As it was Legacy week, Greg introduced us to how Legacy began, why it matters, and the important work it continues to do for the families of veterans.
Legacy grew from the aftermath of the First World War. Australia suffered deeply in that conflict, with 60,000 Australian service personnel killed and 150,000 wounded (from a total population of 5 million at the time) and many families left facing hardship, grief and uncertainty. Among returning soldiers there was a strong sense of duty to look after the families of mates who had not come home, or who returned changed by their service.
In 1923, Major General Sir John Gellibrand established the Remembrance Club in Hobart. Around the same time, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige helped establish Legacy in Melbourne. What began as a practical effort by returned servicemen to support one another soon became a lifelong commitment to the widows and children of those who had served.
That commitment is often summed up in a simple promise: to care for “the missus and kids”. It is a promise born out of mateship, sacrifice and responsibility, and it remains at the heart of Legacy’s work today.
Legacy now supports partners, children and dependants of veterans whose lives or health have been affected by service. Its help can include emotional support, social connection, advocacy, financial assistance, education support for young people, and long-term care for families who need ongoing guidance.
Much of this work is carried out by volunteer members known as Legatees. They keep in touch with families, offer companionship, help people navigate services and entitlements, and remind those in Legacy’s care that they are not forgotten.
Over more than a century, Legacy has adapted to the changing needs of veterans’ families, including those affected by later conflicts, peacekeeping service, injury, illness and mental health impacts. Yet its purpose has stayed the same: to stand beside families who have carried the cost of service. Legacy receives no Government support and so depends on donations and Legacy week to support their work.
Legacy in Leeton began in the 1950’s just after it was formed in Griffith. It was part of Sydney Legacy and early pioneers were Jack Hinton and Bill Cooper. Leeton included Brellan and Ardlethan. In 1955 they supported 12 widows and 20 children (less than 21). In the 1970’s there were greater than 100 widows in this area.
Legacy’s story is therefore not only a story of charity. It is a story of loyalty, remembrance and community. It reminds us that service does not end on the battlefield or at the end of a posting; it continues in the lives of families, and in the responsibility we share to care for them.
More information can be gained from: https://www.legacy.com.au
Greg was thanked on behalf of the Club by President Geoff.
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Brain Teaser
A man stands on one side of a river, his dog on the other. The man calls his dog, who crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or boat. How?
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Director’s Reports
President Geof
Thank you to members who helped at the Lap it up Leeton BBQ and catering at the Fivebough tree planting lunch.
The second Wamoon Ave seat was installed on Monday.
Board Meeting at Greg’s on Wednesday 9th at 7pm
A visit to Andrew Thompson’s on Saturday 19 August. Map at the end of the reports.
Reminder about Mental Health workshops and training opportunities.
urgently required. There is a QR code for the appeal
Don’t forget to register for the Mental Health training on September 29.
Registration is essential. For more information and to register, visit: https://collaborativecare.au/leeton. The workshop is proudly supported by Rotary Club of Leeton, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and the Leeton Collaborative Care Project.
STOP Press: An additional course has been added on 30th September
Also don’t forget the volunteer training opportunities through WRCC
Courses available include:
✅ Food Hygiene ✅Food Safety Supervisor ✅Barista Training ✅RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) ✅RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling) ✅First Aid ✅White Card
For more information contact Kim Handsaker at WRCC.
Don’t forget to register for the Mental Health training on September 29.
Registration is essential. For more information and to register, visit: https://collaborativecare.au/leeton. The workshop is proudly supported by Rotary Club of Leeton, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and the Leeton Collaborative Care Project.
An additional course has been added on 30th September
Greg
Dinner meeting on 10th September.
NO meeting on 17th September.
Visith to Andrew Thompson on (mid-morning) on
19th September. (Map attached)
Directions to 834 Colinroobie Road, Colinroobie
Via Brobenah Rd and Colinroobie Rd
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Sergeant Len
Len introduced us to a chocolate feast, provided we could guess the hidden delight in his hand. He won the prize for the most chocolate closely followed by Dan and then Barry. Laurie had to resort to a little bit of cheating to score a delight.
Dan proved that it was his night by winning the raffle.
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Market Day – 5 September
The day was marked by changeable weather, low crowd numbers, lower than usual volunteer numbers but good fellowship. Guess who forgot to get photos?
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Can’t You Take It?
An Aussie and a Maori walk into a bakery.
...The Aussie steals three pastries and slips them into his pocket. He turns to the Maori and says, "Pretty slick aye, bro? The owner didn't even see me."
Unimpressed, the Maori replies, "Typical dishonest Aussie, bro. I'm gonna show you the honest way and still get the same result."
The Maori calls out to the owner of the shop and says, "Bro, I want to show you a magic trick." Intrigued, the owner comes over. The Maori asks him for a pastry, which the owner gives him, and the Maori eats it. He asks for another and eats that, too. He asks for a third and eats it as well.
The owner says, "C'mon, mate. Where's the magic trick?"
The Maori points to the Aussie and says, "Check his pockets."
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