Veterans Wives Group |
Newsletter on the Net - No. 2 - 9 October 2002Eleven ladies attended on Wednesday evening. It was great to see everyone. We generally have different girls come along, as some are off on their 'round Australia' treks or 'just gone North for winter'. The best thing is that it doesn't matter when you are able to come, and there is always someone to catch up with, as there was again this time. It's great to see that the girls come when they can, and enjoy the company of each other. We have had some success with our web site, in the way of e-mails from the country areas that do not have easy access to groups of wives. Tim has updated again & we have some photos of our first trip away last year. We have sent off six applications from sons & daughters to get them involved with the counselling service, and have been told that a series of meetings is being planned in the near future. It is a beginning! I believe there will be publicity in the local papers asking for any more starters. Four of us went to Canberra with our husbands to attend the rededication of the Vietnam Memorial. It was an amazing weekend, catching up with lots of other wives and discovering the need to get a listing collated of different wives group around Australia. We hope to do this with help from anyone who knows of groups for Vietnam (etc) wives/widows etc. I believe there are a number throughout Australia. It does not matter if they are affiliated with anyone or not, I would appreciate being contacted with a name & number (or e-mail), so that I can set up a list which can be passed on by request. I will not put it on the web, as some may not feel comfortable with their details being so easily accessible. Please contact me if you know any of these groups. We have had new cards printed and laminated to increase awareness of the group, web and e-mails. A large number were handed out to wives while in Canberra, and some were given to husbands (even an ex) to pass on for us. The great thing about the group is that the husbands are very supportive. Interesting to note, at the rededication the speaker mentioned the help for families (in the general sense), veterans & sons and daughters. But sadly we feel the wives need a little more support. There are still many wives/etc, that do not realise 'that they are not alone!' It is up to us to support each other, and point out what is available in the way of help. A few of the girls & partners are off to 'Glen Comrie Park' in Drouin in November. It is great weekend for Veterans & their families & well worth the trip. You are able to camp in a tent, van etc. It is from Fri 8th to Sun 10th. If you are interested call the park direct to let them know you are coming. Each year guys catch up with mates they have not seen for a long time. Groups come from all over Vic to compete for the "Pigs Arse" award by throwing gumboots etc. It is a fun weekend! Our Wednesday evening was a great success again; come along we'd love to see you. Keep well and Smile Sylvia Condon What else is News?Updates to this site Diane's story is now available on 'Our Stories' - click here to check it out! |
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