The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, today urged Australians to rally behind Legacy in its fundraising efforts during Legacy Week from 27 August to 2 September 2006. "Legacy Week provides Australians with the opportunity to support thousands of war widows and the dependants of those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our nation," Mr Billson said.

"For more than 80 years, Legacy has worked tirelessly to provide welfare and other support services to the veteran community across Australia, with the help of hundreds of selfless and dedicated volunteers, the Legatees, who come from all walks of life. "Today, Legacy supports some 127,000 war widows and 1900 children and dependants with special needs Australia-wide, helping them to cope with their loss and rebuild their lives," he said.

Mr Billson said Legacy was formed by returned servicemen after World War I to help meet the needs of widows and children of their fallen comrades. This support has now been extended to the families of all those service personnel killed in the line of duty. "The work of Legacy, ex-service organisations and other community groups is an important complement to the programs of compensation, income support and health care provided by the Australian Government to the veteran community through the repatriation system," the Minister said.

"I commend Legacy for its continuing support for the veteran community, and congratulate Legacy's foot soldiers - those school students, Australian Defence Force personnel and other volunteers who will be on the streets selling the traditional badges that people associate with Legacy during Legacy Week. "I encourage all Australians to show their support for, and help raise awareness about, Legacy's worthy cause by buying and wearing a Legacy badge during Legacy Week," Minister Billson said.