I am fortunate enough to be a Council Member at the AWM. A place that I believe is truly the spiritual home of our ADF and a national treasure. A place that does not glorify war, however a special place that pays tribute to all who paid the ultimate sacrifice and to those who served our Nation.  

At the AWM, in the Boer War (South Africa) section, of the Roll of Honour, is the name of ……Francis Emma “Fanny” Hines. The first recorded female, who died on active service.

Fanny, a nurse from Victoria, died of pneumonia, in 1900 overseas, at the age of 36, along with 26 of her patients

Additionally, between 1914 and 1918 during WW1 23 other Female names also appear on the roll of honour.

Beneath the Cloisters which adorn on the walls the roll of honour – the Pool of reflection leads up to the Hall of Memory, which houses the tomb of the unknown soldier. The glass frosted windowpanes adorn beautiful mozakes of our females forbears Notably the word Devotion, appears, with these pictures. 

They are females who served, during WW1 and WW2. They stand in silence, whilst gazing inwards, with their fellow male counterparts.

Let me share with you a synopsis of female service, to our Nation,

WW1 1914 – 1918

23 nurses paid the ultimate sacrifice. Data indicates some 2000 served Overseas. Primarily in Medical treatment roles – that including Casualty Collection Points in the Battle areas; hence one could say there were combat related then and there.

WW2  1939  - 1945

This time frame saw the Formal establishment of ADF Women’s Branches.

The Australian Women’s Army Service recorded 24,000 initially enlisted and some 70,000 served. 180 made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives. They made up what was then referred to as an Ancillary Force, not merely Medical / Nursing. These women filled a variety of new roles, a non-exhaustive list being – Dvrs – Catering, Wpns Testing, Survey and Logistical related jobs. Unfortunately, their pay was that of only 2/3rds of their male counterparts.

In addition, many other women, contributed to the war effort, although not in uniform. The National Women’s Emergency Legion, which was raised in Brisbane in 1938, by way of one such example.

Furthermore, not to be forgotten was the Women’s Land Army, which was raised in 1942, to support critical Industry on the land. History records 238,000 full time members serving.

Given proven capability and the need to support a growing combat force, The Australian Women’s Army Service, was formed in 1941. However, a few short years later, given the conclusion of WW2, it was disbanded.

Government approval in 1950, was given for the raising of a Women’s Corps, the Women’s Australian Army Corps, forming part of the Australian Military Forces. This change was driven primarily given growing concerns regarding the Korean War. Many of these stalwarts had served in the Australian Women’s Army Service, years earlier.

​June 1951, saw King George VI grant the addition of the suffix “Royal” to the Corps name hence the birth of the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps.

The aim remained to enlist women to replace men, so as to increase combat related capability on a war preparation footing. WRAAC Roles, both Regular and Part Time, were similar to that of Ancillary and Women’s Army Service, however increased somewhat, in addition to them having formal promotion courses established, in both OR and OFFR streams. Of note in 1969 the marriage bar was lifted, which formally did not allow married women to join.

Finally in the late 70’s WRAAC soldiers began to be integrated into the Army at large.  This laid the platform as years went by for female soldiers to be posted to combat related roles, in the late 90’s and then in 2016, fill combat related roles including command positions in many of the Army’s Arms Corps.

Alas in 1984 the WRAAC was disbanded, however the WRAAC’s legacy was profound, & its influence persisted, with many women in the corps continuing their careers in the military, government, and other sectors. Those women I believe laid the foundation for future generations of women to enter the workforce in a variety of fields, challenging perceived male only roles in Australian society.

We don’t have to look far to see this change – which is truly now the normal, in Government or the Private Sector roles.

Of note over 20% of Army’s strength is female whilst there are over 450 currently posted to Combat / War Fighting Roles.  

​So as requested now a little about me.

I have always said I come from 3 families. My Aboriginal side of my mother. My ancestral English side of my father and then my military family. All 3 make me what I am – this being a proud Qlder and Australian.

I grew up the youngest of 11 on NSI.