General News
14 September, 2023
Many hearts beat for Legacy Torch Relay
Legatees and families of Australian service personnel gathered at Horsham's May Park on Thursday to commemorate 100 years of Legacy during the Centenary Torch Relay. Commencing at Pozieres, France, the torch made its way through Belgium, where it...
Legatees and families of Australian service personnel gathered at Horsham's May Park on Thursday to commemorate 100 years of Legacy during the Centenary Torch Relay.
Commencing at Pozieres, France, the torch made its way through Belgium, where it passed the Menin Gates, before eventually arriving in Australia.
As part of its Australian journey to commemorate Legacy’s centenary, the Horsham tour commenced at May Park, travelling a total of four kilometres.
Involving 15 torch bearers including Legacy beneficiaries, Legatees and Defence personnel, the relay also featured an Australian Defence Force tri-service escort by members of the army, navy and air force.
Welcoming visitors to the celebration, Victorian Legacy board of directors' Sarnia Birch said Legacy was based on mateship and was formed in 1923 after a soldier made a promise to his dying mate in the trenches of World War I to "look after the missus and the kids".
"Over the past 100 years, Legacy has had 40,000 beneficiaries and 3400 volunteers," Ms Birch said.
"I was pleased to be part of the torch relay launch in France.
"From there, the torch relay took in Belgium and London, with a torch presented to King Charles before his coronation.
"The first Australian torch bearer was former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Beazley whose mum had been helped by Legacy."
The work of Legacy means that a child gets an education and a fair go, a widow or widower is not disadvantaged and alone and a family is not torn apart by the effects of post-traumatic stress or other psychological injuries.
"Legacy cares and stands behind comunities, and we will all have some connection to it."
Member for Lowan and deputy leader of The Nationals Emma Kealy said it was important to support the work Legacy did in providing support for veterans and "people left behind".
"We talk about support for veterans but it's also important to support their families later in life," she said.
"It's fabulous to think that we still have this organisation around providing this support."
Torch bearers included Horsham's Rex Dumesny, past Wimmera Legacy president Phil Nicks, Legatee Neil Popple and 15-year-old Cory Hallam Brook whose family have been supported by Legacy since his father's death in 2019.
Attending the torch relay, Hopetoun Legatee Gwen Malcolm, whose husband Alan is the Wimmera Legacy chair, said the relay was an important way of supporting widows/widowers and children.
Having raised $1000 for Legacy, top fundraiser Alex Stewart was given the honour of completing the first leg. Mr Stewart has been a Legatee for 20 years.
After making its way across Horsham, the torch ended its route at The Horsham War Memorial with Cory given the honour of lighting of the cauldron.
Following the relay, Legatees returned to Legacy House where Wimmera Legacy president Alan Malcolm unveiled a plaque commemorating the centenary of Legacy.
"It was a fantastic day with everyone involved moved by the solemnity of the occasion," Horsham co-organiser Mr Nicks said.
"Irene Ball and I spent months planning the Horsham leg of the relay that was aimed at remembering those who have given hours of their time to support the deceased."
By the time it reaches its final destination in Melbourne, at the home of the first Australian Legacy Club, the torch will have been carried by 1300 volunteers.
Anyone wishing to donate to Legacy can email admin@wimmeralegacy.com.au