Wrapping an arm around veteran families

SATURDAY will mark the end of Legacy Week and legatees are calling on the community to give back to local veteran families.

Last Thursday, Ballarat Legacy commemorated the week with a flag raising ceremony at Victoria Square, opposite the Town Hall.

Legacy Ballarat president Bill Bahr spoke, as did City of Ballarat representatives Cr Daniel Moloney and mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“Legacy week is our chance to put Legacy out to the public so the public can say, ‘Legacy is still here’,” said Mr Bahr.

“We’ve been here for 98 years, and we hit our centenary in 2026.”

Throughout Legacy Week the community can purchase merchandise or donate to support veterans’ families.

Legacy members will be at major shopping centres collecting donations this weekend and people can also contribute online or by dropping into Legacy House.

Ballarat Legacy currently supports 34 children under 18, paying for their school fees, uniforms and other resources.

“We currently look after 380 families. They’re pretty much from our post-1991 veterans,” said Mr Bahr.

“Every bit of money that’s raised in Ballarat through the sale of merchandise stays in Ballarat and is used by the club to help out.”

Money also goes towards an annual camp for veterans and their families as well as the junior public speaking competition.

Mr Bahr said it is important to recognise that Legacy is for all veterans and their families, and he encouraged community members to reach out for support.

“We’re trying to attract our post-1991 veterans. They don’t necessarily have to be a member of Legacy, but they need to be aware that their family unit is supported by Legacy,” he said.

“We’ve got families where the male has served, but we’ve also got families where it’s the female who’s suffering from problems and the family unit needs our assistance.

“We’ve adapted to all those changes, and I think it’s important to let people know that we are catering for everybody.”