Bundaberg Legacy presented with $4790 donation

Bundaberg Legacy has been presented with a symbolic cheque following anniversary events that raised thousands of dollars for the families of veterans who sacrificed their lives during conflict.

Mayor Helen Blackburn presents Legacy president Len Gordon with the donation. Image credit: Morgan Everett.

In celebration of the Bundaberg Legacy’s 75th anniversary, Mayor Helen Blackburn has presented the group with a symbolic cheque for several thousand dollars.

Bundaberg Legacy president Len Gordon welcomed the $4790 donation, and said the funds raised during the anniversary concert held in March at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre would support more than 400 struggling locals.

“It’s just another helping hand to allow us to look after our 400 widows, 10 children and a couple of incapacitated veterans,” he said.

With Legacy Australia founded 100 years ago, in service of families of veterans who had sacrificed their life for King and country, Mr Gordon said the desire to support veterans continues to this day.

Mayor Helen Blackburn presents Legacy president Len Gordon with the donation. Image credit: Morgan Everett.

“Initially it was for the families of veterans that lost their lives in conflict and then it was expanded for those that lost their health,” he said.

“Then it was expanded again and now we look after more modern veterans coming back who may have some issues, and we are getting more and more of those.”

The organisation also supports children, and as a ‘Legacy child’ himself, Mr Gordon spoke openly about how necessary the services provided were.

“The first Christmas I had when my father passed was a Legacy Christmas, and that was quite good for us,” he said.

Ms Blackburn said the Bundaberg Regional Council was delighted to able to offer the use of the Moncrieff for the anniversary concert, which drew people from across the Wide Bay Burnett.

“It’s a great cause and we know that that’s a big part of our community,” she said.

Ms Blackburn presented the cheque at the Moncrieff on Wednesday, April 24, ahead of one of the country’s most poignant days of remembrance, Anzac Day.

Speaking on the Anzac Day memorial events planned across the region and Australia, Ms Blackburn said the council was expecting a large turnout.

“Everyone likes to honour the veterans past and present, and the ones that have sacrificed their lives,” she said.