Australian Defence Force Personnel Raise Over $40,000 in the ‘Battle of the Bases’ Fundraiser

With most Australian Defence Force Personnel unable to take to the streets fundraising for Legacy Week this year, many instead took part in the ‘Battle of the Bases’ challenge as an alternative way to raise funds for the families of our veterans.

Army, Navy and Air Force bases across Australia took on a variety of personalised fitness challenges during September and battled to see which team could raise the most money.

The initiative was first established by Melbourne Legacy in 2020 in response to COVID-19 restrictions and became nationwide this year following a second year of cancelled face-to-face fundraising and in-person events.

Over $40,000 was raised across Australia, with the funds allocated to each bases local Legacy Club.

Bases of any size in Australia could enter the Battle of the Bases competition, and prizes up for grabs included:

• 1st Prize: The highly coveted ‘Pozieres Promise’ shield and a framed Legacy flag
• 2nd Prize: A Legacy commemorative coin and a framed letter of appreciation
• 3rd Prize: A framed letter of appreciation
• Overall Highest Fundraiser: The Golden Base Cup

The top three teams were determined in consultation with Defence, on a per capita basis, with the 5th/6th Battalion of the Royal Victoria Regiment crowned the winners ($5,729), followed by 21 Squadron RAAF/Team Better Together ($4,990) and HMAS Watson ($5,660).

HMAS Cerberus raised the most funds in the competition, with over $10,000, which will support Mornington Peninsula Legacy in Victoria.