The Legacy of Legacy
Legacy is one of Australia’s oldest and most trusted charities, which provides personalised support and services to the families of veterans of the Australian Defence Force who have given their lives or health for their country.
For almost 100 years, Legacy has been standing proudly as the only veteran service organisation in Australia dedicated solely to the care and support of our veterans’ families. Over 40 Legacy Clubs across Australia work to ensure our families receive the support they deserve.
In the trenches of the Western Front during World War I, a soldier said to his dying mate “I’ll look after the missus and kids”. This became known as The Promise – and it is still kept today.
The range of services provided by Legacy is diverse with the individual needs of the families of veterans being met through:
- case management,
- referral pathways,
- wellbeing,
- financial assistance,
- advocacy, and,
- personalised care.
The services are delivered through a network of dedicated volunteers known as Legatees who are supported by or help connect those in need to a team of social workers and mental health professionals.
It is the Legatees who are the heart of Legacy and make us truly unique. Legatees are the backbone and have, since 1923, provided empathy and ‘lived experience’ to the families of veterans.
For the families of our veterans, Legacy provides relief during times of trauma and offers the support needed to prevent any further injury or disadvantage.
Further to this, Legacy provides the opportunity for the families to remember and honour their loved ones while ensuring we help them build a brighter future.
Legacy in The Now
Our Ongoing Legacy
Digital Presence
Across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter alone, Legacy clubs currently have over 110,000 followers
Military Presence
In the 81 years since the outbreak of the Second World War, Australia has continued to be involved in operations around the world.
Recognition
Since 1975, 147,000 Australian Operational Service Medals have been awarded*. Many of these veterans' families will need Legacy's support in the decades ahead.
Real Impact
Approximately, 6,000 people transition from the ADF nationally each year*
Safety Net
In 2020, 70% more veterans and families are being supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs than was projected in 2013*
Digital Presence
Across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter alone, Legacy clubs currently have over 110,000 followers
Military Presence
In the 81 years since the outbreak of the Second World War, Australia has continued to be involved in operations around the world.
Recognition
Since 1975, 147,000 Australian Operational Service Medals have been awarded*. Many of these veterans' families will need Legacy's support in the decades ahead.
Real Impact
Approximately, 6,000 people transition from the ADF nationally each year*
Safety Net
In 2020, 70% more veterans and families are being supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs than was projected in 2013*
real legacy stories
Melbourne Legacy
Sydney Legacy
Legacy Brisbane
Legacy WA
Legacy SA & Broken Hill
the promise for the future
Join us on the journey towards the Legacy Centenary Celebrations in 2023 to empower veterans to build their best future.
As the recognised voice of veterans’ families, Legacy is on a mission to create a National Legacy Foundation. This will enable support across all Legacy Clubs and ensure no Legacy family is disadvantaged based on their location.
As the leading veterans’ families organisation, we are forecasting – along with our research partners – that further funding is needed to support well-being, mental health, community connection and financial support.
Based on the current environment, the needs of our veterans’ families have drastically changed and have become more complex. Younger families are coming through to Legacy Clubs as a result of Australia’s longest war, 20+ years in Afghanistan. As a result of this, we are seeing a base increase of 20% year on year of the needs of these contemporary veterans’ families.
Your investment in the future of Legacy will allow us to address these priorities. We need your support now more than ever to keep ‘The Promise’ for the future.