THE Mid North Coast Division of Sydney Legacy Club Services held their Annual Changeover Lunch at the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club on Thursday 25 May 2023.

This year is the Centenary of Legacy where the organisation is celebrating 100 years of service supporting veterans’ families.

Those gathered were welcomed by the MC for the event, Legatee Mr Todd Vercoe, and a stirring Welcome to Country in the Gumbaynggirr language was delivered by Mrs Maxine Jarrett.

In a prelude to her toast to Legacy, Nambucca Valley Mayor Rhonda Hoban, also the mother of a serving officer in the Royal Australian Navy, spoke about the way Legacy was able to provide support for veterans families who were going through the most difficult of circumstances.

The Mayor also spoke about the misconception she had about those who are eligible to be members of Legacy and highlighted that anyone can volunteer for Legacy, not just ex-service men and women.

The Acting President of Sydney Legacy, Mr Tim Becker, during his first visit to Nambucca Heads, addressed the gathering and highlighted that Legacy had been welcomed by all three branches of the Armed Services to inform members of the important role of Legacy and he is hopeful that this will encourage more young people to volunteer with the organisation.

Office Manager of Mid North Coast Division of Sydney Legacy Club Services, Mrs Shelly Schembri, informed the gathering that the division, during this year’s Legacy Week, had raised $19,445.00, through street stalls and donations, one of the highest amounts in regional districts.

Mrs Schembri also highlighted donations raised for Legacy with the support of local RSL sub-Branches and the generosity of an anonymous donor who has donated $30,000 this year.

Well known former school teacher Mrs Pat Carruthers, a regular participant at Legacy morning teas, also presented a cheque for $330, raised from raffles at the morning teas.

The main event of the lunch was the induction of new Office Bearers of Mid North Coast Division of Sydney Legacy Club Services by Mr Tim Becker.

Mr Becker read the Legacy Charter and presented it to Legatee Mr Todd Vercoe, before announcing Mr Vercoe as the President of Mid North Coast Division of Sydney Legacy Club Services for the year 2023/24.

Mr Becker also announced the other executive roles of Mid North Coast Legacy, with the Vice President being Mr Wayne Mason.

Fulfilling the role of Treasurer will be Mrs Marian Petit, Public Relations will be Mr Glen Brown, Pension Advocates will be Mr Wayne Mason and Mr Todd Vercoe, Community Service Worker will be Miss Janelle MacKay and the office Manger is Mrs Shelley Schembri.

The next major event on the Legacy calendar is the Legacy 100th Year Fundraiser Night on Saturday 24 June 2023 at the Macksville Ex-Services Club.

By Mick BIRTLES