Looking after the fourth 'generation' of war veterans will become a major focus of Goulburn Legacy in coming years.
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Local man Don Pennay, a Vietnam War veteran, has cited this as a key challenge as the charitable organisation expands its reach.
Mr Pennay has stepped up as Goulburn Legacy president for the the third time. He took over the reins from Mick Shea, who held the role for two years.
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Speaking after the December 3 changeover dinner, Mr Pennay said Legacy was experiencing a transition period.
"Some of that is associated with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide," he said.
"Legacy is now not just about looking after war widows but the health of our veterans."
Mr Pennay said it was vital that Legacy developed its networks to support these people and ensure they weren't falling through the gaps.
He served from 1969/70 as part of the 2nd Advanced Ordinance Depot in Vung Tau and Nui Dat during the Vietnam War.
The Goulburn-born man was drafted to the Army. His father and grandfather were also war veterans.
Joining Legacy in 1999 was a natural step. Mr Pennay said he was motivated to help war widows he knew.
He has served three terms as president - 2009 to 2011 and 2004 to 2005. He has also been a member of many sub-committees, including pensions and welfare.
In the coming two years, Mr Pennay said he'd like to enlist more Legatees, particularly younger ones.
The organisation looks after some 125 widows' needs in Goulburn and district. Legacy Lodge in Lagoon Street, which accommodates widows, is a major asset and Mr Pennay says its smooth operation and future will also be a key consideration.
"Legacy is very important in the community," he said.
"Our role is diminishing a bit with the change of demographics and we need to look after our veterans that have been forgotten about."
Mr Pennay, who will serve two years in the role, says Legacy is in good shape and is one of the more prosperous clubs.
In his outgoing report, Mr Shea, who has moved to Braidwood with wife, Lindy, said Legacy, with support from the community and "members' diligence," had continued to deliver a wide range of programs over the past two years, despite COVID challenges.
It had also given time to assess procedures and governance, adopt a strategic plan and join the National Redress Scheme, among other initiatives.
"The pandemic has had a negative impact on our ability to conduct all our usual variety of functions that are so important in promoting social engagement for our beneficiaries," Mr Shea wrote.
"It has also restricted our ability to fundraise but this has been ameliorated to some extent with government support through JobKeeper and cashflow boost payments."
He paid tribute to "the selfless service" of Legatees Lance Cooke and Bruce Critchlow, who passed away during the year.
In 2021, Legacy also inducted two new members, David Betts and Peter Robinson.
A total 33 members and guests attended the changeover dinner at the Goulburn Soldiers Club.
Office bearers for 2021/23 are:
- President and Rosemary Club liaison officer - Don Pennay;
- Senior vice-president - Greg Seaman;
- Junior vice-president and assistant treasurer - Dean Ferraris;
- Honorary secretary and public officer - John Broadhead;
- Assistant secretary - Jean Lloyd;
- Honorary treasurer - Justin Hawkins;
- Public relations - Louise Thrower;
- Braidwood Torchbearers Liaison Officer - Maureen Faviell;
- Widows Club liaison officer - Mike Keegan;
- Sergeant at Arms - Bruce Herrett.
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
