Legacy Centenary Torch Relay welcomed to Tasmania

Members,

The Rockliff Liberal Government is a proud supporter of Legacy and this week we proudly welcomed the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay to Tasmania.

Legacy Australia was formed in 1923 to support veteran’s families. Tasmania can be especially proud of General Sir John Gellibrand and his role in founding the Remembrance Club in Hobart, which inspired Captain Stanley Savige to start Legacy in Melbourne months later.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Guy Barnett, said the Torch Relay will visit Launceston and Hobart during its Tasmanian tour and today the torch relay visited Ouse, in the Upper Derwent Valley, which was the home of Sir John Gellibrand,” Minister Barnett said.

“It was an honour to be in Pozieres, France, as part of the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize Tour when the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay began on April 23.

“It was an equally special moment to be part of today’s relay in Ouse and light the cauldron at Sir John Gellibrand’s birthplace at Leintwardine.

“2023 marks 100years of Legacy providing caring and compassionate service to assist widows, widowers, children, dependents of veterans and their families with 17,500 veterans calling Tasmania home.

“The Tasmanian Government has provided $25,000 towards events and activities in Tasmania to commemorate this significant anniversary, including the Legacy Relay.

“In recognition of the Centenary, Legacy’s special new cultivar of the Australian native Grevillea, ‘LegacyFlame’, reflects Legacy’s Torch symbol, providing a living emblem of the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for Australia.

“I encourage Tasmanians to recognise the Centenary and contribute to supporting Legacy through purchasing a ‘LegacyFlame’ which are available through Bunnings nurseries,” Minister Barnett said.

The Tasmanian Government provides annual funding to Launceston Legacy and Hobart Legacy of $20,000 each per year to support veterans and their families.

The Centenary Legacy Torch Relay will visit 44 Legacy Clubs in Australia and finish in Melbourne on October 13 at the Shrine of Remembrance.

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