Centenary flame burns in Ballarat

THE flame was lit for the local leg of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay on Tuesday morning.

Thirty-two local torch bearers took part in the relay, including Legacy beneficiaries, Legatees, defence personnel, and community members, along more than thirteen kilometres between Ranger Barracks in Alfredton and a cauldron lighting at Queen Victoria Square.

Ballarat Legatee and returned army serviceman Brian Broadribb cut the ribbon to launch the event, and was the second torchbearer on the relay.

He said he was proud to walk a short part of the journey with his daughters Stephanie Glover and Jacqueline Kyriakou alongside him, and his wife watching on.

“I’m very thrilled that Ballarat Legacy is able to participate in the torch relay,” he said. “It’s a bringing together of the Legacy family and I think everybody will get a good feeling about what today brings.

“For anyone that values the service of the defence force and their members, Legacy is there for the benefit of the veterans’ families, and for those veterans impacted by their service.

“I’ve been in Legacy 34 years, and it’s been a great privilege being involved with the families, and particularly, it’s been a great place to look after widows as they become older.

“If anyone’s in a position to donate to the Legacy Torch Relay, it will benefit Legacy over the years. Legacy is certainly relevant, and I’m chuffed and grateful to be involved with it.”

In the organisation’s centenary year, director Sarnia Birch said Legacy Australia has 40,000 enrolled beneficiaries including 1200 young people, and 1000 with long-term special needs, supported by 3400 volunteers.

“This year, Legacy commemorates 100 years of service to the families of Australian Defence Force members, who have given their lives or health in service to Australia,” she said.

“The centrepiece of this commemoration is the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, presented by Defence Health, which is a six-month campaign.

“Legatees have carried the torch of service and sacrifice, handed down from Legatee to Legatee since The Great War, and this year’s torch relay is about remembering, as well as fundraising.”

Starting in Pozières France on 23 April with an official opening ceremony, the torch route has included Villers-Bretonneux in northern France, Menin Gate memorial to the missing in the Belgian city of Ypres, and London, before heading to Australia.

The torch is visiting all 45 Legacy clubs across the country before crossing the finish line in Melbourne.