80 years of Australian War Widows

A message from Australian War Widows Inc. 

An enduring history with a legacy of strength and support

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Australia mourned the loss of thousands of servicemen, leaving behind a generation of women facing an uncertain future. 

Recognising their shared grief and the significant challenges ahead, one remarkable woman, Jessie Mary Vasey, took decisive action. On 22 November 1945, in Victoria, she brought together a group of war widows and founded the Australian War Widows Craft Guild, laying the foundation for what would become the War Widows’ Guild of Australia. 

Jessie became the first President and remained in the role until her passing in 1966. She was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1950 and its Commander (CBE) in 1963 for her service to war widows. 

Jessie Vasey, widowed following the tragic death of her husband Major General George Alan Vasey, understood first-hand the isolation and hardship these women faced. Her vision was to create a self-help organisation where war widows could find companionship, mutual support, and a collective voice to advocate for their rights and welfare. 

The initial meetings focused on practical assistance. Craft groups were formed, providing not only a creative outlet but also a means for widows to supplement their often meagre pensions through the sale of their handiwork. This spirit of self-reliance and shared endeavour quickly resonated and the Guild expanded across the nation, establishing branches in New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. 

From its inception, the Guild became a powerful advocate for war widows. Under Jessie Vasey’s leadership, the organisation successfully lobbied governments for improved pensions, housing, children’s allowances and healthcare benefits, and even built self-care units for war widows across several states. 

The Guild adopted a powerful motto, an extract from King George VI’s 1941 Christmas message: 'We all belong to each other. We all need each other. It is in serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life.' This ethos of unity and mutual support has remained central to the organisation’s work today. 

Another enduring symbol of the Guild is its badge, featuring a kookaburra alighting on a branch of gum leaves. Designed by Hungarian sculptor Andor Mészáros, the kookaburra was chosen by Jessie Vasey for its industrious and cheerful nature, its lifelong mating habits, and its fearless defence of its young – qualities she saw reflected in the war widows themselves. The kookaburra’s unique “laugh” was a call to win the widow back to laughter. A symbol of hope and the possibility of finding joy again after loss.

By the time of Jessie Mary Vasey’s death, the War Widows’ Guild of Australia had grown into an influential national lobby group. Over the decades, it continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of its members and the broader veteran community, establishing social clubs, providing information, advice and support services. 

In a significant step towards inclusivity, the organisation officially changed its name in 2020 to Australian War Widows (AWW). This change reflected a desire to acknowledge and support a broader range of women who had lost partners due to war and defence service, regardless of the nature of their partner’s passing. 

In 2022, the first War Widows Day was commemorated in Queensland and New South Wales. In the following years, this day was recognised in the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Victoria. On 19 October 2025, War Widows Day will recognise the 80th anniversary of the founding of our organisation.

Today, Australian War Widows continues the legacy established by Jessie Vasey, providing vital support, advocacy and companionship to war widows across the country. The organisation remains a steadfast beacon of strength, resilience and unwavering support for those women and their children who have borne the profound loss of a partner who served our nation. Our history is a testament to the power of unity in the face of adversity and the enduring spirit of Australian women. 

If you are a war widow(er) and you would like to know more about connecting with others in your area, or you would like to be part of War Widows Day this year, please contact the AWW Office on 0427 735 871 or wwidowsnat@bigpond.com and we will direct you to one of the state or territory branches.