Gunnedah RSL sub-Branch hosted a free bus service to Tamworth on Sunday for local people to attend the Legacy Day for Veterans and Families.
The free community event was staged by Legacy – which provides social and financial support to the partners and children of fallen or injured veterans.
The Gunnedah RSL sub-Branch provided a bus service to the event for about 18 local legatees and veteran families.
The day was hosted by Legacy NSW and officially endorsed by Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Governor-General of Australia and one of Australia’s most respected military leaders.
The event held at Tamworth Rugby Park included live music, free lunch and soft drinks, and presentations by some of the many service providers on hand to assist.
A range of benefits and assistance was available including health care, mental health support, financial advice, legal aid, hearing checks, home care services, and more.
Meanwhile, RSL representatives were discussing the planned establishment of a Veteran Wellbeing Centre in North West NSW.
Similar facilities are already operating in locations throughout NSW. The centres aim to provide innovative and flexible models of service delivery for veterans and families.
Although the location of North West centre is yet to be determined, discussions are ongoing with local councils and key stakeholders throughout the region.
A range of children’s activities was also on offer at the Tamworth community day, including a live, hands-on demonstration of the Royal Australian Air Force hot air balloon.
The RAAF has three hot air balloons, based in Canberra. Operated by the Central Flying School, the balloons often travel to regional or remote communities.
Although the balloon was unable to fly on the day due to the size of the area, children (and the young at heart) enjoyed the excitement of pulling the flame lever (pictured right).
Organisers are hoping to stage the veterans and community day as an annual event.
