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
File copy of a letter to be sent in 1960 to the donors who provided funds for the publication of 'There goes a Man', which notes that sales have not met expectations so their refund would not be as large as their original donation.
Part of the story of how the book 'There goes a Man' came to be created.
Foolscap copy sheet of paper, black carbon on white
A watercolour artwork of a soldier found in the archive. From the title it appears to be by Legatee Fred Holdsworth for an art show in 1965. He joined Legacy in 1957.
A record of a Legatee.
Watercolour on paper mounted on board of a soldier.
Handwritten in green texta 'LEG AT EASE By RAAF No.54091 Holdsworth Fred C'. Handwritten in pencil on reverse 'Art Show 65'
soldiers, fred holdsworth
A proforma letter from the Advisory, Tradition and History Committee asking Legatees for their opinion whether to update the Club's history. The first history of Melbourne Legacy was published in 1932. It summarised each year from 1923 to 1931. An update was not published in the same format.
A record of Legacy requesting the opinions of members before spending money on updating the history publication.
Letter dated 15 March 1960 on Melbourne Legacy letterhead requesting input of Legatees on the topic of producing an updated history of Melbourne Legacy.
history
Eight poems written by Legatee Eric Serman on various topics, written in the 1930s. The titles include: The Tree; My Lady; My Garden; In Georgian Days; Sunset at Lakes Entrance and The Gate. Some are on Legacy letterhead. Eric Serman was president in 1928.
A record of Legatee Eric Serman a past president of Legacy.
Handwritten poems by Legatee Eric Serman - President 1928-29.
past presidents, eric serman
Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. Girls classes were held at Legacy House on Tuesday and Friday nights. It gave the opportunity for Junior Legatees to meet and be involved with activities they may have missed out on due to the death of their fathers. Activities included dance classes, gymnastics and elocution lessons. Estimated date of 1970s.
A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the Junior Legatees.
Black and white photo printed on cardboard of girls in Legacy tunics.
Stamped in purple ink 'The Property of Melbourne Legacy'.
junior legatees, girls classes
Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. Girls classes were held at Legacy House on Tuesday and Friday nights. It gave the opportunity for Junior Legatees to meet and be involved with activities they may have missed out on due to the death of their fathers. Activities included dance classes, gymnastics and elocution lessons. Estimated date of 1970s.
A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the Junior Legatees.
Black and white photo printed on cardboard of girls in Legacy tunics.
Stamped in purple ink 'The Property of Melbourne Legacy'.
junior legatees, girls classes
Boys classes were held each Friday night in nine various locations around Melbourne. It gave the opportunity for Junior Legatees to meet and be involved with activities they may have missed out on due to the death of their fathers. Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. Activities included basketball competitions, gymnastics, boxing, judo and swimming lessons. There were annual sports days when groups came together for friendly competition. Estimated date of 1970s.
A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the Junior Legatees.
Black and white photo printed on cardboard of boys playing with medicine balls at a sports day.
Stamped in purple ink 'The Property of Melbourne Legacy'.
junior legatees, boys classes
Boys classes were held in various locations around Melbourne. It gave the opportunity for Junior Legatees to meet and be involved with activities they may have missed out on due to the death of their fathers. Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. Activities included basketball competitions, gymnastics, boxing, judo and swimming lessons. Estimated date of 1970s.
A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the Junior Legatees.
Black and white photo printed on cardboard of Boys Class in singlets with Legacy emblems and shorts.
Handwritten in red pen '7'. Stamped in purple ink 'The Property of Melbourne Legacy'. Label with red type "Picture of Junior Legatees at their Boy's Activities night. These classes are held each Friday night in nine centres in the Metropolitan area. This is an important aspect of Legacy's work in the community. Physical education, swimming and leadership training."
junior legatees, boys classes
Legatee Mary Brand provided a copy of the speech she gave at the Altona RSL Club. It outlines her life and the events that led her to becoming a Legatee to serve others. Also a short history of Melbourne Legacy.
An example of the life experiences of a legatee encouraged them to join Legacy
A4 document x 5 pages of a history of Legatee Mary Brand and Legacy from a talk in 2023.
western branch, mary brand
Programme of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students", held in April each year. In 2024 it was held on 19th April and was the 92nd time it was held. 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 was the first student commemoration attended by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner as Governor of Victoria. The 6 pages outline the order of service of the ceremony.
A record of the long running event run by Legacy to inform school students about Anzac Day.
Colour printed brochure x 6 pages for the 2024 Anzac Commemoration.
anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony
A newsletter covering the activities of Melbourne Legacy Widows' Club. The October edition covers a 2007 reunion of former Junior Legatees. Generally The Answer includes photos of events, a notice from the Chairman of the Widows' Committee, dates of meetings, possible day trips and theatre outings, and cruises. The ladies were welcome to attend many activities including, swimming exercise classes, stamp group, craft, walking group, Monday Concerts, plus the annual fete and Christmas concert. The first edition of the newsletter was in 1960, previously there had been a quarterly magazine but the distribution was limited, they changed to a 4 page newsletter format to reach more of the widows. The September 1992 edition of the Melbourne Legacy newsletter was the first to be called 'The Answer'. The name comes from the verses that guides the work of Legacy - 'In Flanders Field' and 'The Answer'. Editions were published January, March, May, July, September and November, they have approximately 24 pages.
Brings to life the activities provided for the widows and the work of Melbourne Legacy.
Printed A4 x 28 page edition of The Answer with black and white photos and text with a green cover showing Legacy Sunday at the Shrine.
newsletter, answer, activities
A report from the President John Sullivan and a recap of the significant events of 1991. Up to the 1980s the annual report would usually contain pages containing the Presidents report and recap of significant events of the year. Between 1987 and 1991 these were published in a separate document called 'Highlights from the Annual Report'. This could be used in promoting Legacy in different ways, without all the financial information normally held in an annual report. In following years it became called 'Report from the President' then 'Highlights from the President', before becoming 'Melbourne Legacy Highlights' which was published twice a year from 2007. It was eventually renamed, 'The Torch, Melbourne Legacy Highlights' in 2012. 'The Torch' is still published twice a year. Other annual reports in 00027, 01095, 01096 and 01097, 01098, 01310 and 01311.
A record of the annual reports of Legacy Melbourne, including activities and telling stories of Legacy's impact.
Black and white printed highlights report from 1991 x 4 pages, with black and white photos.
annual summary, activities, john sullivan
The Northern Branch of Melbourne Legacy was formed in 1984 with a amalgamation of the Heidelberg Branch and Northcote/Preston/Whittlesea Branch. This document outlines the history of both branches. Heidelberg Branch was established 16th October, 1957. The Northcote/Preston/Whittlesea was established 3rd May, 1958. The history was compiled in 1988 by Legatee John N Roscholler and updated by Legatee Ian Harrison and Legatee Derithe Harrison in an addendum. It covers the formation of Widows Clubs. Preston/Reservoir was July 1985. Northcote began in May 1986, Heidelberg was November 1983. The Heidelberg Boys Club was established in 1958 and lasted until December 1979. Also information about the Legacy Support Group and Legacy Leadership Groups.
The work of Legacy is worthy of recording and this covers the Northern Branch history.
A4 document x 14 pages on the history of Northern Branch of Melbourne Legacy dated September 2023.
heidelberg branch, northcote/preston/whittlesea branch, amalgamation, northern branch
An interview form 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
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.
