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Plaque to recognise century-long support from Legacy unveiled at Commercial Road memorial site in Morwell on 18 Dec 2023

Latrobe City Council commemorated Legacy's centenary, honoring its support for veterans. Legacy, initiated in 1923 by Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, aids families of service personnel from various conflicts.

By news@gippsland - 20th December 2023 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council joined the community to celebrate 100 years of Legacy, unveiling a celebratory plaque at the Commercial Road memorial site in Morwell on Monday 18 December. Legacy is a charity organisation that has been supporting veterans and their families for over a century. The charity has spread its operation throughout Australia and encompasses the widows and children of returned service personnel from all Wars and peace-keeping forces that Australia has participated in.

Operating nationwide, Legacy supports families of Australian service members from all conflicts since its 1923 founding by veterans

Honoring legacy's impact

Legacy was founded in 1923 by a group of World One veterans, led by Morwell's Lieutenant General Sir Stanley George Savige. Sir Stanley Savige was a highly decorated soldier of the Australian Army and the original founder of Legacy Australia.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe acknowledged charitable works of Legacy and the memory of Stanley George Savige during the commemoration ceremony. "The dedicated memorial to Sir Stanley Savige was erected in 2006, commissioned by Advance Morwell in partnership with Latrobe City Council, Morwell, Moe and Traralgon RSL and Morwell Historical Society. Legacy has provided stability, guidance and assistance to thousands of Australian families who have lost their loved ones to conflict and war," said the Mayor.

Celebrating community heritage

Councillor Graeme Middlemiss said the commemoration event was a fantastic opportunity for the wider community to recognise its past. "It's important that Latrobe City recognises its history and its past, particularly for the fine work that Legacy has accomplished this past century."

"This celebration was also an opportunity to remember the tremendous works of Sir Stanley George Savige, who was born in Morwell in 1890 and where his memorial resides. Events such as these are important to commemorate and celebrate our shared history within the community," Cr Middlemiss said.

Honouring Sir Stanley

Steve Mayes said the gathering was an important time to reflect on the past and the life of Sir Stanley George Savige - who served in the Australian Army in both WWI and WW2. "Sir Stanley founded Legacy after WWI after genuine concern for the family members of deceased comrades."

"In both his military and civilian life, Sir Stanley was known for his personal leadership and community work as well as having a genuine interest in people's welfare. I think a lot of history is lost, especially in our local towns. What Sir Stanley Savage did for Legacy and did for Morwell is very prudent for the day," Steve said.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com