The organisation, which looks after war widows, marks the start of its Appeals Week with a launch at the Australian War Memorial on Monday, September 2. The Governor General, David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), will be guest of honour.

Goulburn Legacy president Bill Harding urged the community to support fundraising efforts, which run until September 7.

"It's our main fundraiser of the year and we don't receive government assistance," he said.

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Some of the Club's 29 Legatees, National Servicemen and volunteers will be selling merchandise at several locations during the week. These include outside Dimmeys, Goulburn Square, Goulburn Marketplace, Bunnings, Trappers Bakery and at the Bunnings barbecue on Saturday, September 7.

Students from Goulburn and Mulwaree High Schools, Trinity Catholic College and Army cadets will join the effort in the CBD on Friday, September 6.

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In addition, people can purchase Legacy merchandise including pens, badges, pins, wrist bands and bears from corporate trays placed at various businesses around town. This year, a female Navy bear joins the ranks.

All funds raised stay in the district. Goulburn Legacy looks after the needs of 143 widows in the city and district. This includes sustenance grants during winter to assist electricity bills, bus trips, luncheons, afternoon teas and movie days. The organisation also maintains Legacy Lodge in Lagoon Street for widows' accommodation.

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Mr Harding will step down as president in September after two years. When he first joined in 2002, Goulburn Legacy looked after 385 widows.

Despite the drop, he sees continuing relevance for the work, given the emergence of latter day war widows.

"One of the things people don't realise is that there are only 49 Legacy Clubs throughout Australia and England," he said.

Mr Harding told The Post his time at the helm had been very rewarding and clearly demonstrated that people had great fondness for the organisation and its work.

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