1941 WWII Campaigns: Women's Service Postal Numismatic Cover PNC

Women were essential to Australia’s war effort in World War II. Before the war, nursing was the only available service role for women, but shortages of manpower brought about a change in policy. During 1941 thousands of women joined the new women’s auxiliary services. In March 1941, the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was formed, followed in April by the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) and in August, the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS).

By the end of the war, more than 66,000 women had served. The jobs were equal, but the pay was not: servicewomen were paid about half a man's salary. All three auxiliaries were demobilised immediately after the war and women were encouraged to return to traditional homemaker roles.

The 43c stamp was issued in 1991 to mark the 50th anniversary of women’s wartime services. The $1 stamp is from the A Century of Service: Women in War issue of 2017. The limited-edition 20c coin has been minted with the envelope privy mark.