The inaugural Legacy Golf Classic raised more than $10,000 to help Legacy continue their services and support to the veteran community, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today. Attending the Legacy Golf Classic dinner, following today's event, Mr Billson presented the cheque to Legacy on behalf of the organisers, the Australian Defence Force Golf Association, and major sponsor Mincom. "Some 6700 Legatees help more than 126,000 widows and 1900 children and disabled dependants Australia-wide," he said.

"It's important that the Australian community recognise and support organisations like Legacy so they can continue their valuable service to the veteran community." Mr Billson said that he held a high regard for the work of Legacy and its volunteers, whose selfless devotion to helping others in need was well beyond any call of duty. "With generous community support and fundraising initiatives like today's Golf Classic, it is great to see that the work of our Legatees does not go unnoticed," Mr Billson said.

"Legacy's duty of care and devotion to the service of the veteran community is commendable, to say the least, and community support such as today's Golf Classic, helps to ensure the work of Legacy continues.In times of loss, for the widows and children left behind to rebuild their lives after their loved ones have given the ultimate sacrifice in the service to the nation, there are few things more comforting than to know that community help is there." The Australian Government provides support to ex-service and community organisations through grants programs, and since 1 July 2005, Legacy has received more than $800,000 in assistance through the grants program.