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36 TPI VICTORIA INC. • CHINup WINTER 2018 • WWW.TPIVIC.COM

Waverley. In 1976, Kath joined the War Additionally she has given considerable support to
Widows Guild and Vasey Housing Ltd, which was the neighbours experiencing illness and problems and
housing company of the War Widows Guild. Both immigrants experiencing re-settlement problems.
companies were raising funds and acquiring
properties to provide low cost but quality New neighbours can expect fresh veggies from her
accommodation for ex-service women, war widows garden, baked goodies and a cheerful welcome and
and their families. In 1980 Kathleen’s husband died, his regular support.
death attributed to war service and Kath became
sole parent of three stepchildren and was now herself In 2017, Kath was awarded the Sir John Monash
a war widow. Award by the City of Monash for her contribution to
the local community. There would have been many
From 1976 to 1983 after many years volunteering she ex-service widows and families who live within the
was appointed to the Fund Raising Committee of electorate who would have benefited from the
Vasey Housing , and in 1998 joined the Vasey Housing organisation, which she has served so selflessly and so
Board Ltd where she become involved in selection of well.
land for suitable development, site development and
construction for new accommodation. This involved Kath was a proud flag raiser for the City of Monash in
arranging the sale of properties, which were in need 2018 at their Australia Day Celebrations when she was
of significant refurbishment with the sale proceeds joined Wurundjeri Eldar, Ian Hunter and Mayor Cr.
used to build newer accommodation that is more Paul Klisaris (as seen in the photo, which was taken by
appropriate. Jorge de Araujo).

In 2006, Vasey Housing Ltd and the RSL housing As mentioned, in 2018 Kath has received an Order of
subsidiaries amalgamated to become Vasey RSL Australia; however, it must be highlighted that Kath
Care Ltd and Kathleen retired from the Board. Kath has always shunned recognition of her work preferring
remained on the War Widows’ Guild Victorian to “get on with it”. This is why we celebrate Kath and
committee, which she joined in 1998, and remains all the other Kaths’ (or Ken’s) who go above and
today at the wonderful age of 91 years old and she is beyond for others.
still advocating for war widows and their families.
If you are at that stage in life when you have some
Kathleen has also been a zone representative for spare time then I would encourage you to consider
Neighbourhood Watch for Monash Area 24 since volunteering. You will be surprised to find that not only
1995 during which she has distributed newsletters and do you enhance the life of those you assist but enrich
contributed to the continued administration and your own by doing so.
operation of the area. Jill Wilmott
War Widows’ Guild - Victoria

Pilot: “Folks, we have reached our cruising altitude now, so I
am going to switch the seat belt sign off. Feel free to move
about as you wish, but please stay inside the plane till we
land...it’s a bit cold outside, and if you walk on the wings it
affects the flight pattern.”

And on arriving at London's Heathrow Airport, the Pilot
announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to report
that we have arrived on time since, owing to a stroke of luck,
we managed to find the airport at the first attempt."

And Remember, "As you exit the plane, please make sure to
gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be
distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do
not leave children or spouses.”