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Daughter of Paul Frederick and Louise Augusta HOLZNAGEL, Merlwood, Murgon, Queensland.

Violet ‘Vi’ Liebrecht (nee Holznagel) is a veteran of the Second World War. She turned 100 in 2025.

Vi was born in Murgon, Queensland, in 1925 and is one of 11 children.

Vi enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) in November 1943, just 3 months after her 18th birthday. She did her initial training at Sandgate before undergoing clerical training at No. 4 School of Technical Training in Adelaide. Vi was then posted back to Queensland, serving first at No. 6 Aircraft Depot in Oakey and then the Townsville Wireless Telegraphy (W/T) Station. On 21 August 1945, 6 days after celebrating the end of the war, Vi was discharged from the WAAAF on compassionate grounds, to return to Murgon to care for her mother.

After her mother recovered, Vi moved to North Queensland where she met and married Emil, a farmer. During the war, Emil was in an agricultural reserved occupation, meaning he was blocked from enlisting. However, his father, Emil Reinhold Liebrecht, served in the First World War.

Vi and Emil owned a sugar cane farm and Vi worked alongside her husband while raising their family of 5 children. The couple also built the district’s first public pool and caravan park complex. Vi was also very active within the local community and in organisations such as the RSL Women’s Auxiliary, the Country Women’s Association, and the local air sea rescue organisation.

Sadly, Emil died in 1988 at the age of 62, and their youngest son died in 2014. Vi has 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

When Vi was young, she enjoyed sporting activities. As an adult, she trained as a tailor/dressmaker, learning pattern cutting and professional finishing skills. She taught these skills to her daughters.

Vi also enjoyed reading and crosswords. These days, she likes to watch TV and participate in activities at the aged care facility.

Passed away on 4th September 2025, aged 100 and 1 day short of 2 months

Late of Regis Ayr and formerly and Liebrecht Road Airville.

Dearly loved 3rd daughter of 11 children to Paul and Louisa Holznagel (both deceased) late of Murgon.

Dearly missed by her two remaining siblings Dulcie Werda and Ron Holznagel of Ayr.

As per Vi's wishes, a private service at the Ayr Presbyterian Church was held with family, on Wednesday 17th September 2025.