An initiative of The National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) in conjunction with The University of Melbourne
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Australian Women's Army Service Association (WA) Inc. was formed in Perth, Western Australia 1947. It was originally established to extend welfare assistance, promote social gatherings and foster goodwill to former members of the Australian Women's Army Service, especially by way of annual reunions. As the need arose the Association become involved with pension and aged care assistance.
In 1947 the Australian Women's Army Service Association (WA) Inc. was formed after a public meeting was held in Perth. The Association was originally established to extend welfare assistance, promote social gatherings and foster goodwill to former members of the Australian Women's Army Service, especially by way of annual reunions. As the need arose the Association become involved with pension and aged care assistance.
Each year the Association holds a reunion as well as other gatherings arranged by the committee. Also members are hospital and army museum volunteers and participate in contingent marches on Anzac Day. A quarterly newsletter is sent to members informing them of current developments and Association news.
In 1966 the Association presented seats, a sundial and birdbath to the Returned & Services League War Veterans' Home in Mt Lawley. A year later a time capsule was buried under the birdbath and unveiled at the 2002 annual reunion. In 1991, at the National Reunion for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Service, 805 members with the West Command Band were in attendance. A contingent of over 50 members went to Darwin for the Australia Remembers celebrations held in 1995 and in 2001 members attended a diamond jubilee celebration.
The Association has lodged paybooks, uniforms and other memoribilia with the Army Museum, Fremantle and the Princess Royal Fortress, Albany.
Sources used to compile this entry: Information supplied by Elsie Solly AM, President of the Australian Women's Army Service Association (WA) Inc.
Anne Heywood
Created: 1 September 2003, Last modified: 12 June 2009
http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE0520b.htm
I am a friend of Marjory Newick who served for four years in the AWAS. I believe she is eligible for the Defence Medal. Unfortunately she cannot recal her Regimental Number. Can you provide it.
Mike Burgess - 5 May 2011, 2:04 PM EST
Mike, you need to contact the organisation itself as we do not have that information.
AWAP Administrator - 5 May 2011, 5:10 PM EST
I have my Mum's copy of "We Answered The Call" by Eileen Tucker & the regimental Nos are listed in the back.
Newick.Marjorie J. WF36812.. Hope this helps. I'm trying to track an Aunts years of service that are not recorded in said book.
alison - 16 May 2011, 7:07 PM EST