Widows in support

THE support of the Australian War Widows is what helped Townsville’s Suzi Vincent from falling in the deep, dark hole of grief following her Vietnam veteran husband’s death.

Mrs Vincent said when her husband, Tony, passed away unexpectedly in 2011 from warrelated melanoma at age 61, she felt as if her whole world had collapsed in front of her.

“Of course it is the most dreadful of times, the most heartbreaking of times,” she said. “I feel blessed though that I was referred to the Australian War Widows.

“The friendships and support I have received over the years have been invaluable.

“My closest friends now are war widows and I never take the friendships I have with them for granted.

“To have the support of people who have travelled a similar journey to your own is so important.”

Mrs Vincent has been appointed Australian War Widows Townsville sub- branch president and says she can’t help but sing the praises of the organisation.

“It saved me from living a lonely and isolated existence after my husband passed,” she said. “I want to make sure no war widow has to go through a passing of their spouse without the support network the organisation can offer.”

Mrs Vincent said about 50 war widows met every month in Townsville.

“We’re hoping to increase our visibility here in Townsville and are inviting people to join us,” he said. “Not only do we provide opportunities for social events and gatherings, we also offer advocacy and representation, information and referral to name a few.”

The Australian War Widows Queensland CEO Sonja Gilchrist was in Townsville yesterday to meet members.

Ms Gilchrist said younger war widows were also invited to join their local group to access services and advocacy programs.

“We realise that some of our younger members are time poor however we would still like to see them represented,” she said.

“But we also offer associat- ed memberships to family members, other ex- service organisation members, friends, wellwishers and supporters.”

Ms Gilchrist said planning was well advanced for two major events in Townsville this year: a Mother’s Day function on May 19 and a Friendship Day on August 7.

Ms Gilchrist said free child minding would be available for registered Mother’s Day cocktail function attendees.

The Friendship Day luncheon will be held at the Carlton Theatre at Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village in Condon.

Go to warwidowsqld. org. au.