Legacy’s FNQ patron, HMAS Commander Alfonso Santos, backs $1.75m campaign to build facility to support veterans and families

A $1.7m campaign has been launched to help veterans and their families in times of need.

In the week leading up to Anzac Day, the Far North community is invited to be part of a campaign to help build a much-needed hub for veterans and their families in need.

As Legacy celebrates its 100th anniversary, on Wednesday at the Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph, community leaders and defence representatives kickstarted Legacy House’s $1.75m GoFundMe initiative to build a dedicated hub in Cairns.

Legacy House will comprise emergency accommodation for two families as well as a community hall and garden and provide support to the families of veterans who have been affected by the loss of their spouse as well as for veterans transitioning back into the community following their deployment.

Legacy Far North Queensland has launched their campaign to build Legacy House Cairns, a $1.75m facility that will help families of fallen defence force members. Melanie Allen and her son Tobias Allen, 11, lost their husband and father, Leading Seaman Steven Allen, in 2017. Together with HMAS Cairns Commander Alfonso Santos, they are supporting the fundraising drive that will assist families in need. Picture: Brendan Radke

Far North Queensland Legacy Patron and HMAS Cairns Commander Alfonso Santos, CSC, RAN, said the campaign was critical to allow Legacy to ensure it supports veterans ands their families who face challenges.

“Our veterans have given so much to our country, and it is essential that we honour their service by providing support to their families in their time of need,” he said.

“This project is a testament to our commitment to caring for the welfare of our veterans and their loved ones.”

Commander Santos said there are currently 1000 serving members across all branches of the Australian Defence Force in the Far North, along with several hundred serving families and more than 200 beneficiary families.

“They are all members of the defence family,” he said.

Legacy Far North Queensland executive officer Rebecca Milliner at the launched of the campaign to build Legacy House Cairns, a $1.75 million facility that will help families of fallen defence force members. Picture: Brendan Radke

FNQ Legacy chief executive Rebecca Milliner said the facility will deliver vital services and programs.

“It will include a community hall and garden space for children to learn and play in and provide help for families who can often face challenges dealing with the loss of a loved one,” she said.

“Legacy is there with them every step of the way.”

Legacy Far North Queensland has launched their campaign to build Legacy House Cairns, a $1.75 million facility that will help families of fallen defence force members. Melanie Allen and her son Tobias Allen, 11, lost their husband and father, Leading Seaman Steven Allen, in 2017. Together with HMAS Cairns Commander Alfonso Santos, they are supporting the fundraising drive that will assist families in need. Picture: Brendan Radke

For Cairns resident Melanie Allen and her family, the Legacy House campaign is critical.

“I have three children and my husband a navy veteran, passed away in 2017,” she said.

“Legacy have been amazing and now I am back on my feet I am very happy to support them.”

He son Tobias, 11, agreed Legacy genuinely assisted its beneficiaries.

“If they don’t have the money for housing they can come over to Legacy,” he said.

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the campaign was “a vital initiative.”

Mr Entsch said it was an opportunity for Australians to reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and to give back to those families who have been affected by those sacrifices.

The Go Fund me campaign at https://GoFundMe/1bcfcdb1 and the Build-a-Brick campaign via https://fnqlegacy.org.au/

Originally published as Legacy’s FNQ patron, HMAS Commander Alfonso Santos, backs $1.75m campaign to build facility to support veterans and families