Statement on the closure of Australian War Widows
A message from Australian War Widows Incorporated
We are deeply saddened to advise that the national organisation of Australian War Widows Incorporated (AWW Inc.) was wound up on 16 June 2026.
Please be assured that the state branches in the ACT, NSW, Queensland and WA will continue to operate and provide unwavering support to war widows across Australia.
Our purpose and proud history
Australian War Widows Incorporated was an incorporated association formed by state and territory war widows organisations. Our core purpose has always been to advocate for and protect the interests of Australian war widows.
The War Widows Guild of Australia was first established in Victoria in 1945. NSW, Queensland, the ACT, SA, WA and Tasmania were established in the following years. Our national federation was proudly led by our visionary founder, Jessie Vasey CBE OBE, until her passing in 1966. Since then, the leadership of AWW Inc. has been drawn from its dedicated member states.
Over the decades, AWW Inc. has achieved incredible milestones for war widows around the country – including the establishment of our nationally commemorated War Widows Day.
The future of advocacy
The national organisation was created by Jessie Vasey many years ago out of a critical need to advocate on behalf of all Australian war widows at a federal level. While federal advocacy remains vital, the landscape has evolved. Today, our state branches are fully equipped to carry out this essential function.
Australian War Widows ACT, NSW, Queensland and WA will continue to work collaboratively to advocate for, and support, war widows around the country. Your voice will not be lost.
The reason for this decision
Since 2017, AWW Inc. has operated with 5 member states. Following the voluntary winding up of AWW South Australia Incorporated in December 2025, AWW Inc. no longer met the legal criteria required to maintain our status as an incorporated association.
Over the past 6 months, we have worked tirelessly alongside our state branches to find a viable solution to ensure the continuation of the national organisation. Regrettably, we have been unable to find a sustainable path forward.
With sincere gratitude
To our partners, colleagues and all those we have worked with over the decades: Thank you for your enduring commitment to the ex-service community.
To our beloved war widows: We are deeply saddened to be closing our doors after so many years, but we take comfort in knowing that the vital advocacy and support you deserve will continue through our amazing state branches. Thank you for your steadfast support.
As we close this chapter, we ask you to always remember our war widows’ motto:
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.