in centenary flame

BURNING in the flame of the centenary torch was a promise by a World War 1 soldier to a dying mate in the trenches of the Western Front that he would “look after the missus and the kids”.

That promise was kept and 100 years later lives on in the 44 Legacy Clubs in Australia and one in London who now look after over 40000 widows and their children and 3400 Legatees.

Of those, 250 widows and their children live in Hervey Bay.

The centenary celebrations started with the first torch flame being lit in Pozières France on April 23 before undertaking a six-month journey visiting all Legacy Club locations around Australia, including Maryborough on June 5. The torch was carried in Maryborough by 16 Torch Bearers, including Hervey Bay RSL Services & Memorial Club President Ray Eustace AFSM and Legacy Fraser Burnett Chairman Graeme Inglis. As a big supporter of Legacy both personally and through the RSL, Mr Eustace said he was incredibly proud to have been selected to walk the torch for part of the 4.3km journey from the Maryborough Cricket Club to the Maryborough Town Hall Green.

The Hervey Bay RSL sponsored the walk with a $500 donation to Legacy Fraser Burnett.

“It was a surprise to get a letter of invitation from Graeme, but it was very nice to be thought of,” Mr Eustace said.

“I am a big supporter of Legacy, so I was honoured to step up and represent Hervey Bay on this very special day.”

Mr Inglis said the Fraser Burnett Legacy Group extends from Hervey Bay to Maryborough, Biggenden, Monto, Wondai, Kingaroy and Nanango where there are currently over 430 widows and dependants being cared for.

There are many stories of widows doing it tough like *Elizabeth who lost her husband to a heart attack 18 months after returning from Vietnam.

At 38, the single mother of four had no employment and was asked to vacate the “married quarters” of the army barracks within a month.

In the wake of tragic loss, Legacy opened up a whole new life to Elizabeth with financial assistance and emergency relief That was 50 years ago.

“Legacy helps care for the dependants of those veterans who have given their lives or health in the service of their country,” Mr Inglis said.

“It is our wish that families left shall not suffer social or financial disadvantage through the loss of a loved one.

“We also provide a bit of social contact for the ladies who aren't very mobile and help with things like Gold

Card applications or assistance packages.”

The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch and Hervey Bay RSL Service & Memorial Club also sponsor education needs for the children.

“Thanks to the RSL and Sub-Branch, we have an education fund that helps with expenses through to tertiary level and there are also camps and other activities for children to attend.

“We just sent a young bloke over to Hawaii for Cheerleading championships… there was no way his mother could afford that kind of thing.”

Mr Inglis said initiatives like contacting and making home visits to widows is also big part of their efforts to keep in touch with families however dwindling volunteer numbers is making the task increasingly difficult.

The not-for-profit organisation receives no government funding and relies solely on grants, fundraising through sausage sizzles and Legacy Badge Week, community donations and volunteers to continue the service.

Mr Inglis said a common misconception is that you need to be a veteran to volunteer your service as a Legatee but that is no longer the case.

He said volunteers are desperately needed to continue delivering the century-old promise to look after widows and veterans in our region.

“We are seeking new Legatees or

The Sub-Branch REPORT

Welcome to this edition of RSL Life. Since my last report, over half a year has passed and Remembrance Day is not all that far away. The Sub-Branch has been busy during that time attending to business, Pensions and Welfare.

The Sub-Branch membership currently stands in 1746 which puts Hervey Bay Sub-Branch very high in the state.

Last month was the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War and unfortunately there are only two Veterans from that conflict (that is known about) in Hervey Bay and are both of poor health. We wish them well.

On August 15, the Commemoration for the Victory over Japan will be held at Freedom Park Main St Pialba starting at 1100hrs. All are invited to attend.

On August 18, the 50th Anniversary of the withdrawal of Australian troops from South Vietnam will be volunteers to assist in our activities including widow contacts and visits and help with fundraising which is very important to us. held. The service will start at 1100hrs at Freedom Park.

“It is the generosity of organisations like the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, the Hervey Bay RSL Memorial Club and the public that enable Legacy's work to continue.

“Legacy do receive some grants but no direct funding from the government.” Legacy Badge Week has been held every year since 1942 to coincide with Father's Day in honour of the fathers that never came home.

You can buy a badge from the RSL foyer and participating outlets during Legacy Badge Week from August 26 to September 2.

Legacy badges may be little but the funds they raise make a big impact in the lives of local veterans' families.

If anyone needs assistance or knows of someone who does need help, please contact the Pension and Wellbeing section on 0741 849496 The address is 19-21 Torquay Rd, Pialba on the second floor, Monday to Friday 0900-1500 hrs If on a weekend, please contact RSL Club reception for emergency contact Until next time, take care and be happy.

President BrianTidyman