This exhibition presents the roles and responsibilities of Australian women during the turbulent times of the World Wars.
From the initial involvement in domestic and international volunteer groups and fundraisers, to their push to be involved and part of the national war services, becoming a key part of the machine helping to keep Australia running during wartime.
Their roles were often uncelebrated and forgotten, conducted in the background of the frontlines and on the home ground.
From tending to the wounded on the frontlines to intercepting and decoding messages, these women worked tirelessly, making extraordinary sacrifices and enduring immense challenges.
Exhibition Details
World War One
When World War One began, most Australian women were homemakers, managing domestic duties regardless of their marital status. Fewer than one in five were employed, and those who worked were typically confined to traditional roles such as factory hands or domestic servants.
The introduction of conscription in 1915 dramatically increased the need for female labour. Women began to move beyond the confines of the home and textile factories, taking on positions as ticket collectors, postal workers, railway guards, police officers, and even firefighters.
Throughout the war, Australian women made vital contributions to the national war effort. From nursing in the Australian Army, volunteering with the Red Cross, fundraising and supporting soldiers from home. They played a critical role in manufacturing and healthcare, producing weapons and ammunition in munitions factories and caring for the wounded in hospitals and medical facilities.
Nurses
Service roles included nursing, while civilian volunteers could serve in medical support roles, and Voluntary Aid Detachments. Australian women, known as 'Bluebirds' due to their uniforms, served as Red Cross nurses in military hospitals in France. Canteens in Egypt were set up for Australian troops by women volunteers.
World War I records show that:
- 2,139 women served in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS)
- 130 women worked with the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service in the British Army
- 423 women served in hospitals in Australia.
Volunteering across the World Wars
Women were strongly encouraged to support the war effort by joining voluntary organisations that raised funds and provided essential supplies and comforts for servicemen. Key groups included the Australian Red Cross, Citizens' War Chest, Voluntary Aid Detachments, Australian Comforts Fund, and the Cheer-up Society.
The largest of and most influential ones were officially recognised by the government for their vital role in supporting Australian service men and women, both at home and overseas.
Australian Red Cross Society
The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was established in 1914, shortly after the outbreak of World War I, as a branch of the British Red Cross. It quickly became known for providing "comforts" to soldiers overseas. Thousands of women volunteered their time, raising significant funds and producing large quantities of clothing and supplies for the troops.
Between 1914 and the end of the war, the ARCS sent 395,695 food parcels and 36,339 clothing parcels to soldiers. Over £3.5 million was raised and directed towards supporting both Australian and Empire forces. Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs) also became a visible and vital part of the Red Cross's work, assisting in hospitals and convalescent homes.
During World War II, the Red Cross expanded its services beyond traditional fundraising, catering, and medical support. Volunteers engaged in hospital visiting, welfare work, vocational training, library services, home help, and even ambulance and lorry driving.
Since 1944, the ARCS has been officially recognised as an auxiliary to the medical services of Australia’s Navy, Army, and Air Force. Today, the Red Cross continues its humanitarian mission, including tracing missing persons and supporting prisoners of war.
Botany Voluntary Aid Detachment
The Botany Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.) was just one of a multitude of local groups formed during the war. The V.A.Ds were organised by the Australian Red Cross Society; their members were trained in first aid and home nursing and then undertook work such as orderly duties in convalescent homes and on troop trains. The war impacted on every suburb, family, and household.
World War Two
During the Second World War, Australian women played an increasingly vital role, stepping into jobs and responsibilities traditionally held by men. With a large portion of the male population enlisted, women were urgently needed to fill labour shortages and keep essential services running. By 1943, the number of women in the Australian workforce peaked at 800,000, the highest during the war. Women took on a wide range of roles, working as builders, clerks, drivers, farm labourers, intelligence officers, mechanics, telegraphists, and more. Many were employed in factories producing ammunition, aircraft, uniforms, food supplies, and weapons.
World War Two: Women at Home
Impatient with delays in official recruitment, women began organising their own efforts from the early days of the war.
Voluntary auxiliary and paramilitary groups such as the Women’s Transport Corps, Women’s Flying Club, and the Women’s Emergency Signalling Corps (WESC) were established across the country. These organisations trained women in areas like Morse code, wireless telegraphy, semaphore, air raid procedures, and military drills, proving their capability and readiness to serve.
Women’s Australian National Service (WANS)
The Women’s Australian National Service (WANS) was formed in 1940. Training included air raid drills, first aid, military drills, shooting, signalling and mechanics. This group prepared women for the roles becoming available due to men’s enlistment and demonstrated the women’s capability. The WANS were active in community service and ran hostels named ‘Wanslea’ across NSW to accommodate for children and women who needed assistance due to family sickness or war absences.
Many women moved from the WANS to the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) following its creation in 1941 along with other auxiliary services.
Making camouflage netting was a common activity for people to do on the home front.
The WANS commenced creating camouflage netting in 1941, opening 39 centers across the suburbs of NSW.
One of the camouflage net making centers was established at Rockdale Town Hall.
World War Two: Women Enlisted
At the outbreak of World War II, the only official women’s unit in the Australian Army was the Australian Army Nursing Service. However, as the war intensified and demand for personnel grew, women rapidly expanded their involvement across all branches of the military. By 1942, formal auxiliary services had been established: the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF), the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS), the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS), and the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS).
More than 66,000 women enlisted in auxiliaries, taking on vital support and technical roles traditionally reserved for men. They were employed in over 70 occupations by the end of the war, including as mechanics, drivers, clerks, cooks, radio operators, and communications specialists.
While government policy initially restricted women’s military service to within Australia, the worsening situation led to some being deployed overseas, particularly to New Guinea. There, they worked in roles such as drivers, mechanics, radio operators, and on observation posts.
In total, women made up nearly 7 per cent of the one million Australians who served during the war. Their demonstrated competence, adaptability, and commitment not only strengthened the war effort but also challenged long-standing ideas about women’s capabilities.
Share Her Story
If you know a female from the Bayside area who served during either of these wars, we invite you to share her name, photograph and a brief story about her experiences. Whether they served in the armed forces, were nurses, volunteers, or contributed in other significant ways, their courage and contributions are an important part of history.
By submitting her story, you help preserve her legacy and celebrate her invaluable contribution to our community and to history. Please contribute your memories to ensure that these remarkable women are remembered and honoured for their extraordinary dedication.