Rick McCarthy

Legacy Australia

Legacy is a unique Australian charity dedicated to the care of widows and dependants of war veterans who've given their life or their health, as well as families of Australian Defence Force personnel killed in hazardous service, training or peacekeeping operations. Legacy was founded in 1923 by a small group of World War One veterans. Returned servicemen banded together, and eventually took up a "legacy of care" for the welfare of the wives and children of their comrades who were killed during the war, or who died subsequently. The personal contact of our volunteer Legatees is the key to the Legacy support. Individual Legatees are assigned to each family and it is this individual care and support which allows Legatees to access the support they require. In many circumstances Legatees also fulfil a special role as mentor for Junior Legatees. The Spirit of Legacy is Service. Personal effort is the main essential. Throughout Australia, Legacy's services are provided to more than 43,000 beneficiaries, including 1,300 children and 1,100 people with a disability. It is provided by more than 3,600 members (called Legatees) and community service workers through 45 clubs Australia-wide. The Badge of Legacy symbolises in its torch the undying flame of service and sacrifice handed to us by our comrades in war who have passed on. In its wreath of laurel, with its points inverted in remembrance, is the guerdon (recognition) of honour; that is the meed (reward) of those who gave their lives for their country.