Australian women’s war service finally recognised

Ninety-one years after the first military bravery awards were awarded to Australian women, the story of Australian women’s service from the Boer War to now, has been immortalised in a publication launched by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.

Mr Griffin said Australian Women and War explores the rich, but often untold, story of women in the services, and on the home front in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

“Women have always played a strong part in our wartime history, yet too little is known of their contribution,” Mr Griffin said.

“During more than a century of service, we have seen the gender barriers dismantled, with women serving in key operational positions and today being among the leaders in the Australian Defence Force,” he said. 

The book also chronicles the vital contribution of women on the home front, as fund raisers, in voluntary organisations, in taking on traditionally male occupations, and in supporting the families of those in theatres of war and the men who did not return. 

“Illustrated with some 300 images, the book is a fascinating account of the determination of women to serve, and their remarkable achievements.”

Women now make up 13% of the Australian Defence Force. 

Australian Women and War was written by Associate Professor Melanie Oppenheimer, and is published by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 

Copies can be ordered from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.