Lest we forget – in thought and action
Legacy Australia Chairman, Tony Ralph, reflects on the ongoing needs of veterans this Anzac Day, and the support required for affected families.
This Anzac Day, as we remember our veterans, both past and present, we also remember the families of those who gave their lives or health in service.
Since the end of WWI Legacy has kept our promise to Australian veterans and taken care of the families of those who served our country. Today Legacy’s caring and compassionate services assists over 70,000 widows and 1,900 children and dependants with a disability.
One such family is the Gavin’s. Corporal Luke Gavin was killed whilst on deployment leaving three young children and his wife behind. Legacy has been there ever since day one caring and supporting the family.
Legacy provides programs and practical hands-on support for families like the Gavin’s, such as:
- Support for children’s education from birth to when they finish university, easing their disadvantage after losing a parent. This helps cover the costs of uniforms, books and self-development activities outside of school like sports, music and dancing.
- Educational support so those who have lost a husband, wife or partner can go back to work or start a new career and give their family a more stable future.
- Camps and youth activities for children’s personal development and the comfort of meeting others their age who have been through a similar loss.
- Advocacy for family’s entitlements and pensions, and financial assistance for medical and dental treatment.
- Personal and social support through personalised engagement and social groups that help people fight loneliness and feel healthier and happier.
I know of many families who have paid the price of peace through the sacrifice of their loved one’s life or health in serving their country.
At Legacy we still care for over 70,000 families and our work is ongoing for many years to come. Legacy continues to adapt to meet the needs of a new generation of Defence families – those who are learning to live without a parent or partner and those who are adapting to the ongoing difficulties faced by our wounded.
Legacy has education and development funds available for bereaved partners in the event that they are required to reskill to enhance their working potential, or for the partners of veterans who have given their health and can no longer provide for their family.
For nearly a century Legacy has supported Australian Defence Force families in times of great need but to continue, we need your help. Please show your support and help Legacy keep our promise to those who have served.
