Dear resident,
It’s a sad reality, but there are conflicts happening all around the world.
There are wars in Ethopia and Yemen, a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan, and of course, global powers in standoffs over Ukraine.
And sadly, with the casualties that occur in war, comes the loved ones that are left behind. Alarmingly, the total number of women widowed across the globe as a result of the first world war is estimated to be 3 to 4 million.
The War Widows Guild of Australia supports and advocates for all War Widows from all conflicts.
The Guild was established in 1945 by the late Mrs Jessie Mary Vasey, with the smallest of beginnings, focusing on teaching handweaving and other crafts to women who lost their loved ones to war. She singlehandedly grew the organisation, which now supports something like 61,500 War Widows across Australia.
Not only does the Guild provide counselling and financial assistance to War Widows, but it’s a safe space for likeminded women who help each other heal from their losses.
And it’s only fitting that we acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by War Widows across the country on 19 October – the birthday of the founder, Mrs Vasey.
A small token from the NSW Government, but a special day where the state officially recognised and honoured the widows of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our nation.
Council also played its part by marking the inaugural War Widows Day, with a dedication ceremony at the memorial site at Bass Hill.
It was wonderful to meet and talk to the beautiful women who have contributed so much to our City, and who carry themselves with such strength and grace.
The ceremony was tinged with a touch of sadness, as two wreaths were placed at the memorial site. Both in recognition of War Widows, and in memory of Norma Pat Holdorf, president of the Bankstown War Widows Guild, who was a driving influence behind the event.
I encourage you all to visit the memorial at Edna Street, along the Hume Highway at Bass Hill and reflect on all War Widows, past and present. We will remember them.
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR
The World Observer Media produces a daily online newspaper, a daily Arabic online newspaper and a monthly printed Arabic/English magazine and a weekly printed Arabic/English newspaper.
The World Observer Media’s mission is to entertain and educate all generation from the Ethnic Communities in Australia, who are interested in local, national and foreign information. 
