We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
Untitled image
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Melbourne Legacy
A group of widows playing indoor bowls at Legacy House. It is on the same film as photos of a craft exhibition. They show the social side of being in a widows club. Names unknown.
A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for widows.
Colour photo of widows playing indoor bowls at Legacy House.
Printing on the back "
An interview forms used by Legatees, also called a first contact report, when recording their interactions with Widows and families. The name used was Junior Legacy - Melbourne which was a former name of Melbourne Legacy. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of the way Legatees recorded their voluntary work.
Interview form to be used by legatees visiting beneficiaries, dated from April 1970.
widows, legatees, proformas, forms
A blank example of Melbourne Legacy letterhead from 1970. The phone number was changed to 663 3564 from 32 3564 and from it's earlier format of FB 3564. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s and 1970s.
White Melbourne Legacy letterhead with black and white photos and the Torch on orange background, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, forms
A copy of a letter to be sent to donors to ask for their donations in 1971. It mentions statistics of widows and children helped and the estimated expenditure required. The yellow card listed 1,740 legatees in Victoria, helping 19,353 widows and 9,573 children being helped. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White Melbourne Legacy letterhead with navy torch and details and black type sent to donors signed by President R Robertson in 1971, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s. Also a yellow card with Annual Appeal statistics of interest.
proformas, stationery, forms, mailout
A copy of a flyer that explains what Legacy does, printed in the 1960s. Photos include legatee advising a family, girls classes and boys classes, a hike and widows. It is an example of Melbourne Legacy promotional material that was issued to inform the public on the work of Legacy. It includes the story of Legacy and what Legacy does. Headings include: Care of families ; Welfare ; Education and Training ; Boys' and Girls' classes ; Holidays and camps ; homes ; Widows' Club. Legacy's phone number had changed again to 663 3564. Was compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White brochure with black and white photos pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, legacy promotion
A label from a Legacy Appeal tin from 1967. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White blue and orange label for an appeal tin, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, forms
A copy of a flyer that explains what Legacy does, printed in the 1960s. Photos include firewood delivery, legatee visiting a home, girls classes and boys classes and widows. It is an example of Melbourne Legacy promotional material that was issued to inform the public on the work of Legacy. It includes the story of Legacy and what Legacy does. Headings include: Care of families ; Welfare ; Education and Training ; Boys' and Girls' classes ; Holidays and camps ; Homes; Widows' Club. Was compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White brochure with black and white photos and a reply paid envelope pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, legacy promotion
A blank example of Melbourne Legacy letterhead from the 1960s. The phone number was changed to 32 3564 from it's earlier format of FB 3564. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White Melbourne Legacy letterhead with black Torch logo and type, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, forms
A copy of a letter to be sent to donors to ask for their donations in 1966. It mentions Legacy was helping over 90,000 widows and children throughout Australia. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White Melbourne Legacy letterhead with navy image of widow and two children and black type sent to donors signed by President Ron Isherwood, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, forms, mailout
A copy of a poster asking for donations. It is just the Legacy Torch and the text: "Only your support keeps Legacy's torch burning. Legacy does not receive any Government subsidy. Give as much as you can spare to Legacy. Today is Legacy Badge Day." A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White paper poster with black print to advertise Badge Day pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, donations
A copy of a flyer that explains how Legacy uses donations. It mentions the cost of maintaining services for Melbourne Legacy is in excess of $360,000 annually. It mentions a donation of $50 could assist a widow or child. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White brochure with blue print about donations to Legacy pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, donations
A copy of a blank index card that was used to record donor information in the 1960s. There is space to record size and date of donations. Also a copy of the reply paid envelope that was used at the time. They were compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White index card to record donor information and a reply paid envelope, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, forms
A copy of note that was given to donors to thank them for their donations it was sent with their receipt. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. The flyer gives some information about Legacy House. It mentions the facilities available for the benefit of widows and children. Including two large well equipped gymnasia which are attended by more than 700 junior legatees each week. A dental clinic were Junior Legatees under 17 years of age are able to receive free dental examinations and treatment. Free medical examinations are carried out here too. Meeting rooms for Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and Senior Widows Club (those over 50 years of age). When printed the Senior Widows Club numbered more than 5,200. It mentions room for fetes run by a number of auxiliaries to raise funds. Also a sewing room fitted with 5 electric sewing machines to make costumes for the Annual Demonstration. A well equipped library for use of the Junior Legatees. A ladies lounge and television room where widows may rest when visiting the city. Rooms for speech training and mathematics coaching classes. A maintenance workshop where all sporting and general equipment used by widows and children can be repaired and/or constructed. Sundry committee meeting rooms where members of Legacy meet to consider and find solutions for the many problems which arise in respect of the families they care for. Sundry equipment and costume storerooms. Office accommodation for permanent staff including welfare and pension officers. Was compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
Yellow brochure thanking donors and a flyer about Legacy pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
Pencil mark '1960/1'.
proformas, stationery, forms, dureau house
A copy of a letter to be sent to donors to thank them for their donations in 1964. Was part of a folio of proforma stationery from the 1960s. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White letter with navy print sent to donors signed by President Ian Anderson, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, forms
A copy of a letter addressed to Junior Legacy to be used by donors when donating money to the Endowment Plan. Was compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. Junior Legacy Club the name of Melbourne Legacy for many years. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
Pale yellow letter proforma to Junior Legacy with spaces for date and donor information, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
Pencil mark saying 1960/1
proformas, stationery, forms
A copy of a blank order form for Badge Appeal that was used in the 1960s. It mentions that the badges could be provided on a sale or return basis. Probably issued to Legatees prior to badge day. There was a carbon copy panel that allowed the name and address to be duplicated as a record of what was issued. Also a Volunteer Tag that was worn when selling badges. They were compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. A similar set of proformas are at 00338.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White order form for the Badge Appeal and a tag that volunteers wore when selling badges, pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
proformas, stationery, forms, badge day
A copy of blank Compliments notepaper and cards that were used in the 1960s. They were compiled in a folio of proforma stationery. A similar set of proformas are at 00338. The Melbourne Legacy address was 293 Swanston Street and the phone number at the time was FB 3564.
A record of forms and items used in Legacy's business practices in the 1960s.
White notepaper x 3 with Melbourne Legacy letterhead in blue print used as with compliments notes, and a white card pasted on brown paper from a folio of forms and brochures from the 1960s.
Notepaper say: 'With the Compliments of The President and Members', 'With The President's Compliments', With the Executive Officer's Compliments'. The white note card says 'With the Compliments of The President and Members of Melbourne Legacy'.
proformas, stationery, forms
From 1988 to 2021, Legacy held a public speaking contest for young secondary school students. It was initially called the Junior Plain English Speaking Award (JPESA) and later called Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award (LJPSA). Schools were eligible to send along up to 4 representatives to compete in a preliminary round. Participants gave a four minute prepared speech and a two minute impromptu response to a topic. This badge was awarded to participants in the Preliminary Final. 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. Melbourne Legacy ended its role in the competition after Covid lockdowns in 2020.
A record of items given to participants of the public speaking contest.
White enamel badge with the Legacy Logo in blue on white cardboard saying it was part of the Preliminary Final. Badge and card are in a small clear plastic sleeve.
Badge has 'Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award' around the edge.
speaking contest, jpesa
A plastic tool that magnifies print underneath it. It was possibly given to widows at events or as promotional material used in a direct mail appeal as it is easily posted.
A record of items produced by Legacy for branding purposes.
White plastic card with a magnifying window.
visual aids, promotion
An example of a card used by Legatees as a 'with compliments' card. It was part of the stationery used at Melbourne Legacy for many years. The cards were used until about 2018.
A record of some of Melbourne Legacy's stationery.
White card with blue print used as a With Compliments card.
legatees, stationery
Multiple copies of cards used by Legatees when calling on Widows to leave their contact details. The cards were used until about 2018.
A record of the way Legatees provided their details to people they were in contact with.
White card with blue print as calling cards.
widows, legatees
One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to conflicts and operations post 1975 including those supporting the United Nations in several countries. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.
A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.
Replica medals, ribbons and bars from several conflicts and operations post 1975 mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional ribbons and bars.
Title inscribed in brass plaques say: Australian Active Service Medal 1975, Australian Active Service Medal 1975, International Force East Timor Medal, Afghanistan Medal, Iraq Medal, Australian Service Medal 1975, Australian Service Medal 1975, Australian Service Medal 1975, Rhodesia Medal, Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, NATO Medal. UN Headquarters Medal, UN Transitional Authority in Namibia, UN Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara, UN Advance Mission in Cambodia. UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia, UN Operation in Somalia, UN operation in Mozambique, UN Assistance in Rwanda, UN Assistance in East Timor, UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, UN Medal for Special Service and Multinational Force and Observers Medal.
medals, united nations
One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to conflicts including Korea and Vietnam. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.
A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.
Replica medals from several conflicts mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional ribbons and bars.
Title inscribed in brass plaques say: Korea, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, United Nations Service Medal for Korea, Korea Medal South East Asia, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Naval General Service Medal 1915-1962, General Service Medal 1918-1962, General Service Medal 1962. Vietnam, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Vietnam Medal, Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal. Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 Australian Service Medal 1945-1975. Australian Defence Medal, Pingat Jasa Malaysia. Anniversary of National Service 1951-1975 Medal, South Vietnam Campaign Medal.
medals, vietnam war, korean war, national service
One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to World War 2. Replicas include different campaign stars and the Defence Medal and Active Service Medal. There is a cloth patch embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and cap band from HMAS Sydney. The Rising Sun badge and badges for Return from Active Service and a RAAF emblem. The text reproduced at the base accompanied the WW1 memorial plaques. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.
A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.
Replica medals from World War 2 mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional badges and cap band.
Title inscribed in brass plaques say World War 2, 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Burma Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, and Australia Service Medal 1939-1945. Cloth badge embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and a black cap band embossed 'H.M.A.S. Sydney'.
medals, world war two
One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to World War 1. Replicas include the 1914 Star, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Mercantile Marine War Medal, 80th Anniversary of Armistice Remembrance Medal. Also a WW1 Memorial Plaque and Anzac Commemorative Medal. There is a cloth patch embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and one with embroidered Air Force wings from the Australian Flying Corps. The text reproduced at the base accompanied the WW1 memorial plaques. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.
A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.
Replica medals from World War 1 mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional badges and medallions.
Title inscribed in brass plaques say World War 1, 1914 Star, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Mercantile Marine War Medal, 80th Anniversary of Armistice Remembrance Medal, WW1 Memorial Plaque and Anzac Commemorative Medal. Cloth badge embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and one 'AFC'.
world war one, medals
Legacy provides a diary to widows each year in 2023 Legacy celebrated its Centenary so the diary had a special cover.
An important part of Legacy's history was the commemoration of its centenary.
Pocket ring bound diary with a blue vinyl cover with the 100 year logo.
centenary, gifts
Multiple copies of Interview Forms used by Legatees when recording their interactions with Widows and families. Carbon copy forms were common in business for many years. The forms were used up until about 2018.
A record of the way Legatees recorded their voluntary work.
Interview forms in triplicate copies - white, blue and green.
widows, legatees
Legacy celebrated its Centenary in 2023 by conducting a Torch Relay from Pozieres in France, to London, and around Australia, ending in Melbourne. The launch of the Centenary Torch Relay was held on 20 April 2022 at the Shrine of Remembrance. Bags like this held marketing material produced by Legacy Australia and Defence Health.
An important part of Legacy's history was the commemoration of its centenary.
Calico shopping bag given out at the launch of the Torch Relay in April 2022.
torch, relay, centenary
A gold coloured metal Junior Legacy Club badge patch that was given to Junior Legatees. Date is unknown but probably from the 1950s or 1960s. This badge was donated to Legacy after it was found in an charity shop. It was photographed and sent to a former Junior Legatee as a replacement for their badge that had broken. No longer have an example in the archive.
A record of the membership badge given to Junior Legatees when they joined Legacy.
Gold Junior Legacy Club badge on a bar with safety pin and chain.
Imprinted on back "Stokes".
junior legatee, jlc, badges
This book is a record, made in honour of generous benefactors who have donated to the cause of Legacy. There is no date on the book as to when the donations were made or when the book was created.
This is a record of members of the public who have gave generous donations to assist Legacy help the families of deceased service personnel.
Blue hardcover bound book, cream pages pages with navy blue Torch emblem in top right corner of each page. The pages have a gold edge.
Front cover has the Torch logo embossed in gold with 'Melbourne Legacy Benefactors' in gold lettering. Each page has a name of a donor in Prussian Blue ink with gold scroll work. About half the book is written in, the rest are blank. Inside back cover is a note in pencil "Writing is Talens Gouache Prussian Blue" and "by Terry Pepperell 95706846". There is no date in the book.
honour roll, donations
A framed Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster by Richard Haughton James (source AWM). The poster is an offset lithograph on paper framed by a blue border, mounted in a black frame. It is an early example of the work of the Commonwealth Advertising Division, set up in 1941 within the Department of Information, primarily to advertise recruitment drives for men's and women's services, munitions work, war loans and national savings campaigns.
A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.
Black and white sketch of a wartime lady holding a soldier's hat used as a recruiting poster in a black frame.
Test of the poster "Mister, here's your hat! JOIN THE AIF NOW!"
world war two, recruitment, aif
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
