The Soldier’s Wife Project arrives in Brisbane

A MUSICAL telling the stories and struggles of women whose husbands have served in conflicts past to present is showing in Brisbane in April.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

THE stories and struggles of women whose husbands have served in conflicts past to present will be brought to life through a group of musicians this month, including Oxley singer songwriter Jackie Marshall.

The Soldier’s Wife Project was launched in April last year by a group of female musicians to give the partners of Australian servicemen a voice.

Ms Marshall will perform two songs based on real women’s experiences at a special show on April 20.

“One is based on a recent young mum’s story,” she said.

“She’s about my age with two children and her husband died in a Navy ­incident.”

The Soldier’s Wife has already produced an EP and performed shows in ­Queensland.

“A lot of people see the show and want to come forward and share their stories,” she said.

“We’re constantly blown away by the bravery of these women.”

Ms Marshall, an Australian Music Prize nominee, said the project would create greater understanding of the struggles facing military families.

“It’s a way of breaking down the barriers,” she said.

“For a lot of partners of military servicemen, there’s stoicism, you just have to put up with it.

“We hope people will hear the stories and be more compassionate about what these people have experienced.”

She said the show on April 20 would offer a rewarding musical experience and feature experienced and emerging talent such as Roz Pappalardo (one half of Women in DOCS) and Sahara Beck.

“The quality of the songwriting is very high and you’ll also be able to have a bit of a giggle but, at the same time, gain a stronger human connection to these people.”

See The Soldiers Wife at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club at 11am on April 20.

The Soldier’s Wife Project has released an EP and is now working on an album, to be launched at the Sydney Opera House in August.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspapers’ 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]

Originally published as The Soldier’s Wife Project arrives in Brisbane