Community
17 September, 2023
Torch winds through town
LEGACY’S centenary torch relay made its way into and around Warrnambool this week.
Several local veterans, ADF (Australian Defence Force) personnel and their families joined the relay as it wound its way through the streets of Warrnambool, including a stop at the RSL for the playing of The Last Post and a minute’s silence.
Warrnambool RSL president Tony Geyer welcomed those at the gathering and congratulated Legacy on its centenary.
“As we stand at the war memorial, we are reminded of the support that both Legacy and the RSL provides to veterans and their families,” Mr Geyer said.
“Like the bond between servicemen, the bond between the RSL and Legacy has stood the test of time. Together we have both fought hard to maintain welfare and care to veterans and their families in an ever-increasing competitive market place where the fight for volunteers and financial support grows harder each year.”
Mr Geyer said that the bond between the two organisations (RSL and Legacy) was now clearly demonstrated, with RSL Victoria’s Veteran Support Department now housed within Legacy House in Melbourne.
“I look forward to the day when Legacy Warrnambool and the RSL here join forces under the one roof, providing coordinated support to veterans, veteran families and widows,” he said.
“To reach 100 years of operating within the community is, on its own, one huge achievement; to do this is a volunteer-based organisation is nothing short of outstanding.
“May the torch of Legacy shine on as brightly as ever.”
The torch relay began in France in the lead-up to ANZAC Day, then travelled to London where it was greeted by King Charles before heading to Australia.
It is now on a six-month tour of our shores and arrived in Warrnambool on Wednesday morning.
The torch will travel more than 50,000 kilometres, through 100 stops, carried by around 1500 torch bearers – with an aim to raise over $10 million.
“It’s amazing to hear how many people have been and will be involved with the relay,” Warrnambool Legacy member Charmian Morris said.
“This year is a very special one for Legacy and we also hope that by increasing awareness of the wonderful assistance Legacy has provided, and will continue to provide, we can also attract more volunteers.
“It would be wonderful to have more young people involved; they are our future so it’s important that Legacy continues for another 100 years and beyond.”
Since 1923 Legacy has been helping the families of Australian Defence Force (ADF) men and women who have lost their lives or their health as a result of their service.
Founded on a promise made from one digger to another – to “look after the missus and the kids” - Legacy is this year celebrating its centenary.
To commemorate the special milestone the ‘Legacy torch’ will spend six months travelling Australia, stopping wherever there is an active branch.
“The centenary relay is a six-month campaign to pay homage and acknowledge veterans’ families, saluting their sacrifice,” Ms Morris said.
“Legacy is an iconic Australian charity that does so much wonderful work caring for 43,000 veterans’ families, including widows in their senior years, younger widows and children, partners and children of those veterans who have given their health.
“Legacy strives to ensure that those in their care can fully realise their potential.”
Warrnambool Legacy was formed in 1947 and has continued to be there for the families of those who served and sacrificed, providing support their partners and children.