News
|
RAR Buddies' Stomp to Support
|
|
|
On Australia Day, members of the RAR troops remembered the 32 Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan by taking part in the first ever Buddies' Stomp to Support, which aimed to raise $120,000 for Legacy. More than 1,200 men and women from 13 locations across the country participated in the event.
| Buddies' Stomp to Support brings together members of the RAR and the community to honour Australians lost in war and support the families left behind, through Legacy.
It is not too late to donate. To make a contribution click here
|
|  | |
|
|
|
|
|
Legacy youth from Queensland, Victoria and Adelaide gathered at camp Maranatha on the Sunshine Coast in January for a week of fun and challenging activities. The annual camp was attended by almost fifty young people aged 8-18 and supported by staff, youth leaders and Legatees. The camp is a wonderful opportunity for Legacy youth to gather, get to know each other and build lasting friendships with others they know have experienced similar difficulties in life.
For photographs click here
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
Legacy Christmas Raffle Winners
|
|
|
The winners of the 2011 Legacy Christmas Raffle were as follows:
| - 1st Prize: Royal Dalton Lady Carlyle Set - Mrs Daphne George (Mansfield);
- 2nd Prize: Afghanistan painting by Amber Martin - Mrs Lyndall Board (MacGregor);
- 3rd Prize: Breville Kitchen Wizz - Mrs Mary Coombe (Chapel Hill); and
- 4th Prize: Freshwater pearl jewellery - Mrs Clarice Hunter (Sunnybank).
|
| Thank you to everyone who supported the raffle.
|  |
| | |
|
|
|
|
Explorers' Christmas party
|
|
|
The Explorers' (dependants with a disability) Christmas Party was held at Legacy House on 3 December.
Magic Glen (party magician) was a hit with all and even amazed staff and legatees with his magic tricks and balloon twisting. But what everyone was waiting for was the jolly old man in the red suit. He arrived with his bag of gifts much to the delight of the 42 Explorers present. Well sated, entertained and full of Christmas spirit, our Explorers departed to do it all again on the 25th.
We are especially grateful to those members of North West Contact Group and staff who gave of their time to make this activity a great success.
For photographs click here
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks to the generosity of Harvey Norman, Brisbane Legacy has four laptops available for presentation to four of our youth in Years 8-12, or about to head off to university.
All are the latest HP Pavilion DV6-6134TX laptop with a Core i5 2.3GHz processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, 1GB Graphics, Win7HP, 15.6in + Product Care 2 year warranty. It comes complete with MS Office H&S pck, MS wireless mouse, Norton 360 Total Protection 36 months OEM and a Belkin Providence laptop bag. Valued at $1597 (package) this is a great allrounder and powerful notebook.
Nominations to receive one of these laptops are to be submitted to the Community Services Manager ASAP. Allocation will be based on need.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured at right is TBM Annabell, following its commissioning and naming by the Lord Mayor Cr Graham Quirk. Annabell is the name given to one of the two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to be used in the construction of Legacy Way.
| Annabell is named after Annabell MacKinney, the daughter of the late Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney (6 RAR) who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in August 2010. Annabell and mum, Beckie, joined Cr Graham Quirk and Brisbane Legacy President, Tony Ralph, for the naming of the TBMs at Hemmant on Tuesday.
The second TBM will be known as Joyce, named after Joyce Tweddell (1916-1995). Joyce Tweddell , a nurse, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Singapore in February 1942 and held as a prisoner of war in Sumatra for three years. After the war she was employed by the Royal Brisbane Hospital as second in charge of the Radiography Unit where she remained unit until her retirement as Queensland's Chief Radiographer.
| For the Channel 10 news story click here
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
2011 Bridge to Brisbane - Cheque Presentation
|
|
|
On Friday last President Brisbane Legacy, Tony Ralph, attended a ceremony at News Limited to accept on behalf of Legacy in Queensland a cheque for $251,999 being the charity proceeds from the 2011 The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane fun run.
Pictured at right is Legatee Ralph (centre) with the cheque presented by Suncorp Executive General Manager of Marketing Mark Reinke and News Queensland Managing Director Jerry Harris.
| For the full story click here
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
On November 18, the Legacy Torch Society was officially launched by the Governor of Queensland and Patron of Legacy, Ms Penelope Wensley.
The Legacy Torch Society acknowledges those who have remembered Legacy in their will. To show Legacy's appreciation, Her Excellency honoured each benefactor with a brooch or cufflinks, items exclusive to members of the Legacy Torch Society.
The function was held in the Investiture Room of Government House, with morning tea on the adjacent lawn. Her Excellency gave a speech focussing on the relevance of Legacy's work in the community, and then charmed guests at morning tea. The ceremony in the surrounds of the exquisite gardens of Government House was superb. It was an event that our valued benefactors are not ever likely to forget.
For a picture of the Legacy Torch Society Inducted Members with the President, CEO and Ms Penelope Wensley click here
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
Members are reminded that Training and Information Program (TIP) training is provided for volunteer welfare and pensions officers working within ESOs. Members of Brisbane Legacy are strongly encouraged to attend a TIP Welfare Course.
For more information on Welfare Courses for 2012 click here
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.
See Rememberance Day media release from the Chairman, Legacy Australia Council.
To view a great resource for those participating in Remembrance Day activities click here.
| Remember to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day
| | Please give generously this Remembrance Day. |  |
| | |
|
|
|
|
Christmas Goodwill Care Packages to Australian troops
|
|
|
Once again this Christmas, Goodwill Care Packages for ADF personnel serving overseas can be lodged with Australia Post from 7 November until 9 December 2011. Packages will be distributed throughout the operational areas, however, for postal security reasons parcels must be at any Australia Post outlet in person with presentation of photograph identification.
| For further details click here.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| These publications, available at Legacy House, would make a wonderful Christmas gift for someone looking to buy for an individual who has everything: | - Avery, B (2001). Our Secret War. McCrae: Slouch Hat Publications. $45
- Avery, B (2002). In the Anzac Spirit. McCrae: Slouch Hat Publications. $45
- Avery, B (2004). We too were ANZAS. McCrae: Slouch Hat Publications. $45
- Avery, B (2008). Eighty Years of Service. McCrae: Slouch Hat Publications. $35
- Parsons, S (2011). The Legacy Run. Bribie Island: Victory Press. $20
|
| To place an order ring Legacy House (07) 3846 4299.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Brisbane Legacy extends its condolences to the families of Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ashley Birt and Lance Corporal Luke Nathan Gavin, who were killed in action when a member of the Afghan National Army (ANA) opened fire at a Forward Operating Base in southern Afghanistan. The incident occurred during a weekly parade held by the 6th Kandak of the Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade and their Australian mentors.
Both CAPT Bryce (4 Fd Regt) and LCPL Gavin were members of Mentoring Task Force 3 and were from Townsville. Both were married and LCPL had three children. CPL Birt was part of Combined Team Uruzgan.
One Afghan interpreter was also killed. Seven Australian soldiers, two Afghan interpreters and an ANA soldier were also wounded in the attack.
This brings the number of Australian soldiers:
• killed during operations in Afghanistan - 32;
• wounded during operations in Afghanistan - 209; and
• wounded in Afghanistan during 2011 - 44.
| Photos (From top to bottom: CAPT Bryce Duffy, LCPL Luke Gavin & CPL Ashley Birt..
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Red Friday is an initiative to show our support as a nation to the soldiers who are currently serving our country, and fighting to keep all Australians free.
All Australians are encouraged to show their support of our troops and wear red this Friday, and every Friday until they are home.
To get behind this initiative or to learn more visit www.redfriday.org.au
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
At 8.56 am on Sunday 25 April 1999, ultra-marathon runner Gary Parsons left Brisbane on a 14,000 plus kilometre anti-clockwise run around Australia (including Tasmania).
The Legacy Run (Parsons, 2011) is the story of this and other amazing endurance feats by Moreton Bay Regional Councillor, Gary Parsons. Gary used the run to raise money for Legacy. Now, his wife and support team member, Sharon, has dedicated her book on Gary's run to Legacy.
The Legacy Run was launched by former MP, Mal Brough, at the Seaside Museum, Bribie Island, on Saturday, 15 October. CEO, Steven Blinkhorn, and members of the Caboolture/Redcliffe/Bribie Island Care Group were in attendance to thank both Sharon and Gary for their commitment to Legacy.
The Legacy Run is available for purchase from Legacy House at a cost of $20. All proceeds to Legacy.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
ADF Battle casualty figures
|
|
|
36 Australian soldiers have now been wounded in action in Afghanistan this year: The latest casualties include:
| - On 23 September, three soldiers from Mentoring Task Force - Three (MTF-3) were wounded when their Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) struck an insurgent-laid IED during a partnered MTF-3 and Afghan National Army (ANA) resupply mission in the Karmisan Valley. Three wounded soldiers received immediate first aid and were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 2 Medical Facility in Tarin Kot. They have all since returned to restricted duties.
- On 25 September, two soldiers were wounded as a result of an IED blast while conducting a partnered MTF-3 and ANA foot patrol in the Mirabad Valley. They received immediate first aid at the scene and were evacuated to the Medical Facility in Tarin Kot. While one soldier has been discharged from the Medical Facility the other soldier has been subsequently transferred to the Role 3 Medical Facility at Kandahar for further assessment.
- On 27 September, a soldier from MTF-3 sustained minor wounds when he fell down an embankment while enroute to conduct a dismounted patrol. He received immediate first aid and was aero-medically evacuated to the Role 2 Medical Facility in Tarin Kot. He has since returned to restricted duties.
|
| | |
|
|
|
- On 28 September, another soldier, also with MTF-3, fell down an embankment and sustained minor wounds. After receiving immediate first aid, he was aero-medically evacuated to the Role 2 Medical Facility at Tarin Kot in Uruzgan Province.
|
| All the soldiers have been medically assessed as being in a satisfactory condition.
201 soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan since 2001.
Note: Any ADF member serving in war-like conditions and hurt as a consequence of action against the enemy is classified as ‘wounded.’ An ADF member hurt in an incident that has not been the result of enemy action in war-like conditions is classified as having been ‘injured.’
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
Australian Defence Force Charity Ball
|
|
|
The 7th annual Australia Defence Charity Ball as held on Saturday, 10 September 2011 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This prestigious and impressive event brought together over 800 guests from the corporate community and the JohnHolland Defence Force to raise funds for Legacy.
MC for the night was Gretel Killeen, host of the Logie winning Big Brother, who I thought, conducted the evening, for a while at least, as if on the set of Big Brother! Gretel has travelled to Iraq, the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Egypt and Afghanistan to entertain our troops, and also has family links to Legacy.
| To read more click here and to view ball gallery click here.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
Working with children check - Blue Card
|
|
|
Members are reminded of the requirement for a Working with children check (blue card) if they have contact with children under the age of 18 years during the course of their duties as a legatee. This also applies during Legacy Week where a legatee has a responsibility for supervising school cadets and other students who assist with collections in shopping centres and elsewhere.
Rather than wait until just before Legacy Week next year to apply, you can do so now by downloading the volunteer blue card application form from here. Complete the form and submit it to the Community Services Manager (CSM) for endorsement and registration. A Working with children check will be required to be undertaken every two years while a member continues to have contact with children.
A copy of Brisbane Legacy policy on employment screening is available on the InfoNet.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
"Keep the Promise Campaign" - 28 August to 3 September 2011
| Deposits are continuing to be received from Legacy Week with the total proceeds now exceeding $436K. Legacy is extremely grateful to all of those who have helped sell badges and to those members of the community who gave so generously.
One example of this generosity is the students of the Ferny Grove State School. The Student Council presented the CEO with a cheque for $1129 during Legacy Week in memory of PTE Grant Kirby (6RAR) who died on August 20 last year as the result of an IED explosion. Private Kirby’s father is a teacher at the school. Thank you to the Student Council for organising the collection and to the school community for its generosity.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Australians urged to dig deep in Legacy Week
|
|
|
The minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has urged Australians to continue to support the invaluable work of Legacy and dig deep during its annual fundraising week.
For more information please click here
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
The Ted Smout Youth Medal
|
|
|
The Ted Smout Youth Medal is presented each year in memory of L/Ted Smout, who at the time of his death in 2006, had amassed an unprecedented 67 years as a member of the Legacy Club of Brisbane. It is awarded to the youth who in the opinion of the Board has achieved against the odds to display excellent performance and resolution during the year.
The 2010 recipient of this award was Shae Welsh. Shae was presented with her medal at the McDowall State School assembly on Monday 1 August.
| Click here to read more.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
In the first week in July, an excited group of Brisbane Legacy youth joined Melbourne Legacy on their annual Winter Youth Camp.
The venue was Valley Homestead which is near Ovens in Victoria. The cold weather didn’t deter anyone from having a good time, making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Activities included; bike riding, snow sledding, relaxing in the heated spa and dancing up a storm at the disco! The group also learnt some bush survival skills by making a fire and cooking their food. A lot of our challenges took a lot of team effort and group enthusiasm. One of the highlights of the trip was at the end when the Homestead cooks said “the Legacy group was the best group they have ever had at Valley Homestead”.
Homestead staff thanked everyone for their friendliness and good manners.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
EXPLORERS Weekend at QT Gold Coast
|
|
|
Thank you to Legatees Ian Ferguson, Terry Taylor and Brian Hodge (North West), staff members Christina and Nicole, and Nicole’s fiance Geoff, for their help on the Explorers’ (dependants with a disability) outing to the Gold Coast last weekend.
Apparently, a good weekend was had by all. Staying at QT Gold Coast (described by Christina as funky), the group had time to visit Sea World and spend some relaxing time with friends.
To view pictures click here
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
KOKODA: A TRIBUTE IN VERSE
|
|
|
L/Chad Sherrin spends much of the year guiding groups of people over the Kokoda Trail, visiting all of the major battle sites and telling the story of the men who fought and died there.
Chad recently released a CD of the poems of Kokoda Trail featuring 12 poems, many written by the diggers themselves, with each accompanied by a short narrative setting it within the context of the fighting along the Trail.
With next year being the 70th anniversary of the fighting along the Kokoda Trail, the CD has been produced as a tribute to the Diggers who fought and died along ‘the Bloody Track’.
The cost of the CD is $18.80 (incl postage). To order, follow the link to Chad’s website and scroll to the bottom of the page for payment options. If you do not have internet access, cheques made out to ‘Brisbane Legacy’, can be sent to Legacy House, PO Box 3003 South Brisbane QLD 4101. Alternatively, you can pick up a copy from Legacy House for $15.00.
30% of the proceeds from the sale of the CD are being donated to Legacy.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
Nonagenarian: ‘Celebrating nineties’
|
|
|
Special thanks to Mrs Cynthia Coupe who penned the following verse following the Legacy 90’s Plus Birthday Morning Tea held at Legacy House on 1 June.
| June ONE, was our first winter’s Day
And a Special Event went into play
Legacy Ladies-with hair white, black and brown
Started arriving in Brisbane Town
The Cazna group were transported by “LANDS”
A courteous Service where kindness abounds.
Many Special People of 90 years and more
Kept pouring in to Legacy’s door!
A morning tea you had to behold
Delicate china-more precious than gold!
Sandwiches, cakes and tarts galore
Comprised the marvellous meal in store!
Cakes of soap and Lavender swags
Were lovely mementos to tuck in our bags!
The kindness shown by Jean and her “troupe”
Was evident as they seated each group.
|
| | Brian spoke of our days before TV
And wonderful shows that we heard but not see!
Dad and Dave, Blue Hills were a few
And harmonious music we could listen to!
Clever Sri and her camera captured the mood
As the ladies enjoyed the good Company and food.
The room was full of these wonderful folk
Who had weathered grief, hardships and still shared a joke!
As I sat and watched this marvellous crowd,
I knew that Legacy is so proud
Of the contributions these people have made
In the years gone by- to the present days
90 Guests of 90 years and more
Certainly adds up to a massive score
But the help that Legacy so willingly gives
Please God, will continue as long as it lives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Explorers visit Lamington National Park
|
|
|
The day of 21 May dawned a little bit doubtful in the weather department. However, nothing would dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic Explorers, staff and Legatees setting off for their day trip to O’Reilly’s in the Lamington National Park!
Twenty one Explorers, Legatees Christine Nielson and Bernie Carney and staff Christina Davidson and Nicole Trattles enjoyed the beautiful (if a little windy) drive up the mountain to the spectacular destination of O’Reilly’s. We were kept well informed and entertained along the way by our fantastic coach driver Jim, who skilfully navigated his way along some very narrow and potentially dangerous roads. At one stage, he even jumped out and helped some passing motorists squeeze their way past the coach.
Once we arrived, morning tea was first on the agenda to make sure everyone was fuelled up for a walk in the bush. After the refreshing walk we purchased some bird seed and spent an enjoyable hour or so feeding the many friendly King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas that populate the area. Some of our Explorers clearly loved the experience and there were lots of smiles on faces and screeches of hilarity as birds landed on people’s heads. Fortunately, none of the birds left anything behind!
|
| | |
|
|
|
We then enjoyed a delicious lunch in the cafe where we were looked after very well by the lovely staff. After lunch the group split up to have a wander around the area, a browse through the gift shop or take in the incredible views and then back on the coach for the drive back to Legacy House.
It was a fantastic day- one which we must thank our Explorers for suggesting in the first place!
| Click here to view photos.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
Few would have missed the photo of Ella Beckwith in The Courier Mail the day following Anzac Day. Ella was just one of 27 children who marched with their mother, many wearing replicas of their father‘s medals presented to them by the President, L/Tony Ralph, prior to the parade.
As many of those who have previously marched behind the Legacy banner are increasingly unable to, the focus this year was on our younger families. Their presence in the parade was warmly acknowledged by the tens of thousands who lined George and Adelaide streets on the day.
Afterwards, the families dined with the President, CEO and fundraising and community services staff at Amici‘s at South Bank.
Another first on the day was the unveiling of a new banner, ―"Remember the fallen. Care for the living"
| Click here to view video of the Anzac Day March.
| Click here to view Courier Mail Anzac Day coverage.
| Click here to listen to Anzac Day Radio Ad.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legacy named as major charity partner of The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane in 2011
|
|
|
On Sunday, 14 November 2010, it was announced that Legacy will be the major charity partner of The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane in 2011.
The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane is a fun run held in Brisbane each year. The first race occurred in 1997 with less than 5,000 entrants and each year the event raises funds for charity. Over the past 14 years more than 289,000 participants in The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane have helped raise over $3.71 million for charities. Previous beneficiaries have included charities such as Autism Queensland, Heart Foundation, Youngcare, Surf Life Saving Queensland – 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver, Royal Women’s Hospital, Guide Dogs Queensland, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Royal Flying Doctors Services, Youth Enterprise Trust, the Hear and Say Centre and many more.
Brisbane Legacy President, Tony Ralph, said that Legacy was extremely grateful that the major sponsors of this event, The Sunday Mail and Suncorp, had seen fit to assist Legacy in 2011.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
Northern Link tunnel named 'Legacy Way'
|
|
|
On Wednesday, 10 November 2010, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Campbell Newman held a media conference in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens to announce that the planned Northern Link tunnel (a five kilometre underground toll road linking the Western Freeway adjacent to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Toowong with the Inner City Bypass at Kelvin Grove) will be named ‘Legacy Way’.
In addition to the naming rights, Brisbane Legacy will receive 1c for each toll collected from Legacy Way to be adjusted annually for CPI. Council has guaranteed that the grant in any financial year will not be less than $100,000.00 other than in the first and last financial years of the agreement where the amount will be pro- rated on a daily basis. This arrangement will operate from the opening of Legacy Way in 2014 for the life of the toll (expected to be in the vicinity of 40 years).
In making the announcement, the Lord Mayor stated that Council was keen to acknowledge the sacrifice of our service men and women in past wars and current conflicts, the families who supported these veterans and the work of Legacy.
Brisbane Legacy’s President, Tony Ralph, thanked the Lord Mayor for this wonderful gesture. “The naming of the tunnel as Legacy Way will serve as a constant reminder to the people of Brisbane of not only the sacrifice of our servicemen and women, but of the families left behind”, L/Ralph said.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
Cedar Glen is a family run cattle property providing a wonderful farmstay experience for us city folk. Situated approximately 34km south of Beaudesert in the foothills of the spectacular ‘Lost World’ section of the Lamington National Park, Cedar Glen was the perfect location for this year’s young family’s weekend.
Providing a variety of cottages for different family groups, Cedar Glen is a world away from the everyday pressures of suburban life. On hand to enjoy the weekend were four of our younger families: one dad and his four children and three mums and their children – for a total of 13 children ranging in age from 20 months to 13 years.
Hosts Nigel and Sabrina Stephens ensured that all enjoyed their farmstay experience. In addition to the normal farm yard chores of feeding the animals (chickens, turkeys, sheep and pigs),all had an opportunity to milk a cow, crack a whip, throw a boomerang, swim in the local creek and go horse riding. No wonder everyone slept well during their stay.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
