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New inductees take up the torch for Legacy

The induction by Legacy President, Don Stewart (at right). PICTURES: NARDIA KEENAN

As internationally prohibited Russian bombs explode through Ukraine in a European war a hundred years after the Great War, the organisation which cares for war widows and orphans is as relevant as ever.

Legacy was created in Melbourne in 1923 after World War One because there was no-one to provide for the families of fallen servicemen, according to the President of Adelaide Legacy, Don Stewart, at a dinner for new inductees at the Musicians Club on Saturday.

“The founder said, ‘There are 3,000 war orphans and we should be looking after them,’” said Mr Stewart.

Legacy moved further afield and the first Legatee was inducted in Broken Hill in 1941. Sylvester Lord from Pinnacles Sheep Station had been in the 9th Australian Light Horse Regiment during World War One and became President of Broken Hill’s first Legacy group in 1943.

In 1958, the women’s Legacy group began at the Country Women’s Association (CWA).

The three new inductees at Saturday’s dinner, Patricia Donohue, Margaret Prior and Steve Radford, have a strong desire to continue the tradition of service.

“I see it as a privilege to help those in need who have helped so many,” said Mrs Donohue.

Mrs Prior had helped Legacy widows and wanted to do more.

“Marg is an honest, caring, hardworking person who wants to help the community,” said her partner, Alan Chandler.

“Her heart’s in the right place and she wants to help as much as she can for as long as she can.”

Mr Radford hopes to bring strength to the cause.

“I want to inspire, connect and reinforce what Legacy stands for,” he said.

Mr Stewart said that “Broken Hill Legacy is a big, wonderful group which has its own way of doing things” and that 2023 will be a big year for the group.

“Next year will be Legacy’s centenary and the 80th anniversary of Broken Hill Legacy, so it’s good to start planning for it now.”

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