Annie Wheeler

Annie Margaret Wheeler OBE (née Laurie; 1867–1950) was an Australian volunteer welfare worker who assisted soldiers from Central Queensland during World War I.

On 24 February 1896, she married Henry Gaudiano Wheeler of Cooroorah Station, near Blackwater, at St Paul's Cathedral in Rockhampton.

From this base, Mrs Wheeler endeavoured to contact all soldiers from Central Queensland, whether they were wounded, imprisoned, or in the trenches.

She kept a detailed card index on them, corresponded with servicemen on the battlefield, forwarded packages and mail, provided for their needs and supervised the care and comfort of those in hospital.

I think the name 'Mother of Anzacs' suits her to a T."Annie Wheeler's support for families back in Queensland is illustrated by Jack Fryer being wounded by a grenade in early August 1918.

Initially she provided financial assistance from her own resources, but later a special fund to support her work was established at Rockhampton.

Rockhampton accorded her a hero's welcome; over 5000 people met her train and cheering soldiers towed her car through the streets to a public reception with further functions in other towns.

Kavanaugh, the chairman of Bauhinia Shire, presented Mrs Wheeler with an electroplated tea and coffee service for her untiring work for the soldiers of their district.