Community
11 October, 2024
Legacy seeking new members
WARRNAMBOOL’S Legacy branch, which covers much of the western district, is calling on residents to put their hands up to volunteer for the organisation.
Legacy began in 1923 to honour a promise made by a soldier to another dying soldier, during World War One, to “look after the missus and the kids”.
Today, the organisation and its dedicated volunteers, known as Legatees, work to support veterans’ families through relieving hardship, delivering social connection services, and providing developmental opportunities.
Legacy has branches in Camperdown, Terang, Lismore, Derrinallum, Mortlake, and the primary branch in Warrnambool for the area.
Legatee Ian Smith, who primarily works within the Derrinallum and Lismore area, said Legacy is a “great organisation” that helps widows and families access services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“It’s mainly just helping the widows if they need documents filled out, somebody to talk to, or something,” he said.
“Sometimes they may need assistance to get to a medical appointment.
“During the year, we have the big days like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and we often have services where we bring the widows along to.
“It’s mainly to have a contact that the widows have if they have a problem – we might not be able to fix it, but we know where to go to.”
Camperdown Legatee Charles ‘Ray’ Howley said the assistance provided by Legacy to widows and families could be as simple as giving them a lift.
“Legacy keeps them up to date with the entitlements they’re able to get they probably otherwise would not have known about,” he said.
“I find them very appreciative.
“They’re actually good fun – they’re not downers, they’re very positive.
“We have these little functions – we used to have big luncheons every month though the Laurel Club.”
One such luncheon was held on Wednesday, with a small group in attendance who enjoyed a meal and a chance to catch up with like-minded people.
Mr Smith said residents didn’t need to have a direct connection with service to become a Legatee but encouraged anyone who might be interested to reach out.
“We’re basically here to help widows, and the number of widows has been slowly declined but also the number of Legatees like Ray and me,” he said.
“We’re needing people, if possible, to help lighten the load on the existing Legatees to help the widows, especially on days like this.
“If anybody had some spare time – it doesn’t take up a lot of time – it’s just good to be able to help the widows.
“Their partners or husbands gave their health and their life for us, so it’s good to give back.”
To find out more about becoming a volunteer, contact the Warrnambool Legacy branch on contacting 0487 253 001 or admin@warrnamboollegacy.com.au.