Morning Tea in Support of Brisbane Legacy and Members of the Legacy Torch Society

Legacy Brisbane President, Captain Andrew Craig; Chief Executive Officer, Mr Brendan Cox; Legacy Youth Group Leader, Ms Fiona Stevens; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Kaye and I extend the warmest of welcomes this morning to Legacy Torch Society members and representatives of Legacy Brisbane.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. 

It will not be news to you that 2020 has been memorable mostly for the wrong reasons. 

Yet 2020 also deserves to be memorable because it marks the 75^th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific in World Two II.

Media coverage of the anniversary focused on archival images of sheer joy and relief among Australians in 1945 that peace had broken out at last. But beneath those celebrations was a keen awareness of the price of victory.

Whenever Australians have fought for their country, casualties have left spouses at home without a partner, children who have lost a parent, families caring for veterans injured in body or spirit.  

For more than nine decades, Legacy has been there to help these families, providing emotional and long-term practical support with a willing and eager personal touch.  

Legacy provides all-important financial support but also companionship through social events – in non-COVID times at least. Not many organisations can boast High Teas for the over-nineties.

Legacy regularly checks on the well-being of its widows, widowers, and families, using this as an opportunity for a good chat or to celebrate a birthday. And haven’t we all been reminded by COVID restrictions just how precious social contact is!    

Legacy supports dependants of families and also provides opportunities for these young people to enjoy socialising with their peers.

As Patron, I thank Legacy Brisbane’s Board, executive and staff for their continuing hard work and dedication, including in managing the challenges that COVID has posed to Legacy’s operations. 

To maintain its services, Legacy depends on the generosity of many – governments, businesses, individual donors, and volunteers.  

But today is about Legacy Torch Society, which is such an important part of that community of giving.

In undertaking to leave a bequest, Society members ensure that Legacy’s services, with that vital personal touch, will continue whenever the need arises.   

That is a marvellous contribution to the well-being of war widows, widowers and veterans’ families who together number in their thousands, as well as a gesture of respect for the sacrifices they have made.

Along with all Queenslanders, I extend to Torch Society members here today – including new members to whom I have the great honour of shortly presenting brooches and keyrings – and members all over the State, my wholehearted thanks and deep admiration, and I encourage others to follow their inspiring lead. 

Thank you.