THE MID North Coast Division of Legacy held its annual changeover and thank you lunch at the Macksville Ex-Services Club, where Legacy took the opportunity to celebrate those who support its efforts in the district.
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The lunch was also a chance for community leaders to meet with Legacy volunteers face-to-face.
Local Federal MP Pat Conaghan addressed the group and reinforced the vital role that Legacy has been playing in looking after the families of those who have served for nearly a century.
He also noted he enjoyed meeting with Legacy widows who had been through so much in life that he could always count on them for very honest feedback as they did not hold back.
Mayor of Nambucca Valley, Rhonda Hoban OAM, also addressed the lunch gathering and highlighted the often invisible issue of mental health within the veterans' community and pointed to the great work Legacy is doing in support of the families of those veterans with mental health problems.
Kempsey Shire mayor Liz Campbell was also in attendance and her council's support for Legacy in the district was also complimented.
It was an address by Legatee Tim Becker, Sydney Legacy Mid North Coast Divisional Liaison Legatee, on the key role Legacy is playing and must play in the future that really struck home.
Mr Becker pointed out that today Legacy cares for over 50,000 widows, 250 Beneficiaries with Disabilities and 1800 children throughout Australia and Legacy is still committed to helping young families of veterans who have lost their life or their health during or because of their active service.
But it was another set of figures that left those present at the lunch with no doubt about the continued importance of Legacy.
Mr Becker pointed out that since 1991 over 73,000 Defence personnel have served overseas, more than those who served overseas from 1950 to 1990.
Since 1991 over 73,000 Defence personnel have served overseas, more than those who served overseas from 1950 to 1990
- Tim Becker
He emphasised there is a continuing increase in contemporary partners and their young families doing it tough as the returning veteran from one or in many cases several operational tours of the Middle East and other conflicts are suffering from PTSD. Their partners are putting their hands up seeking Legacy assistance.
Mr Becker explained how Legacy is looking to the future and that in October this year Sydney Legacy will host the 2021 National Conference with the theme 'Meeting the Challenge of Change - the future of Legacy'.
At this forum the way Legacy communicates, particularly on social media, and the way it fundraises, will be central issues.
Mr Becker also officiated in the changeover of president and vice-president of Legacy Mid North Coast by welcoming Wayne Mason, formally vice-president, in as president, and thanking Todd Vercoe for his time as president, with Mr Vercoe stepping into the vice-president's role.
Warmer winter
We could be in for a warmer than average winter, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
A winter outlook shows night-time temperatures will be warmer than average for most of the country. Coastal areas in particular could experience warmer days.
Bureau climatologist Dr Lynette Bettio said observations from the past 20 years show a trend towards drier than average conditions in Australia's south during autumn and early winter.
"Our climate drivers are currently neutral, meaning we're not getting El Nino or La Nina bringing particularly dry nor particularly wet conditions," Dr Bettio said.
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