Mission accepted: Support group empowers women veterans
The Women Veterans Network Australia is helping people across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven
For women, life in the defence force and the transition to civilian life afterwards hits differently. The Women Veterans Network Australia is helping to change the narrative for female veterans with a not-for-profit support network open to all female veterans in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
Shellharbour resident Michelle Halilovic, the regional coordinator, stepped up to the challenge of running a support group in the hope she can help veteran women as they face many challenges both in service and in civilian life that need to be acknowledged and supported.
“We have felt pushed aside, not important enough," she says.
"Women do make up a smaller section of the defence force, but we are out there and we have the same issues as male veterans and more. We have bad backs, feet, knees, ankle problems, loss, mental health issues, plus hip and back issues, and womb, pelvic and reproductive issues.
"Also, when attending veteran events – it is assumed that we are a man’s wife or daughter, when in fact some of us did overseas deployments in war zones – we did the hard stuff, too.”
The group is run by women veterans for women veterans, providing support, connection and a safe space.
Michelle says she is hoping through this group she can help women veterans be proud of their service and stand together, not feel invisible or unseen.
Michelle joined the Australian Army straight from high school and served her country for seven years. Her career spanned three overseas deployments to the Solomon Islands, Iraq and Pakistan, time away from home and working/living in harsh environments.
Michelle as a recruit and, at right, in the Solomon Islands
When it came time to leave the defence force and make a change with her life, Michelle wanted her service and time as a veteran recognised, but after attending many commemoration services on Anzac Day and Remembrance days, she felt left out.
Michelle says: “I wanted to show off my medals on these days and feel proud. I was told on too many occasions that I was wearing my father’s medals, but I wasn’t.”
“I want to provide a group that women veterans in the Illawarra can feel comfortable coming to. I want them to know that it is out there and that they can turn up now or in a few years’ time.”
The group meets monthly and covers the Shellharbour, Wollongong and Nowra areas.
For further details, contact Michelle Halilovic, regional coordinator, South Coast NSW Group, Women Veterans Network Australia. Email southcoastnsw@wvna.org.au or visit www.wvna.org.au
Remembrance Day: 11 November
November 11 marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I. Every year since 1919, many nations have paused on Remembrance Day in memory of service people who died.
It’s a day for people to acknowledge the service personnel who have died while serving, including in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, people in Australia and other countries pause for a minute of silent reflection in memory of those who died while in military service.
RSL Remembrance Day services will be held Australia-wide on November 11. These events are free and open to everyone in the community. Find more information here.
