Geelong Legacy will lead the march this Anzac Day, following a century of supporting families of veterans who died while serving in the armed forces.
The Geelong Legacy Club was formed in June 1925 and has helped more than 400 widows and children across the region over the club’s 100 years.
Centenary chair Gavin Bourke said the club comprised volunteers who provided welfare and financial and social support to Geelong families in need.
“We look for opportunities to fundraise for Legacy, and all the funds we raise go directly to the spouses or the families. We don’t use the funds ourselves,” he said.
“Legacy isn’t well-known, as… the only way that people find out about Legacy is when someone in their family dies, and we step forward to help them.
“If anyone knows of a veteran’s family where the veteran has passed away and they’re not getting any help, ask them to get in touch with us.”
Meg Grist was four years old when Legacy came into her life following the death of her father. She said the group supported her mother, brother, and herself.
The now 20-year-old nursing and paramedicine said one of her fondest memories with the organisation included a trip to Canberra in April 2023.
“It was when I was turning 18 and we went to the dawn service, then marched for Anzac Day near the Australian War Memorial,” she said.
“There was a point at which we had to turn to the governor general and salute, which was really interesting, and the night before we took lanterns into the Unknown Soldier’s tomb.”
Visit legacy.com.au for more information to access support.
Jena Carr
