100 years of Legacy

Geelong Legacy Centenary Committee chair Gavin Bourke, Mayor Kontelj, president John Delia and secretary Andrew Weller (Supplied)

Geelong will celebrate 100 years of Legacy this September with a commemorative event at City Hall.

This June Geelong Legacy, the second oldest Legacy group in Australia, marked 100 years of supporting the widows of servicemen who have lost their lives or been incapacitated in conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the globe.

City of Greater Geelong announced this week that it will hold a special event on September 3 to acknowledge the impact of Geelong Legacy volunteers, known as Legatees.

The event will be a part of Legacy Week, which runs from August 31 to September 6.

Councillor Chris Burson, who chairs the Veterans Affairs portfolio, said Geelong Legacy was an example of giving back.

“I want to pay tribute to all of the volunteers who have chosen to give back through Geelong Legacy,” Cr Burson said.

“The reasons why people volunteer are diverse, some have experienced what it’s like to be in the centre of conflict themselves, while others don’t have that direct experience but simply understand the importance of supporting the families left behind.”

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said it was important to highlight the work of Geelong Legacy.

“The aftermath of conflict touches us all, and the work that Geelong Legacy has done over the past 100 years is an extremely significant milestone,” he said.

“I look forward to this formal presentation during this year’s Legacy Week, where our city can thank all the Legatees for the work they do to support our community.”