The Inaugural War Widows Day and 75th Anniversary of the War Widows Guild

Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Olympics, the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP; Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans' Affairs and COVID Economic Recovery, Mr Bart Mellish MP; Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mr Jarrod Bleijie MP; Members of Parliament; Australian War Widows Queensland, Chairman, Mr Stephen Scott, State President, Mrs Jenny Gregory, Board Directors and Members; the Vasey family; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging, including any First Nations people here with us today.

It gives me enormous pleasure to join you for this important, and auspicious milestone in the history of Australian War Widows Queensland.

Seventy-five years ago, the remarkable Jessie Mary Vasey arrived in Toowoomba to establish the first branch of the organisation in our State.

Jessie was a woman ahead of her time.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, she quickly recognised a desperate need to focus attention on the plight of the many war widows and their families who were trying to re-establish their lives, while often living with ongoing grief in poverty.

Under her brilliant leadership, widows were brought together through craft and weaving, knowing that once female friendships were formed, confidence would grow, and their combined resilience and resourcefulness would enable them to champion their own needs, and those of their families.

Today, 28 sub-branches and social groups of Australian War Widows Queensland, continue to fulfil Jessie’s vision.  Through kindness and friendship, the organisation has grown to over 2,200 members across Queensland.

Jessie understood that as a community, we have an unfailing duty to ensure that the dependents of those who give their lives while serving our country are offered support to attain a life free from adversity and hardship.

Today, the 19th of October, is Jessie Vasey’s birthday, and I am incredibly proud, as Governor and as Patron, to be present on this inaugural War Widow’s Day.

I wholeheartedly congratulate Australian War Widows Queensland, and the Queensland Government, for their initiative in instigating a day of annual recognition. In so doing, our State is setting a leading example to all Australians.

Each year, from this day forward, all Queenslanders will have the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices and hardships our Defence Families face, when a loved one loses their life in service.

I commend the Board of War Widows Queensland, their dedicated staff and the mighty team of unflagging and devoted volunteers, for your generous and life changing work and advocacy.

Jessie would be so proud of what you have all achieved.

So now, let’s come together in friendship and celebration, to enjoy this wonderful luncheon.

Thank you.