- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AppreciationCivic
- Where:
- Australia
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the last Sunday of August through the first Saturday of September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇦🇺
Legacy Week is celebrated across Australia from the last week of August to the first Saturday of September, dedicated to supporting the families of defense personnel who have lost their lives or health in service. Join the nation in honoring these sacrifices by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Want to sponsor Legacy Week? Learn how
History of Legacy Week
The Australian Commonwealth Military Forces came into being with 28,923 colonial soldiers. Australian forces showed courage, valor, and strength in the wars to come that shook the entire world. They supported Allied powers wherever they could without hesitation. But the war brought casualties to Australia as well. Legacy was founded in 1923 by Major General Sir John Gellibrand to assist the families of armed forces personnel who lost loved ones in the war and assist defense officers who lost their health. The organization extended its helping hand to help those defense officers suffering from P.T.S.D. from experiencing the violence of the wars.
Legacies work through volunteers who are called Legatees. Currently, legatees assist more than 40,000 widows, 1,800 children, and disabled dependents. Legacy provides them with assistance, accommodation, and medical and social support free of cost. Legacy’s assistance also depends on the situation of the person being supported. Legatees stay in touch with all families, and Legacy ensures they receive proper Legacy entitlements and access to government benefits they deserve.
The Legacy started with the idea that the returned servicemen would take on the duty of supporting the widows and children. In 1942, the war orphans appeal started to raise funds for the widows and children of Australian soldiers who lost their lives. Today, that appeal is known as Legacy Week. Legacy raises funds through sales of merchandise like badges. Children who volunteer are the primary source of salespeople for the Legacy. They also use special events, sponsorships, dinners, banquets, and other events to raise funds for the organization.
Legacy Week timeline
Captain Stanley Savige starts Legacy in Melbourne.
Legacy raises funds to help widows and orphans of soldiers dying at war.
The Australian post office issues a seven-cent stamp to commemorate the Legacy’s 50 years.
Legacy supports families suffering from the effects of PTSD and other mental health conditions.
Legacy Week FAQs
When is Legacy Week?
In 2026, Legacy Week runs from Sunday, August 30 through Friday, September 4. This annual observance is a crucial time for fundraising and awareness in Australia.
How many families does Legacy Australia support?
Legacy Australia currently supports approximately 43,000 beneficiaries across Australia, including widows, children, and dependents of deceased or injured veterans. This extensive network provides vital care.
How much does Legacy Week raise?
Legacy Week aims to raise millions of dollars annually to fund its extensive support services. While specific figures vary, the public’s generosity ensures ongoing assistance for defense families.
What is the difference between Legacy and the RSL?
Legacy focuses specifically on supporting the families (widows, children, dependents) of deceased or injured veterans, providing direct care and financial aid. The RSL (Returned and Services League) primarily advocates for the welfare of all veterans and serving personnel, offering broader support and community connections.
How to Observe Legacy Week
Meet a veteran
Understanding the condition of soldiers during a war is very important. Use this day to meet a veteran and help him raise funds for Legacy week all the while learning from his experience.
Help a child
This day is all about helping the victims of war. Try to find a child and support his education however possible for you.
Create a service group
Create a group of friends who are into social services. Collect the data of dependents of soldiers, in your area, who died during duty. Raise a fund for such
5 Facts About World War II Deaths
Soviet death rates
Only 20% of the men born in the Soviet Union in 1923 survived the Second World War.
There were boats of death
Three out of every four men serving on U-boats never survived the war.
Animal deaths
The first bomb raid in Berlin killed the only elephant baby in the Berlin Zoo.
Nukes to Tokyo
The third atomic bomb, if necessary, would have been dropped in Tokyo.
Crewmen deaths
Over 100,000 crewmen of Allied bombers were killed over Europe.
Why Legacy Week is Important
A week to help our heroes
Soldiers are national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. We love to spend a week helping their families have better life.
Understand the stories of war
The new generation knows little about the plights of wars. This week can help shed some light on the sorrows and destruction caused by wars.
Create new bonds
By helping someone we do not know, we get a chance to connect with them and understand their life. New bonds are formed and that is beautiful.
Legacy Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 31–September 5 | Sunday–Friday |
| 2026 | August 30–September 4 | Sunday–Friday |
