Legacy Central West (NSW)

History

Legacy Central West (NSW) is one of the autonomous Legacy Clubs in Australia.

Until 1945 there was no Legacy presence in the Central West of NSW. In May 1945 a Contact Group of Sydney Legacy was formed.

The Group soon decided it would prefer, if possible, to operate as a Legacy Club in its own right and within the first year of its operation discussions took place with this in view. Sydney Legacy agreed in April 1948 to form a Club in lieu of a Group.

On July 9^th 1948 Orange Legacy Club’s Charter was presented. The inaugural dinner was held at the Hotel Canobolas which subsequently became Orange Legacy’s “home’” for a number of years.

Previously named Orange Legacy War Orphans’ Fund and Orange Legacy Appeals Fund. The current named was adopted in 2025 to better represent the Divisions of the club.

Legacy Central West (NSW) covers the mid Western area of NSW and is divided into eleven geographically located Divisions:- Orange, Blayney, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Molong Narromine, Nyngan, Trangie, Warren, and Wellington.

Each Division has its own annually elected Chairman and Executive who under the authority of the Management Committee is empowered by Legacy Central West (NSW) Ltd to conduct the day to day running of Legacy in each of its areas.

Legacy House

The need for a home for Orange Legacy became apparent about 1952. The Club was growing in the number of widows and children. The ladies had no place to meet and there were no facilities for children.

An opportunity presented itself in 1953 when it was found that a suitable site would soon be available in the heart of Orange opposite Robertson Park. After considerable discussions with the Divisions outside Orange on the proposal to build Legacy House a motion was carried to proceed with the building.

Approved sketch plans of the building were given to a local architect Mr Fred Graf who, on being approached, offered his service as our Honorary architect.
He transformed the plans into proper working drawings and subsequently acted as supervisory architect until the completion of the building two years later.
A plaque recording his valued services may still be seen at the entrance to the hall. His contribution was considerable and was greatly appreciated.

Construction started with Legatees, unskilled and skilled volunteers all contributing to the construction labour. Builders’ suppliers donated materials and many gifts were made to the building by well wishers. The building was completed on 25th October 1956.

On November 3, 1956 Legacy House was officially opened by the Governor Sir John Northcott who had laid the foundation stone over two years before. The ceremony included local dignitaries and a large contingent of Legatees and their ladies from Sydney and other Legacy Clubs and Divisions. It marked the end of a rather remarkable two years in Orange Legacy’s history.