Legacy torch relay celebrates 100 years of the welfare organisation Walking to remember

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE Queensland leg of a torch bearing relay to commemorate 100 years of Legacy started in Cairns this week.

On Wednesday 28 torchbearers took to the streets of Cairns for a relay culminating at the Cairns cenotaph to raise awareness and funds for the notfor-profit.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, presented by Defence Health, arrived in Cairns on Wednesday as part of a journey across Australia to celebrate Legacy’s 100 years of service to the families of deceased and seriously injured veterans.

Departing from Cairns North near Tobruk Pool, 28 torch bearers, including high-profile people like Councillor Amy Eden and HMAS Cairns

Commanding Officer Alfonso Santos, walked 8.8km through iconic spots in the city with torches held high, ending at the Cairns cenotaph for the cauldron lightning.

Legacy Australia chief executive Graham Boyd said the torch relay aimed to raise awareness and contribute to a goal of $10-million for the year.

“Legacy is now a century, and the torch is an emblem of Legacy,” he said.

“The torch has passed through Al- bany, Freemantle, Perth, Adelaide and Northern Territory and, from Cairns, it will be going to the east coast of Australia, so this is the first stop in a long journey of 50,000km, over 100 stops, through 44 clubs across Australia.

“We’re raising the profile for Legacy, reminding people we are here, but also we’re raising money, and we’re after $10m, so if we’ve got a generous benefactor out there, please donate.”

Legacy beneficiary, legatee and first torchbearer of the relay Melanie Allen said her family was participating in honour of her late husband.

“I’m the first torch bearer in Queensland, which is an honour,” the Freshwater resident said.

“We are a large defence community, especially in Cairns, so it’s wonderful to celebrate the support they give. Today, I’m walking for my dad, who’s a Vietnam veteran, and my husband Steven, who served in the Navy as a Leading Seaman. He passed away in 2017.

“My dad and son are walking with me, and Legacy is an extension of my family. They have supported us financially and emotionally.”

Final torch bearer and Mission Beach resident Regina Ryan said it was an honour to support the organisation that had helped her through tough times. “My husband was very involved in Legacy ... he recently passed away. My daughter Megan and I are walking in his place ...”