Operation Float was an event run by Melbourne Legacy to take Junior legatees on an outing. It could have been to naval boats such as HMAS Cerberus or to a Yacht club. It gave the junior legatees the opportunity to see a naval boat in action, spend time on the water or try sailing. More images from the same outing are catalogued at 02478 and 02480. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of an event for junior legatees in the 1950s.Colour slide x 8 of operation float in 1958 in red Hanimount slide mounts.operation float, boats, junior legatee outing

Operation Float was an event run by Melbourne Legacy to take Junior legatees on an outing. It could have been to naval boats such as HMAS Cerberus or to a Yacht club. It gave the junior legatees the opportunity to see a naval boat in action, spend time on the water or try sailing. More images from the same outing are catalogued at 02477 and 02478. There is one image with the children meeting a goat that is at the harbour. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of an event for junior legatees in the 1950s.Colour slide x 5 of operation float in 1958 in red Hanimount slide mounts.operation float, boats, junior legatee outing

Images from a junior legatee basketball competition in 1959. During the 1950s the Legacy boys classes from different suburbs would play each other in a tournament. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the Junior Legatees.Colour slide x 6 of a junior legatee basketball competition, in a beige Anscochrome mount.The mount is imprinted with date 'AUG59' and numbers 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20. Handwritten on reverse of one is 'Basketball' and another has 'Boys Basketball finals' in blue penjunior legatee, basketball

Slide photographs of two Stanhope residents prepared to go to the ball held in honour of Princess Alexandra's visit to Melbourne in 1959. The ball was held at the Melbourne Town Hall. Elizabeth Brown (on the right) was a resident at Stanhope after her father died in 1953 and she came to Melbourne from Seymour to compete further studies at Toorak Teachers College. She was chosen to present a bouquet to Princess Alexandra at the Royal Ball. Elizabeth wore a pink taffeta gown and was accompanied by a Legacy boy, Julian Hyde. The handwritten note implies it is the visit of the Queen Mother, but it was a ball held to welcome Princess Alexandra in September 1959. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of of a Legacy girl being chosen to participate at an important event.Colour slide x 4 of two Stanhope ladies in ballgowns, in a beige Anscochrome mount.Handwritten on reverse 'Stanhope girls. Visit of Queen Mother' in blue pen.junior legatee, royal visit, ballgown, stanhope

Slide photographs of two Stanhope residents and their dates, prepared to go to the ball held in honour of Princess Alexandra's visit to Melbourne in September 1959. The ball was held at the Melbourne Town Hall. Elizabeth Brown (on the right) was a resident at Stanhope after her father died in 1953 and she came to Melbourne from Seymour to compete further studies at Toorak Teachers College. She was chosen to present a bouquet to Princess Alexandra at the Royal Ball. Elizabeth wore a pink taffeta ballgown and was accompanied by a Legacy boy, Julian Hyde. The handwritten note implies it is the visit of the Queen Mother, but it was a ball held to welcome Princess Alexandra in September 1959. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of of a Legacy girl being chosen to participate at an important event.Colour slide x 4 of two Stanhope ladies and two men in evening outfits, in a beige Anscochrome mount.Handwritten on reverse 'Stanhope girls. Visit of Queen Mother' in blue pen.junior legatee, royal visit, ballgown, stanhope

Slide photographs of two Stanhope residents prepared to go to the ball held in honour of Princess Alexandra's visit to Melbourne in September 1959. The ball was held at the Melbourne Town Hall. From a book compiled by Matron Dorrie Vines, the girls are Betty Henderson and Helen McBain. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of the Stanhope residents participating in an important event.Colour slide x 2 of two Stanhope ladies in evening gowns, in a beige Anscochrome mount.Handwritten on reverse 'Stanhope girls. Visit of Queen Mother' in blue pen.junior legatee, royal visit, ballgown, stanhope

Slide photographs of the exterior of Stanhope on a sunny day with children sitting on the lawn. Believed to be from from the 1950s. Stanhope was a residence run by Melbourne Legacy to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for further education. It was at 1245 Burke Road Kew (corner of Cotham Rd). It was purchased by Red Cross in 1945 who refurbished it and leased it back to Legacy for as long as it was required as a residence for junior legatees. It was handed back to Red Cross in 1981. Stanhope generally looked after girls over 14 either studying or working. The children were cared for until they were old enough to become independent. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of the outside of Stanhope.Colour slide x 2 of the exterior of Stanhope with children sitting on the lawn, in a cardboard mount.Imprinted with slide numbers, 14 and 16. Handwritten on front 'Stanhope' in black pen.stanhope, residences

Slide photograph of the exterior of Stanhope on a cloudy day. Believed to be from from the 1950s, very similar to 02511 and could be from the same film. Stanhope was a residence run by Melbourne Legacy to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for further education. It was at 1245 Burke Road Kew (corner of Cotham Rd). It was purchased by Red Cross in 1945 who refurbished it and leased it back to Legacy for as long as it was required as a residence for junior legatees. It was handed back to Red Cross in 1981. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of the outside of Stanhope.Colour slide of the exterior of Stanhope sitting on the lawn, in a cardboard mount.Imprinted with slide number 12. Handwritten on front 'Stanhope' in black pen.stanhope, residences

A 4 page brochure on the activities of Melbourne Legacy published in October 1962. It outlines Legacy's activities including the residences, a legatee visiting a family Boys' classes such as basketball, judo and trampolining, Girls' classes such as gymnastics, the Legacy house library and dental clinic. It is aimed at educating people in industry and business. The title reads: An invitation to Business and Industry: Help us build the future'. Some of the text reads: Special appeals have been made only when the need has been clear and urgent. . . . Business and industry already give generous support the Legacy Endowment Scheme. Now we invite you to join with us in expanding that scheme to meet the needs both of today and of the years ahead." "an invitation to join with Legacy in building the future - by helping to train and educate thousands of children to become good citizens of a great country."A record of the work Legacy was doing at the time.Black and white brochure with pictures of JL activities from 1962.junior legatee, boys classes, girls classes, residences

A handwritten account of the early girls' classes by a junior legatee, Elaine Miller (Smith). She recounts the formation of the classes in 1927 and early camps. She recalls calling Legatee Savige 'Uncle Stan'. The older girls formed the 'Old Girls Club' which then was renamed 'Intermediate Legacy Ladies Club' (ILLC). A first hand account of the early classes by a junior legatee.Three hand written pages of lined note paper with blue pen, a personal account of the formation of girls classes.Signed Elaine Miller (Smith)illc, girls classes

A document recording the history of the Intermediate Legacy Ladies Club (ILLC). It was put together by Legatee Chas Wilks for publication in the Bulletin for the information of Legatees. It starts with the formation of the early girls' classes in 1927. Then the older girls formed the 'Old Girls Club' which then was renamed 'Intermediate Legacy Ladies Club' (ILLC) in 1955. At the time it was printed, they had been meeting for 34 years and fundraising for Legacy. They ran Special Efforts Bowls mornings, card afternoons, house parties, crazy whist nights, and produced a recipe book. They had fetes in the Melbourne Town Hall and even a couple of stalls in Bourke St Mall on Badge day.A first hand account of the early classes by a junior legatee.White A4 photocopy of an article about Intermediate Ladies Legacy Club.illc, girls classes

A Vale notice that was published in the Bulletin in 1986 on the death of Legatee Cecil Waters. After the death of his father in WW1 Cecil Waters became a junior legatee from 1926. So he was among the first batch of Junior Legatees. He joined the Intermediate Legacy Club and served a term as President of the ILC. During WW2 he served in the Middle East and South West Pacific area from 1941 to 1946, completing his service as a Captain with the 2/1st Aust Beach Detachment. After his war service he was eligible to join Legacy as a Legatee. He was proposed by Legatee Len Frazer and seconded by Legatee Frank Doolan. He married Stan Savige's daughter, Gwen in 1954 and they had a son Stanley Waters. Ill health caused him to be placed on Reserve in 1962. Gwen died in 1980.A record of the life and service of Legatee Cecil Waters.White A4 paper of a photocopy from the Bulletin of the notice about Legatee Waters.vale, cecil waters

An article from a magazine about Lord Somers Camp published in the Peninsula Essence magazine in August 2022. Legacy has provided camps for Junior Legatees for many years. It started in the early years when Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place close to the beach. In later years children went to camps around Victoria. Occasionally it was to Lord Somers Camp in Somers.A record of the formation of Lord Somers Camp in the area early Legatees held camps.White pages x 7 of an article about Somers Camp from the Peninsula Essence magazine.somers, lord somers

A speech by Legatee Bill Rogers to welcome former Junior Legatees to a reunion luncheon on Sunday 29th July 2007. It is a snap shot of what Legacy looked like in 2007. 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 that Junior Legatees continued to meet for reunions.Print out x 2 pages of a speech by Legatee Bill Rogers at a reunion of Junior Legatees in 2007.junior legatees, former jl, reunions

A Laurel Club brooch from Geelong Legacy. Laurel Club was a name given by some Legacy clubs to the widows' clubs . The brooch was owned by Margaret Burn who was a junior legatee in the 1930s after the death of her father in World War 1. Her husband served in World War 2 and when he died Margaret joined the Geelong Laurel Club. Her family has donated two photos and the Laurel Badge to Legacy.A brooch signifying membership with a Laurel Club.Gold Legacy emblem on a bar brooch with gold text on blue enamel saying 'Laurel Club. Geelong Legacy'geelong legacy, laurel clubs, margaret burn

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

A document summarising the work of Legacy in 2006. It mentions how it was begun by a group of WW1 veterans. At the time there were 126,000 widows and 1,900 children and adults with a disability being helped by Legacy around Australia. There were approximately 6,700 Legatees in 49 Legacy Clubs. In Victoria there were 1,700 Legatees providing support to about 24,000 widows and 300 disabled dependents. There were 13 clubs in Victoria as well as 12 Groups, plus Branches. Some of the activities Legacy was involved with include a National Junior Public Speaking Award, Badge appeal, ALbert Park Lake Defence Attack, a golf classic event and the Torch society 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 summary of the work of Legacy in 2006.Print out x 2 pages about Legacy, its history and challenges.legatees, statistics

A copy of report printed in the Bulletin to advise legatees about the publicity arranged for Legacy Week in 2007. The launch of the Badge appeal was held at Parliament House with the Hon. Justin Madden MLC speaking about his life as a former Junior Legatee. Television channels publicised Legacy using Ron Barassi and the Widows' Pilgrimage. Leader newspapers promoted Legacy as did Hocking Stuart Real Estate. There was also paid advertisements in newspapers and on television channels during the new. Report was written by Public Relations Officer Carmel McConnell. 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).An insight into Legacy taking a professional approach to fundraising in 2006.Print out x 1 page of a report printed in the Bulletin on 20 September 2007 about fundraising for Badge Week.fundraising, marketing, public relations

Photograph of a group of Legatees or Junior Legatees on horses on a polo field in Coldstream. Apparently Melbourne Legacy would have an annual event of a polo tournament. It is not known if it was with the junior legatees or as a social outing for the Legatees. It is possible that it is the same day out as the joyride over Melbourne from a regional airfield (at 01016) if the airfield was in the Yarra Valley. The two photos were together in the folio of photos. It was with a group of photos from 1990/91 in a folio with paper labels.A record of an event run by Melbourne Legacy that shows Legatees socialised together and had strong bonds of comradeship.Colour photo of junior legatees on horses.Yellow paper label: "A day at the polo . . . Legacy's annual polo tournament held at "Flowerfield" in Coldstream" in black type.junior legatee outing, legatee event

Photographs of Junior Legatees doing outdoor activities. Melbourne Legacy arranged many events for Junior Legatees to experience. One photo has 12 children on bicycles in a forest. Another has four children in kayaks playing and having a water fight with their paddles. Another photo has a young child with a supervisor getting ready for abseiling. Names are unknown. It was with a group of photos from the 1990's in a folio with paper labels. The article in The Answer explains it was a the annual two week summer camp for Junior Legatees. In 1995 it was held at Cave Hill Creek, near Beaufort and the nearby Mt Cole State Forest. The children were supervised by a team of 12 experienced leaders from the Melbourne Legacy Leadership group assisted by educational instructors. A total of 50 attended the camp (27 boys and 23 girls). Most came from Melbourne but some from country Victoria and 9 from South Australia. A record of events run for Junior Legatees by Melbourne Legacy.Colour photo x 3 of junior legatees on bikes, in kayaks and abseiling and an article in the Answer about the youth camps.White paper label: "Junior Legatees participate in a wide range of recreational activities" in black type.junior legatee outing, answer, camp

Photographs of Junior Legatees at Lord Somers Camp (according to the label) enjoying music and dance. There was an annual camp for the handicapped dependents (HDC). Names are unknown. Believed to be early in 1991. It was with a group of photos from 1990/91 in a folio with paper labels.A record of events run for the handicapped dependents by Melbourne Legacy.Colour photo x 2 of a party at Somers Camp.Yellow paper label: "Melbourne Legacy's Handicapped dependants enjoying activities at the annual two week holiday at Lord Somers" in black type.junior legatee outing, handicapped dependents, hdc, camps

Photographs of handicap dependents at enjoying music and dance from a military band that featured in an edition of the Answer. There were frequent events and activities organised by Melbourne Legacy for handicapped dependents. The Junior Legatees, with many mums and friends of Legacy went to the Defence Force School at Watsonia Barracks and were treated to a performance by the 2/10 Medium Regiment Band. The Bandmaster was WOI Dave Farrell and there was a surprise visit by a clown. According to the article "Former JL Sharon Taylor, now a corporal with 'Visits Protocol and Ceremonial' at the Defence Centre - Melbourne, gave a moving tribute to Legacy in recognition of the support she had received as a young girl. Junior Legatees were given an opportunity to play some of the musical instruments and the enjoyment is evident as the photos show." It was with a group of photos from 1990/91 in a folio with paper labels.A record of events run for the handicapped dependents by Melbourne Legacy.Colour photo x 4 of a musical performance for handicapped dependents and an article in the Answer.White paper label: "Legacy's disabled dependents enjoy an outing and musical performance by the 2/10 Medium Regiment band" in black type.junior legatee outing, answer, ddc, disabled dependents

Photographs of Junior Legatees at the Australian War Memorial. Melbourne Legacy arranged many events for Junior Legatees to experience. For many years the H. and D. Florance Foundation supported a trip for two junior legatees from each state to travel to Canberra. It was with a group of photos from 1990/91 in a folio with paper labels. See also 00448 for another example of when two junior legatees from each state was chosen to travel to Canberra also with the Florance Foundation.A record of one of the outings provided for Junior Legatees by Melbourne Legacy. Black and white photo of junior legatees at the Australian War Memorial, white paper label attached.Yellow paper label: "Children of Legacy are taken on a special visit to the Australian War Memorial" in black type. On the back a handwritten paper label: "Florance Foundation Visit, 1988 / Melbourne Representatives Back row far left Andrew Mason / Back row far right Shannon Benedictjunior legatee outing, australian war memorial

A photo of a young man on a hike at Oberon Bay on Wilson's Promontory, with a sign saying 'Lighthouse 9M'. The date is possibly 1967 from the note on the back. The event and the name of the man is unknown. It is possibly part of a young legatee camp though the photo was in a Comradeship Committee photo album. The Comradeship committee gathered photos of events and compiled them in a Comradeship photo album for Legatees to look through.Melbourne Legacy provided many outings and experiences for Legatees and also junior legatees, this is perhaps one of them in the 1960s.Black and white photo of a young man on a hike.Stamped Property of Melbourne Legacy in purple ink. Handwritten "Dec 1967 / At Oberon Bay / Wilsons Promontory" in pencil.camp, legatee event, junior legatee outing

These are letters from 1999 concerning the formation of the Western Branch of Melbourne Legacy, and other branch matters. The Footscray/Sunshine branch and the Williamstown/Werribee branch were merged in 1999. The documents give information about Junior Legatees and Widows under their care, and a brief history of the Williamstown/Werribee branch.The letters bring to our notice the amalgamation of two branches due to declining Legatee numbers and the ability of the remaining Legatees to provide the service of care under the Legacy Charter. White A4 paper with black type. One letter hand written in black ink. Some notations hand written in ink.branch, membership

There was a program to send young legatees on trips on the Alma Doepel sailing ship through the 1980s and 90s. The articles from the Answer show timetables and criteria for nomination of junior legatees to be selected on the trips. One of these articles mentions the war service of the Alma Doepel - the only ship with served in World War II that was still active in 1995. These photos were in a folio of photos from 1988 to 1990. They were taken by Peter from Keesing Photographers before the journey started on 27 November 1988. Other photos from the same trip are at 01530 and taken by a Legatee. The letter was with the photos but is from a different voyage and is dated 30 December 1996. A Junior Legatee, Kim Anderson, wrote to Legacy thanking them for the opportunity to be on a 9 day voyage on the Alma Doepel. She mentions: "I learnt not only .. how to sail .. but also about teamwork, responsibility, friendship and respect." Also: "As one of the older children who attend these activities I feel I can now appreciate the thought and organisation that goes into these days and camps much more." A record of a Legacy providing amazing experiences for the junior legatees that they might never have done because of the deaths of their fathers.Colour photo x 6 of Junior Legatees on the Alma Doepel and a letter thanking Legacy for the opportunity.White paper labels with black type "First day aboard the 'Alma Doepel'. Junior Legatees from Victoria and interstate listen anxiously to the Captain at the start of a 10 day voyage of a life-time around Port Phillip Bay. Hand written on the back 881227/9 and 881227/4 in black texta.junior legatee outing, answer, alma doepel

For many years from 1988, Legacy held a public speaking contest called the Junior Plain English Speaking Award. Schools were eligible to send along representatives that competed. These two photos show President Geoffrey Swan with a Lana Jenkings (the winner) of Genazzano FCJ College in Kew. Part of her speech was printed in the Melbourne Legacy newsletter and she was featured in an article in the Herald Sun on 26 June 1992, before she headed to Sydney for the National finals. The following was taken from a programme in 1996: "The Award aim is to promote enhanced oral communication skills for 12-14 year old students and to help young people appreciate the ideals of Legacy - voluntary service, caring and comradeship - and the need for remembrance. It began in 1988 in the Melbourne area with the support of the Ministry of Education and The Plain English Foundation. Entries have grown from 24 in the 1988 competition to over 300 in schools across the Stat, plus greater numbers participating in the process of selecting four contestants from each school. In 1995, a successful Interstate Championship was held with contestants from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. On 11 November 1996 the first National final was held with contestants from six states."A record of a Junior Plain Speaking contest that has been run by Legacy since 1988.Colour photo x 2 of Junior Plain Speaking contest in 1992 and a newspaper article.legacy promotion, speaking contest

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 circular sent to Victorian schools informing them of the 1995 annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students", held on 5th April 1995. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. The 6 pages outline the order of service of the ceremony, some background notes on the ANZAC Commemorations, a short history of the Shrine of Remembrance, a story of Legacy and a letter from the President of Melbourne Legacy. It mentions the ceremony is telecast on the ABC television channels. They mention is it a 'Circular to Victorian Colleges and Schools' so they were sent to school to publicise the events. There is a letter to the school Principal from the President of Legacy inviting the schools to attend or to listen to the telecast. Each ceremony was attended by the Governor of Victoria, in 1995 it was Sir Richard McGarvie. The photo was published in an issue of the Answer in May 1992 and the caption says, 'Junior Legatees Kathleen McGrath and Greg Sallee place a wreath at the eternal flame'.A record of a ceremony at the Shrine for school students in 1995.Printed brochure of the student Anzac ceremony with a photo of two junior Legatees at the Cenotaph, single page folded into 3. Circular to All Victorian Colleges and Schools. 64th Annual Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students.anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony

A Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance. One of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, usually held just prior to ANZAC Day. This was taken in 1982. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. It is a photo of two school children laying a wreath at the Cenotaph. They are named as two Junior Legatees, Peter Manning and either Bridget Riggs or Gayle Goulding (the two labels are contradictory). It is possible one of the labels belong to another photo (item 01200) as they were found in the same envelope and it appears to be the same boy in both photos. However both labels were attached to this photo. Item was in an envelope with other photos and programmes from different School Student ceremonies. Labelled S15 in red pen it was part of an old archive numbering system, that showed there has been efforts in the past to collect, order and save items of Legacy's history.A record of a ceremony for school students at the Shrine.Black and white photo of an Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for students at the Shrine in 1982 with two junior Legatees at the Cenotaph (World War II memorial). Two paper labels typed in black ink.Photo is stamped with Copyright of Herald and Weekly Times in green ink. Handwritten 'Peter Manning and Bridget Riggs' in purple texta. '820423/120' in blue pen. Label says: 'At Melbourne Legacy's Annual School Children's Anzac Commemoration this year Junior legatees, Gayle Goulding and Peter Manning representing all Junior Legatees, laid a wreath at the foot of the World War Two Memorial.' Other label says: Junior Legatees Peter Manning and Bridget Riggs observe a minutes silence after laying a wreath near the Eternal Flame at the Shrine of Remembrance. They were among 1100 children from 54 schools who attended Melbourne Legacy's 51st Annual school children's Anzac Commemoration Ceremony at the Shrine. Photo courtesy Sun News-Pictorial.' The photo was also used as a Highlights page in an Annual Report. The caption confirmed the names as Peter Manning and Bridget Riggs.anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony