Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Melva & Norman Goodwin: A Life of Service, Strength, and Devotion
Early Lives Marked by Adversity
Melva Irene Cooper was born on 7 October 1925 in Collingwood, Victoria, during a time of global depression and growing unrest. Orphaned or displaced at a young age, she was raised at the Abbotsford Convent under the care of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The convent was strict and often austere, but it gave Melva a foundation of discipline, empathy, and resilience that would carry her through life.
Norman Keith Goodwin entered the world just two months later, on 26 December 1925, in Swan Hill, Victoria—the youngest of 14 children in a family struggling through the Great Depression. With limited means and hungry for stability, Norman took the bold step of enlisting in the Australian Military Forces at just 14 years old, misrepresenting his age to gain entry. He was driven by a simple desire: to serve his country and secure “three square meals a day.”

World War II: Parallel Paths of Courage
At 18, Melva enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on 31 January 1944, becoming an Aircraftwoman in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF). Her duties were vital yet behind the scenes—repairing aircraft with industrial adhesives and sewing flags and signal cloths on a Singer sewing machine. These unsung acts of precision and grit were essential to keeping the military engine running.
Norman’s wartime journey began earlier. On 4 August 1941, he joined the AMF as part of the 23/21 Infantry Battalion, stationed in the Northern Territory. He became one of the Darwin Defenders, tasked with preparing for potential Japanese invasion. One haunting duty was the order to poison local water supplies should northern Australia fall—evidence of how close the war came to home soil.
In 1943, Norman enlisted again—this time under his correct age—joining the RAAF as a Leading Aircraftman (service number 146217), further reflecting his deep commitment to Australia's defense.

A Postwar Love and a Shared Life
After the war, their paths converged. Melva and Norman married and settled into postwar life with the same sense of purpose they had shown in uniform. They raised five children, creating a home defined by warmth, laughter, and quiet strength.
Norman pursued a distinguished civilian career, eventually becoming the Chief Assessor at the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), where he was respected for his integrity and leadership. He was also an active Freemason, embracing the values of charity, fraternity, and service.
Melva, too, remained the heart of the household—a woman of deep compassion, pride, and capability. Though the long-term effects of her wartime work would impact her health, she bore it with grace and humility. She was the emotional cornerstone of her growing family, revered by children and grandchildren alike.

A Life of Community and Connection
In their later years, Melva and Norman remained deeply involved in their local community. Both were proud members of the Lions Club, dedicating time to charitable causes and local support initiatives. Their commitment to giving back extended well beyond their service years.
They were also enthusiastic members of the Kingsbury Bowls Club, where they found joy, friendship, and a strong sense of belonging. Together, they were active participants in the Jayco Caravan Club, sharing their love of travel and camaraderie with fellow adventurers.
From the 1970s through the 1990s, Melva and Norman cherished weekends and holidays spent at their on-site van at Beacon Caravan Park in Queenscliff, Victoria—a special place filled with seaside memories, extended family visits, and lifelong friendships.

Legacy and Remembrance
Melva passed away in 1999, and Norman followed in 2014. They are buried in the same grave site at Preston General Cemetery in Bundoora, Victoria—a lasting symbol of their lifelong partnership.
Their lives mirror the story of a generation—children of hardship who rose to become protectors, builders, and nurturers. Their service is preserved in military records, but their true legacy lives on in stories told at family dinners, the values passed down through generations, and the quiet strength they modeled in both war and peace.