Three documents relating to the redevelopment of Legacy House that was completed in 2006. In a message from the President published in the Bulletin, Legatee Bill Rogers mentions the official opening of Legacy House by the Governor of Victoria Professor David DeKretser AC on 25th August 2006. Also that two new tenants had been secured, IGA and Starbucks. The refurbishment had been necessary to upgrade the lift, provide better wheelchair access and comply with regulations. The notice also mentions an increased use of Direct Mail and the launch of the Torch Society in April. Second document was a reprint from a Press Release in 1957 when Sir Dallas Brooks officially opened Legacy House after purchase and refurbishment. The refurbishment was the first time Legacy approached the general public for funds as 90,000 pounds had been required. It also tells of the history of how Legacy acquired the David H Dureau Memorial Building through funds donated by a donor in 1944, a different property was purchased then sold and funds used to buy 293 Swanston St in 1956. The third document was the address that Bill Rogers spoke at the official opening on 25th August 2006. It mentions Bert Dennis, a former Junior Legatee, was donating the proceeds from an auction of a Dennis Family Homes project the following day. Document was from a folder of documents donated to the archive by Legatee Bill Rogers that related to his time as President (March 2006 - March 2008).A record of the history of Legacy House and its refurbishment over time.Print out x 4 pages about Legacy House, its redevelopment, reopening and history.dureau house, properties

After the death of Stan Savige this address was given at the Canberra Conference in October 1954. It is tribute to his life. Sir Stanley Savige KBE : Commemorative Address Federal Conference of Legacy Clubs, Canberra : October 1954. On the 15th of May this year Legacy learned to its enduring sorrow of the death of its Founder, Lieut. General Stanley George Savige KBE, CB, CBE, DSO, MC, ED, for more than 30 years affectionately known to us all as Legatee Stan Savige. He was the embodiment of all those things for which Legacy stands, and each one of us who knew him and worked with him feels a great and abiding sense of personal loss. It is proper, therefore, that those of us at this Conference, the first after his passing, representative of Legacy throughout the Commonwealth, and comprising so many who were his friends, so many who knew the depth of his love for Legacy, should acknowledge our debt to our Founder and ensure, so far as we may, that the inspiration of his life and work in this Cause shall not be lost to those who follow after. It was not ordained that Stanley George Savige - should enjoy a long life, but it was to prove a life of outstanding service. Born at Morwell in Victoria some 63 years ago, he received with his brothers and sisters such education as was then available to a lad in a mining district. He had no particular opportunities of advancement, but from his early days he cherished a strong ambition to make a success of his life, and with this in view he lost no opportunity of adding to his knowledge. Always a lover of the open country, a good bushman and a fine shot, he became as a young man, a Scoutmaster with a keen following of boys. Even in those early days he attracted youth and showed undoubted promise of the quality of leadership which later was to make him famous. Opportunity came with the first World War, and he took his place as a private soldier in the original 24th Battalion AIF. Followed Gallipoli and Anzac where his marksmanship and bush craft stood him in good stead. Conscious that his early training was not sufficient to secure the promotion he desired, he set himself to enlarge it. Only a man of fine fibre and rare determination could apply himself to study on that war torn Peninsula, where our men, hitherto untested, suffered every known hardship and no man knew, from hour to hour, whether he would survive. But Savige achieved it. Himself then a Corporal he found another Corporal who was a former Schoolmaster and learned from him all that he had to teach. Savige was on his way. He was commissioned on the Field and allotted the heroic task of leading the last party off that desperate coast during the famous evacuation. In France he became the Adjutant of his Battalion and one of the best known officers in the 6th Brigade. He won the Military Cross and was mentioned in despatches. Early in 1918 he received a signal distinction, He was included in a small but distinguished band of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers from the British and Dominion Forces most carefully selected for individual courage and proved qualities of leadership, and was sent to Persia, under the command of Major-General Dunsterville, Kipling’s famous Stalky, to assist and mobilise the friendly tribes with a view to protecting the road to India, left wide open by the withdrawal of Russia. The story of the Dunsterforce, its suffering and achievements in the face of incredible hardships and difficulties, was later to be told by Savige in his book “Stalky’s Forlorn Hope”. He emerged, finally, unscathed, despite his active participation in several of the bloodiest battles of all time, with the rank of Captain and a DSO and MC to his credit, to say nothing of three mentions in despatches. In later years, further decorations were to be conferred upon him, but I believe he valued none of these so highly as his awards for outstanding personal bravery won in the Field when he was an Officer of comparatively junior rank. Such was the man who in August 1923, at the instance of his former Commander, Major-General Sir John Gellibrand, gathered around him a handful of men who had fought and laughed with him over four well remembered years. This small band adopted the name of “Legacy”, but its purpose then was, in the main, to assist in safeguarding the interests of ex-servicemen in this country. Worthy although the case undoubtedly was, the conception and ideal which was to distinguish Legacy from all kindred post-war movements did not emerge until two years later. The torch had not been lit. Legacy had not yet found its soul. What has been achieved since then is known to you all. The Legacy ideal, unique in its conception, with no known counterpart elsewhere, is now accepted, welcomed and honoured throughout the Commonwealth and abroad. But in those early days the achievements of our Founder in the face of all manner of difficulties and frustrations are worthy of our lasting memory and thankfulness. As the source of every river lies in the hills, so must the inspiration from which stems a great conceptions of service to one’s fellow men be lofty and above reproach. Savige was the embodiment of this new expression of comradeship, as he was the central figure and driving force of the little group that sponsored it. But for his zeal, his faith and determination, it is likely that the flame, newly kindled, might have flickered and died. The idea of men returned from active service pledging for the sake of their former comradeship, their personal assistance to the widows, and above all, to the children of those who had fought beside them and paid the full price of War, was so completely new and unexpected that it was by no means readily accepted. There were no funds, no precedents to guide the new adventurers, only the clear bright flame of an ideal just envisaged, and the conviction that the Cause was unassailable. Nor were there lacking many who said that the community held no place for Legacy, that it was born of sentiment only, and would quickly pass. The scoffers are gone and one since forgotten, but the torch remains and burns brighter than ever. Down the years of Legacy there are many names deserving of honour, men from all States and all stations of life, but no name stands out in such clear and bold relief as does the name of our Founder. By his works you shall know him. He was, in truth, the Soul of Legacy. He sought no office and preferred to work as one of the team. Six years went by before he accepted the Presidency of Melbourne Club, and then only because his fellows would book no further delay. “The Spirit of Legacy is Service” - so runs the Charter, and that was Savige’s Creed. By virtue of his attainments he was called upon to take a leading part in the administration of Legacy, first within his own club and later, as Chairman of the Co-ordinating Council of Legacy in Australia. But always it was the essentially human character of the work which enthralled and upheld him, and the tasks which gave him most joy were those which brought him into close personal contact with the youngsters and their home life. Like their elders they recognised his goodwill and his leadership and responded to it. It was Savige who made possible the first camps held for the boys and girls by Melbourne Club. These were erected on his own seaside property, and were originally conducted under his personal direction and largely with the aid of funds he had collected. There was hardly an important post in his own Club that Savige did not at some time occupy and adorn. He was happiest in the company of those men with whom he had served in the field, and cherished always the comradeship born of active service which is of the essence of Legacy. He was a man of strong convictions but attentive always to another’s point of view. As a Legatee he played a leading part in bringing hope and encouragement to many a mother on whom the whole responsibility of a young family had been suddenly and tragically laid; in the attainment of the ambitions of many an orphan child, which not so long since had seemed to him or her to be mere dreams, impossible of realisation. Comfort for the bereaved, new hope for the children’s physical and educational welfare, assistance with the home, aid for the sick, money for the needy and a new courage to face a future that hitherto had held no promise, all these facets of Legacy endeavour combine to present a living and enduring memorial to the man we honour as our Founder today. Between the two World Wars in addition to establishing himself successfully in civilian life and answering the constant calls of Legacy on his energy and time, Savige maintained an active association with the Army. He was convinced that a Second AIF would one day be urgently called upon, and as a Battalion Commander he spared no effort to train the Officers under his charge during the uneasy years of peace for the trial that he felt must come. These men have all subsequently had distinguished military careers, their names are well known and many of the serve in Legacy today. When the second crisis came, Savige himself was one of the first to offer, and although his youth was spent, he proudly carried the number VX13 throughout the terrible years that followed. This time he was to command, first the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade in the first action of the Second AIF against the enemy at Barida, and subsequently at Tobruk and Derna - all famous names now. It was his patrols which gave the warning - unheeded at the time - that Rommel’s reinforcements were reaching North Africa far earlier than was expected. Then followed the grim days of Greece and Crete when the fine qualities of his leadership were put to the utmost test. I have been told by those who were closest to him it was typical of Savige that when his convoys were on the move back and were being blasted from the air by the unopposed Luftwaffe, he should sit by the side of the open road, wearing his red banded cap, to steady the morale of men who had then no chance of hitting back at the enemy. Unorthodox no doubt, but here was a man indeed. Throughout the whole campaign and later when he commended the 3rd division in New Guinea and later still when with the rank of Lieutenant-General he became a Corps Commander in New Guinea and Bouganville, it was at all times characteristic of him that he should see for himself the situation in the forward areas. He dealt personally with his subordinate commanders whenever it was possible to do so. No one says his G.S.O. 1. understood better than he did the importance of front line troops seeing their G.O.C. frequently, and knowing that he was aware of and prepared to share their hardships and dangers. He took many risks that he should not have taken, exhausted himself physically and mentally times without number, and considered himself not at all in order to secure the success of his operations. Finally, in Bouganville, he brought his campaign to a victorious conclusion and accepted the personal surrender of the Japanese Commander. Savige is known as one of Australia’s most human military leaders, but let no one believe that he did not ask and receive the utmost of his men. He trained them in a hard school but he was ever conscious of their needs and observant and thoughtful of their welfare. Fearless and untiring under conditions which brought younger men down, he asked nothing that he was not himself prepared to give and do. The close of the Second World War left him with the same brave heart; but a vitality greatly impaired. He was called up again and again to perform important national tasks, notably that of Co-ordinator of Demobilisation and Dispersal. But his interest in Legacy never flagged it was in fact more personal than ever, for under his command many junior legatees, sons of former comrades had proved themselves worthy of their Fathers in war and in peace. In the bearing and achievements of the young men of the Second A.I.F. he took a particular and justifiable pride. He applied himself to the Extension of Legacy to areas where it had not previously been practicable to operate. His record of service and close personal contact with the men of both wars made him a most welcome pioneer and many new Clubs and Groups resulted from his efforts. He founded, and I doubt whether any one else could have done so, the Club in the great Capital of our Empire. His reputation and obvious sincerity surmounted obstacles that might well have daunted lesser man. Legacy’s debt to him visibly increased. But he was ever a simple man, with a great love and understanding of his fellow men and a true Legatee at heart. Much that he did will never be known or recognised, save by those who benefitted. His service in Legacy ranged from the humble kitchen of cottage and farm to our representation in Westminster Abbey itself. A knighthood set the seal upon an outstanding career. None the less when upon the death of Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey, Lieut. General Sir Stanley Savige became the Patron of the Melbourne Club, he retained at his own express desire, the title of Legatee Savige, and when on that final day we bade him farewell, when the Flags he had served so well were lowered and the guns which had formed a grim final salute, it was apparent to all who had eyes to see that this great and simple man had won such a place in the hearts and affection of his fellow country men as is given to few men indeed. From the packed Cathedral, escorted by his fellow Generals, followed by men of his own Units, by Legatees and a great company of others who had cause to honour and esteem him, he made his last journey. But that is not the end. His voice and presence are lost to us but his memory and inspiration must ever remain. As he has bequeathed to the National War Memorial yonder his diaries, records and battle plans, so he has bequeathed to us his fellow Legatees his greatest achievement and his trust, Legacy itself. Never was the Torch passed by worthier hands. Now it is ours to hold it high. Whatever material memorial the future many hold for him, Legacy owes its Founder a livelier recompense. It is within our power to implement what I believe to be his greatest wish, that Legacy and its ideal of comradeship and service shall flourish and endure. Let each one of us then resolve that we shall, within our Clubs, in all tasks to which we are assigned, both great and small, keep in our minds the life and spirit of Stanley George Savige, so that we may be proud at all times to say of Legacy to those who follow after - “If you would see his memorial - Look around you”.The tribute to Stanley Savige shows how greatly he was regarded by the Legatees.Off white quarto paper with black type, address given about Stan Savige to the Canberra Conference, x 12 pages.savige, speech, obituary

A copy of an address given at a Foundation Day Luncheon by a long standing Legatee and past President Legatee Rob Allison. He had joined Legacy in 1950, and he comments that only 5 members remain active that were with him in 1950. In 1950 they were all posted as member of various committees, he got Welfare and Friday night girls' classes. There were 9 boys' classes throughout Melbourne, and girls' twice a week at Legacy Headquarters at 24 Market St. There were 230 active members and each legatee had 4 or 5 families with children. He mentions that in 1950 the President was 62 years old but only 5 years after the end of the war, the tide had begun to turn towards the 39ers. (He called the older legatees '1914ers' or 'the Bow and Arrow boys'). He applauded the 'founding fathers' for limiting the numbers of members, in 1929 it was 230 and in 1959 a limit of 300. They used a classification method to classify the members so they had a diverse range of skills and community representation. Areas were: Production, Distribution, Services Public Authority, Services Other, and Board List. The President had a Secret Committee of 3, no one knew who was on the committee, even those members didn't know the identity of the other 2. This committee vetted the background and integrity of new members. In 1950 the budget was £27,000 plus a capital budget of £3,500. Legatee Allison tells a good story of his induction into Legacy, including his wife joining other Legatees wives in fundraising. In 1951 Comradeship meetings moved to Thursday nights at the instigation of Burt Nathan. 'Birthday boy' invitations started in 1958 when John Cooper was Chairman of the Comradeship. After some years of discussion the first paid Social Worker was employed in 1953 and as a result her efforts the first Senior Widows' Group got underway. Until the 1950s Legacy had always found the money it required, from big companies, wealthy members of the community, Estates, or Trusts. In 1951 it tried to copy a Sydney Legacy idea (Certificate of Adoption Plan) and called it 'The Endowment Scheme'. Other fundraisers included films, premiere showing and musicals were very much a part of the social life of Legatees. One premiere show in 1952, 'The Greatest Show on Earth' was sold at £100 a double. In 1959 Sir Frank and Lady Tait were kind enough for give us a premiere of 'My Fair Lady'. As the 50s progressed cash flow was not enough and it was decided in 1957 to have the first public appeal (he says 1957 but it was 1956). The first Badge day was 1958 (according to this account). He says it grossed £21,000 (net £17,000). And the Legacy story was becoming better known. 'Legacy has never been a one man band. The strength has been in the resourceful ability of those of its members.' He was well placed to tell the story of the donation towards Dureau House. BG Corporation in New York used 'Brown and Dureau' as agents in Melbourne for their spark plug manufacturing (for the American aircraft based in Australia during the war). A royalty of two shillings and sixpence was agreed. The entrepreneur President of BG Corporation was Richard Goldsmith. L/ Grat Grattan had a friend Mr Edwards who was managing director at Brown and Dureau and heard of the desire by Goldsmith to leave a permanent memorial to ex-servicemen in Australia (Children's Hospital was considered). Grat took Edwards to Market St and showed him the inadequacy of the building. It was agreed if Melbourne Legacy could come up with a purchased building in 10 days they would get the money needed. The property purchased was 'Storey Hall' in Swanston St (also called Hibernian Hall in other documents). After the war it turned out not to be suitable and a new building was required. The speaker is identified as Rob Allison based on two things; at one stage he refers to himself as 'Rob' and this copy of the speech has been faxed to Legacy from the offices of John Allison Monkhouse. Another copy of this address has been located with the date of September 1988 that was filed with information on Past Presidents and the lives prominent legatees. The notation H59 in black pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A record of Legatee Rob Allison speaking at a Legacy luncheon about significant events since he joined in 1950. Speakers at Legacy luncheons were from very different walks of life and the subjects spoken on were many and varied. Foundation Day was celebrated with a special luncheon.White A4 photocopy with black type x 8 pages of an address about Legacy history written in 1987.Handwritten H59 in black pen. history, speech, foundation day, past presidents, dureau house, rob allison

Speech delivered by Lieutenant General Sir Phillip Bennett KBE, AO, DSO when he unveiled the Memorial Plaque and opened the Donovan Joynt VC Club at Puckapunyal on 23 March 1983. Sir Phillip Bennett himself had an illustrious career and was Chief of General Staff when he delivered this address; he became Chief of the Defence Force in 1984 and after retiring from the Army in 1987 he was appointed Governor of Tasmania. The fact that the opening was performed by the Chief of General Staff is evidence of the high regard in which Donovan Joynt was held.5 x photocopied typed sheets, black on white'Puckapunyal' handwrittendonovan joynt, memorial

A copy of the Act of the Victorian Parliament relating to the property held in trust for Junior Legacy, Melbourne. It mentions that Richard Goldsmith of the United States wanted to mark his appreciation of services rendered in Australia to the armed forces of USA during World War 2 and in memory of the late David H Dureau. The company BG Corporation (of the USA), of which he was president, gave a gift of £27,059 to Junior Legacy Club of Melbourne for the purchase and fitting out of premises for the use of the club in its principal object of the care and welfare of children of deceased servicemen. Also that the building be perpetually known as the "D H Dureau Memorial Building". The first building that was purchased with the donation was 342 Swanston St, however it was found unsuitable and this Act allowed it be sold and a new building be found (293 Swanston St). The Act was cited as "Junior Legacy Melbourne (Dureau Memorial) Act 1953". The hand written note says that the Act "tells a story", is possibly part of the notes made when compiling the history of Legacy. They were in a folder of documents about the history of Legacy. Appears to have been mostly compiled by Legatee Cyril Smith as he has many hand written notes on miscellaneous pieces of paper (some are envelopes addressed to him). The notes were typed up into a summary of the History of Legacy. Also documents relating to the first time Legacy approached the public for donations in September 1956, including newspaper articles that were reprinted, a schedule of information that was approved to be released to the press, and a list of potential donors that was circulated to Legatees in the hope they could contact the ones they knew personally or professionally. The call for public donations was partially due to the purchase of the Dureau building and the need to modify the building for Legacy's needs. The documents from this folder have been added in separate records (see 01262 to 01281). The folder was part of an attempt to capture history of Legacy, generally from the 1950s. See also 01284 - Title deed of Legacy HouseThe documents provide an insight into the working of Legacy, especially in the 1950s. Legatee Cyril Smith and others were detailing their experiences and knowledge for the future.Four page copy of an Act of the Victorian parliament relating to the property held in Trust for Legacy and a hand written note.Hand written on the note: "This Victorian Act (No 5717, 1953) tells a story:"properties, dureau house

Information on the life of Legatee Dick Wheeler from the memorial service held for him in 1989. Legatee Wheeler was president of Melbourne Legacy in 1986. It was given by Kevin Croagh, President of the Australian Chamber of Manufacturers. The information was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of the life of Legatee Dick Wheeler a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed A4 document x 3 pages of the life of Dick Wheeler - President 1986.past presidents, eulogy, dick wheeler

A reprint of the Legacy Memorial Address for Legatee Donovan Joynt VC. a long serving Legatee. The address was given as part of the funeral service held at St Mary's Anglican Church in Caulfield on 12 May 1986. The initial on the page implies it was given by KDG. It mentions Legatee Joynt was allocated badge number 7 of the newly formed Legacy Club in 1923. The article was part of an album of past presidents and prominent legatees from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of the Legacy service of Legatee Donovan Joynt. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Photocopy of 4 pages of the memorial address of Legatee William Donovan Joynt.donovan joynt, eulogy

The letter was printed for the donors who financed the biography informing them of the refund due to them which would go to the Sir Stanley Savige Memorial Trust unless they elected to receive it themselves. The multiple lists tracked the names and addresses of the donors.Illustrates the number and variety of people who committed funds towards the project to write up the biography of Stan Savige.White quarto printed letter with 20 foolscap sheets listing donors, some typed and some handwritten.Multiple annotations in both pencil and different coloured pens.savige book, stan savige

Printed report or address or lecture - 10 pages titled "The Privatisation of Melbourne's Public Transport - Has the Wheel turned full circle?" by Keith Kings for the 2nd annual RMIT Sir Robert Risson Memorial Lecture 30 April 2002. The address looks at the history of Melbourne's transport, railways, buses, tramways and tramway buses, cable trams, formation and dismantling of the PTC, ticket machines, road traffic, bus industry consolidation, privatisation of transport in Melbourne.trams, tramways, melbourne, privatisation, buses, public transport, ptc

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.Description by Sue Duncan about her experience as a School 45 nurse who travelled by bus from Mildura to Bendigo. The article was titled "A Cold Night in St Kilda. The nurses came from Wattle Street hostel. Then they drove in a car which wasn't quite roadworthy to a meeting at the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda. memoir, nursing, wattle st hostel