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LEGACY: A Centenary of Service to Veterans’ Families
By Tim Cansfield-Smith
Legacy stands proudly as the only veteran service organisation in Australia dedicated solely to the care and support of the families of veterans. Founded in Melbourne in 1923 by servicemen returned from the First World War, Legacy has kept a simple promise for 100 years — to look after the families of veterans who have lost their life or health in service to our country in the Defence Force.
This year, Legacy marked a centenary of service to the families of veterans, a highlight of which was The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, presented by Defence Health. The Torch Relay began on Anzac Day at the site of the First World War battlefield of Pozieres, France. After leaving Pozieres, the Torch Relay received a royal welcome by His Royal Highness King Charles III when it visited Buckingham Palace, marking the start of its journey though London before leaving for Australia to visit all Legacy Clubs.
The Torch travelled 55,000 km over six months, making 112 stops with 1,500 Torch bearers.
One such Torch bearer was young war widow and former Legacy beneficiary, Annabelle, whose husband, Josh, served in the Royal Australian Airforce in Afghanistan. Josh returned from Afghanistan in April 2008 and in June 2008 he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Tragically, after a ten-year battle, Josh lost his fight with cancer and passed away in November 2017, just three short months before their daughter Primrose was born.
Not long after, Legacy stepped in and assisted Annabelle to undertake study and upskill for a new job by helping with childcare payments for baby Primrose. Annabelle is now on the path to self-sufficiency and extremely proud of Josh’s service to his country and his courage in the face of his illness. Sadly, Primrose will never get to meet her father, but her Legacy family will always be part of her life when she needs friendship or support.
On 12 October, Annabelle carried the Legacy Centenary Torch as it travelled through the Melbourne CBD for the Melbourne leg of the relay. The next day, in the finale of the Relay, the torch made its final journey from Legacy House on Swanston Street back to the Shrine of Remembrance. The flame that travelled from Europe and through all Australian states and territories was returned to the Eternal Flame at the Shrine by the Governor General of Australia.
The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay finished with a moving commemoration ceremony at the Shrine, attended by Legacy beneficiaries, Legatees, members of the Australian Defence Force, government representatives and Legacy supporters.
In addition to the Torch Relay, Legacy’s centenary was marked by Australia Post with a commemorative stamp and the production of a $1 uncirculated coin by the Royal Australian Mint. Many Legacy Centenary Torch Relay events have taken place in communities across
Australia, and a Melbourne tram in special Legacy livery has already carried thousands of Melbournians and visitors throughout the city where Legacy was founded 100 years ago.
Legacy’s Centenary of Service was an important opportunity for Australians to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and their families and the invaluable contribution of volunteer Legatees and supporters who make Legacy’s work possible.
About Legacy
Legacy is one of Australia’s oldest and most trusted charities, providing personalised support and services to the families of veterans of the Australian Defence Force who have given their lives or health for our country. The first Legacy Club was set up in Melbourne in 1923 by Sir Stanley Savige and other servicemen returned from World War I.
Legacy still cares for tens of thousands of widows and widowers who have lost their loved ones and been affected by their partner’s service in war and peacekeeping operations across the globe. Over 40 Legacy Clubs across Australia continue to work to ensure veterans’ families receive the support they deserve.
Whether it is by providing emergency financial aid, advocacy with pensions and other entitlements, education grants for veterans’ children or helping families deal with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Legacy provides families with the tools and support needed to rebuild their lives despite their loss.
Tim Cansfield-Smith is Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager for Melbourne Legacy
