Inaugural event celebrates female veterans

Last published on 16 Mar 2021 

The service of veterans who are women was celebrated at a new event in Sydney during Women’s Week.

Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the dinner and networking event recognised the considerable achievements of female veterans.

“Women have served in every conflict in Australian military history from nurses in the Boer War to the modern Defence Force,” Mr Lee said.

“The achievements women have made over these 120 years or so, are significant and valued by the communities they return home to.

“We recognise service is diverse and will continue to work with veterans who are women, to ensure they are heard and supported as they move into civilian life.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said that the event was a fantastic addition to the 2021 NSW Women’s Week.

“This event is a great way of acknowledging the contributions of female veterans as well as providing a wonderful opportunity for these inspirational women to come together, connect over shared experience, find new opportunities and support each other.”

An invite-only, COVID-safe dinner was held at the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park on Monday as part of Women’s Week, which runs 8 - 14 March.

A veterans Women’s Week event will become an annual event, adding to an array of initiatives and programs for NSW veterans and their families.

“There are many opportunities available to veterans and I encourage them to consider our education scholarships and employment program,” Mr Lee added.

The Veterans Employment Program is one way the NSW Government supports veterans transitioning from the Defence Force into civilian life.

The program is ahead of its target to employ 1,000 veterans in new roles by 2023, with more than 950 veterans securing jobs in the NSW public sector.

“We’re extremely proud to see more than 300 veterans employed in the public sector across six months last year,” Mr Lee said.

For more information on veteran programs, visit Prime Minister's Veterans' employment program.