 there are an estimated                                                                that will delay the progress of the disease and
   447,115 Australians living with dementia,           Exercise gives the brain a healthy boost.             maintain your quality of life including staying at   Card are already entitled to this concession.
   including 27,457 people under 65 years of age.      Physical activity increases the blood flow to the     home.                                                It is anticipated that card holders may obtain
                                                       brain.
                                                                                                             Information sourced from Dementia Australia          further concessions in the future.
   Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a
                                                       Step 3. Mentally challenge your brain.
   group of over 100 medical conditions that have                                                            www.dementia.org.au, Southern Dementia
                                                                                                                                                                  There are differences in age eligibility for war
   an impact on cognitive ability and our ability to   The brain likes to tackle something it doesn’t        Advisory Group www.SouthernDag.org, and
                                                       know. It helps build new brain cells and                                                                   widows between Department of Veterans
   do normal tasks. Although Alzheimer’s disease                                                             University of Tasmania Wicking Dementia
                                                       strengthen connections between the cells.             Research    Centre    www.utas.edu/wicking.          Affairs and Centrelink. Contact DVA for Form
   is the most common condition, other dementia
   related conditions can be a result of Parkinson’s   Step 4. Follow a healthy diet.                        National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500.             No. 3056.
   Disease, vascular diseases, Lewi Body Disease       What you eat can affect your brain. Follow
   and 2016 Fronto Temporal Dementia. It is now        the National Dietary Guidelines by eating a
   the second leading cause of death in Australia.     variety of foods including vegetables, fruit, fish,
                                                       grains, nuts, legumes and lean meats, as well as
   How dementia affects a person can vary with
                                                       reducing food high in saturated fats and having
   the type of dementia, although everyone with
                                                       no more than two standard alcoholic drinks on
                                                       any day.
                                                       Step 5. Enjoy a Social Activity.
                                                       Socialising is also good for the brain. It is
                                                       mentally stimulating and may contribute to
                                                       building brain reserves which then contribute
                                                       to a lower dementia risk. Increasing your
                                                       cognitive reserves may reduce your risk of
                                                       developing dementia or delay being diagnosed
                                                       with dementia.

26 | GUILD DIGEST | June 2019                                                                                                                                                                 June 2019 | GUILD DIGEST | 27
Arthritis NSW                                                                                                                                                                                    Welfare News

   Keep Moving in 2019                                  for many years and found it beneficial for the       Pension Increase                                    The additional support for aged care, both
                                                        osteoarthritis in her knee. However when                                                                 home care packages and residential care will
   The onset of arthritis brings physical limitations
                                                        she added the Strength & Balance program             There was a pension increase from March 20,
   and impacts your ability to work and socialise.                                                                                                               proceed.
                                                        to her exercise regime, she really noticed the       2019.
   The condition affects 1 in 5 Australians, rising
                                                        difference and no longer needs to use a walking      The War Widows’ Pension is now $941.60 per          Also announced was the continuation of the
   to 1 in 3 over the age of 65.
                                                        stick. “About halfway through the term I noticed                                                         Commonwealth Home Support Program to
   Arthritis and Osteoporosis NSW (AONSW)                                                                    fortnight, an increase of $10.10.
                                                        that I didn’t need to use my stick anymore to
   works to improve the quality of life of people                                                                                                                30/6/2022 instead of ending on 30/6/2020.
                                                        walk. I pride myself on that. I have decided to      The maximum income support supplement
   affected by arthritis and promotes the benefits      keep on with the classes. I’d do anything to         is now $278.50 per fortnight, an increase of        This means no changes to community transport
   of exercise as a way to reduce pain and increase     prevent having a knee replacement,” Toni said.       $3.10.                                              and Meals on Wheels for another few years.
   joint flexibility and mobility. For a number of
   years, ANSW has run warm water exercise                                                                   The rates will be indexed again in September.       The Royal Commission into the aged care
                                                        Program Choices
   classes throughout Sydney and recently                                                                                                                        sector should have been finalised by then and
   expanded to Wollongong.                              Both land and water-based programs are               Budget Update
                                                                                                                                                                 recommendations implemented.
                                                        designed to help people reduce pain and regain
   Members are full of praise for the positive                                                               By the time you receive this Digest the outcome
                                                        movement. The best use of the programs                                                                   All parties have agreed on income support
   impact the regular exercise is having on their                                                            of the Federal Election will be known. Most of
                                                        depends on each person’s health, fitness level                                                           recipients receiving a one-off energy assistance
   lives. One of them, Roslyn Large, who has                                                                 the 2019 Budget requires legislation changes,
                                                        and goals.
   osteoarthritis in her knee, began attending the                                                           which may or may not happen with the new            payment in June 2019. At this stage no further
   warm water classes at Mowll Village in 2018          1. For those with a lower level of fitness or with   government, regardless of who wins.                 information is available.
   and recommenced the class this year. ‘The               pain that is easily triggered, warm water
   classes help the mobility of my knee and stop           classes may be a gentler introduction to
   it from stiffening up. I can do more if I keep          exercise. The warmth can also help reduce                                                                                              Transport News
   exercising and it’s easier for me to exercise in        pain.
                                                                                                             We are pleased to inform you that the Guild has     • Members will provide the cabcharge
   water,’ Roslyn said.                                 2. If people feel the pool exercises are too
                                                                                                             decided to improve the process for organising         vouchers to the taxi driver on the day of
   The role of the warm water in your exercise             easy, their benefits have plateaued or they
                                                                                                             transport to club meetings and major Guild            travel
   class is two-fold: not only does it soothe and          are wanting to improve in more functional
                                                           tasks, a land-based strength program is           events. The intention is to ensure that we
   support your body, it also offers resistance                                                                                                                  Letters were sent out in April to those members
                                                           likely to be a great benefit.                     better manage social isolation for our members
   to your movements, acting somewhat like a                                                                                                                     who regularly utilise the Guild Transport
                                                                                                             who are not able to attend via transport or
   weight to help strengthen your muscles while         3. Those with higher fitness levels may find
                                                                                                             drive. With this change the Guild has budgeted      service. Please refer to the Transport Policy
   you exercise.                                           they can do both.
                                                                                                             for those members that are eligible to have the     on our website to see if you are eligible for this
   The warm water classes are held in six locations                                                          entire cost of the return trip paid for. That is,   benefit and for further details. If you did not
   in Sydney and one in Wollongong, our most
                                                                                                             eligible members will no longer be required to      receive a letter, but think you qualify, please
   recent venue.
                                                                                                             make the $15 contribution towards the fare.         contact the Guild on 02 9267 6577 or toll-free
   Walking Unaided                                                                                           As of 1 May 2019, the following process will        1800 451 615.
                                                                                                             become effective:
   AONSW has also developed a land-based
   strength and balance program which is running                                                             • Eligible members are to contact the Guild
   at two Sydney venues after being piloted in                                                                 and request the number of cabcharge                              THANK YOU
   2018. The classes were developed based on                                                                   vouchers that they will need to attend                    We wish to thank our transport
   research that found a combination of land-             Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW delivers
                                                                                                               Guild/Social club meetings or major Guild              providers who make all of this possible:
   based and warm water exercises gave optimum            supervised warm water classes and
                                                                                                               Events for the year                                 Premier              Hornsby Ku-ring-gai CT
   results.                                               strength and balance classes in Sydney and
                                                          Wollongong. Visit arthritisnsw.org.au to           • The Guild will mail out the requested               St George Cabs       Katoomba Radio Cabs
   Member Toni Fitzpatrick found this to be
                                                          locate a class near you or call us on 02 9857        number of cabcharge vouchers to the                 Newcastle Limos      Nambucca Taxis
   true when she attended Strength & Balance
                                                          3300 for all the details. We expand our class        member                                              Stryder CT           Prime Limos
   classes in Term 4 2018 at the Royal North
                                                          reach each term so you never know when a                                                                 Kat Hire Cars
   Shore Hospital. Toni had been swimming laps,                                                              • Members will need to contact a taxi service
                                                          class will open near you.
   followed by water exercises four times a week                                                               to book the required travel

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section
  Guildname
        and Social Club News                                                                       Guild and Social Club News

                                                                               Hornsby Guild Social Club day out in Lavender Bay

                                Campsie WWG ladies celebrated their
                                65th anniversary

                                                                               Port Macquarie Club Meeting

                                Our CEO, Madeline Dermatossian, was the key
                                speaker at Cronulla Guild Club Meeting

                                                                               Lismore Guild Social Club Meeting

                                Foster-Tuncurry Club are lucky to have two
                                current members who served in WWII:
                                Jean Green (ACW, WAAF, served at
                                Rathmines in the Fabric Section on Catalina
                                aircraft) and Lucy Thompson (Corporal, WAAF.   Sydney Younger Members’ Saturday group. The YM’s group
                                Messing Section – Canberra/Nowra/ Sydney/      enjoyed a friendly lunch and catch-up following the monthly
                                Catherine Hill Bay)                            meeting held on 13 April at City Tattersalls Club

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section
  Members’
        nameNews                                                                                                                                                                        Members’
                                                                                                                                                                                           section
                                                                                                                                                                                                 News
                                                                                                                                                                                                   name

                                                                                                                                                                VALE
                                                                                                                                                             Yvonne Wisbey.
                                                                                                                                    Yvonne was the Parramatta Vice-President 2007-2009 and President
                                                                                                                                     2009-2010, as well as the Treasurer for many years (2010 – 2017).
                                                                                                                                     Yvonne only gave up being Treasurer when Parramatta became a
                                                                                                                                          Social Club. She also attended many of our events.

                                                                                                                                                     VALE
                                                                                                                                The following friends will also be sorely missed
                                                                                                                      Anne Thomson, Mosman                      Lexie Shearstone, Goulburn
                                                                                                                 Anne Colquhoun, Centennial Park                 Margaret Clancy, Revesby
                                                            Nancy Allen’s 100th birthday lunch                       Barbara Ramsay, Glenbrook                Margaret Philpott, Batehaven
                                                                                                                 Barbara Greig, Stanhope Gardens                 Margaret Cox, Bateau Bay
                                                                               New Members                            Betty Barrett, Balgowlah                    Marie Geddes, Mosman
                                                                                                                    Betty Johnston, Cherrybrook                Marie Wright, Laidley South
                                                                               The Guild warmly welcomes the          Betty Gerdes, Eagle Vale
                                                                               following new members:                                                         Marion Underwood, Cessnock
                                                                                                                     Betty Mitchell, Chester Hill                 Mary Hamnett, Dubbo
                                                                               Edith Skues, Beacon Hill                 Charity Lesnik, Farrer
                                                                                                                                                                    Mary Honner, Yass
                                                                               Margaret Peterson, Mollymook           Colleen Hughes, Gosford
                                                                                                                                                                 Mary Smart, Fennell Bay
                                                                               Margaret Brentnall, Long Jetty            Dawn Hall, Cronulla
                                                                                                                                                              Mary Williams, Old Toongabbie
                                                                               Dallas Alderson, Londonderry           Dorothy Fleming, Nowra
                                                                                                                                                                  Mary Satchell, Kurnell
                                                                                                                    Dorothy McCarthy, Prestons
                                                                               Jacqui Pobjoy, Queanbeyan East                                                  Miriam Davis, Glenfield Park
                                                                                                                     Dorothy Dowling, Miranda
                                                                               Helen Miller, Rankin Park                                                       Navelle Hundt, Northbridge
                                                                                                                       Dulcie Boyd, Goulburn
                                                                               Beryl Cross, Gunnedah                                                          Norma Hinshaw, Goonellabah
                                                                                                                 Elizabeth Coles, North Parramatta
            Gladys Williams loved the flowers that the Guild sent              Betty Smith, Macquarie Park
                        to her for her 100th birthday                                                                  Ellen Thomas, Buttaba                    Norma Barham, Balgownie
                                                                               Carol Tyler, South Penrith               Eva Lynch, Glenbrook                   Olive Houlison, Marrangaroo
                                                                               Denise Wilson, Bateau Bay             Evelyn Mulcahy, Kooringal                   Pat Boissery, Punchbowl
                                                                               Suzanne Heyworth, Tennyson Cove      Florence Dent, Tuggerawong                Patricia Pritchard, Hawks Nest
                Happy 100th Birthday                                           Rona Jarrett, Albury                   Gladys Ashcroft, Belmore                 Phyllis Phippard, Glenhaven
                                                                               Joan Wren, Plumpton                    Helena Swain, Gunnedah                      Renee Allen, Little Bay
                      Mrs Dorothy Davids
                                                                               Yvonne Newmarch, Gerringong            Jean Hulme, Copacabana                       Robina Kinred, Eden
                      Mrs Grace Denholm
                                                                               Helen Wrightson, Junee                  Joan Curtis, Blacktown                  Shirley Drew, Menai Central
                        Mrs Rita Slattery                                                                               Joyce Lawler, Bangor                  Shirley Naftel, Salamander Bay
                    Mrs Bertha (Betty) Kay                                                                             Joyce Trevillien, Manly                 Sylvia Colwill, West Wyalong
                   Mrs Marjorie Chapman                                        Life Members                           June Finkelde, Kooringal                   Valda Culley, Naremburn
                       Mrs Valerie Barton                                      Mrs Helen Hughes                   Kazuko Nelson, Salamander Bay                  Valerie Mcnabb, Orange
                      Mrs Norma Straney                                        Mrs Patricia Kennedy
                        Mrs Doreen Lane                                        Mrs Erica Mayers
                                                                               Mrs Betty Redfern

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