LEGACY Australia celebrates 100 years of caring for ex–service personnel, widows and families this year.
Many may not have been aware of this great achievement which today carries on the tradition of looking after those left behind to live their lives following the loss of a loved one killed during war conflicts.
But Legacy does not only care for the widows and their children, but also has embraced those returned service personnel and their families who are suffering from the after effects of conflicts and may be suffering PTSD.
King Charles III has recognised the work done by Legatees – those who care for these widows and families.
"I am delighted to be able to congratulate Legacy Australia on its centenary anniversary this year," King Charles III wrote in a letter to all Legacy branches.
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"I would like to take this opportunity to thank, and pay tribute to, the staff, partners, supporters and particularly the 'Legatees' who work so hard to support Australian veterans and their families.
"I know that many Legatees are veterans themselves, but all are committed to upholding Legacy's proud traditions and Spirit of Service and Care for future generations," His Majesty wrote.
The local branch of Legacy was formed in 1957 following World War II and incorporates Mansfield, Alexandra and Yea and is known as 'AYM'.
Past President of AYM, Sue Gardner said the local branch was started by her father Philip Dietrich who was also the first liaison officer for the group.
"My dad was also the first president of Legacy when it was formed in 1952 in Melbourne," Ms Gardner said.
Current president of AYM, Lois Neely, went on to talk about how Legacy helps those under its guidance and care.
"We have fewer World War II widows now of course, but we also look after the Vietnam War widows, young widows of later conflicts and their families and those where perhaps PTSD is affecting family life.
"We not only give moral support but help with educating the children of those families, the welfare of the whole family, making sure they don't go without.
"It is interesting to note though that many of these veterans and families ask for nothing and it has been often said that they believe 'there are others worse off than us'," Lois said.
"Surprisingly there were quite a few widows and families of Legacy that were burnt out during the Black Saturday fires – we looked after them as well," she said.
"With older widows it the isolation that affects them more – Legacy looks after the social side of life."
Legacy was originally started by ex–servicemen and women and led by Sir Stanley Savage.
Legatees – those minding the families and widows – form personal relationships and often remember them by giving flowers on birthdays, taking them for regular luncheon outings and other duties.
On the whole the AYM area has around 80 Legatees – some 12 in Mansfield itself.
Legacy is funded through an annual appeal (held in September each year), from bequests through deceased estates, a regular Jamieson donation and each year the Yea Show Society donates one bale of wool to be sold off and the money going to Legacy AYM.
And this week the Woods Point RSL will be making a formal presentation of $5000 to Legacy AYM to help with the ongoing work.
Local Mansfield Legatees working with families and widows includes Bill Romans, Alan Edwards, Julie Warren, Sue Gardner and Lois Neely.
It is expected that AYM will hold a centenary celebration some time later this year.
