'Operation Rosemary': legacy calls upon Newcastle to help veteran families

Newcastle Legacy is calling on the community to join the 92-year-old institution in supporting veterans and their families this Anzac Day.

'Operation Rosemary' is a recruiting drive launched by Legacy to help boost its reach by bringing on board new volunteers with hopes to train more 'Legatees'.

A Legatee is a volunteer who works directly with Legacy families to provide support and friendship to the loved ones of those who gave their lives or their health for our country.

In the trenches of World War I, a battlefield promise made from one soldier to another -I'll "look after the missus and kids" - became known as the promise.

Legacy and its legatees have been keeping that promise ever since.

Legatee and former president Lorraine O'Connor has been with legacy for 17 years after a career in the Navy.

"It has been extremely rewarding," she said.

"I have met a lot of interesting people, legatees and beneficiaries, and families.

"I feel like I am giving something back to the community."

With only nine legatees servicing 500 widows and veteran families, Newcastle Legacy is urgently seeking locals to volunteer their time and help the keep the promise alive this Anzac Day.

Ms O'Connor said they were desperate for more volunteers and more people who are able to go on to becoming legatees.

"There is always a job for somebody, it doesn't matter what your skill base is," she said.

"We cover from Murrurundi down to Gwandalan in the south and out to Fingal Bay in the east.

"We have 700 beneficiaries all up and we want to keep that personal approach.

"Legacy is always in it for the long haul and the relationships we have with our beneficiaries will continue for the rest of their life."

Carol Ryan has been supported by Legacy since she lost her husband to pancreatic cancer in 2021 and now gives back by volunteering.

Ms Ryan said her RSL sub-branch provided a referral to Legacy.

"I was just so lonely and lost, but the ladies up here have been so lovely and they just look after you," she said.

"It just stopped the loneliness and i always knew there was someone who would pick up the phone to talk.

"It's about having someone there.

"They gave me a boost to pick myself up and get in and get on with my life."

Newcastle Legacy is appealing to people with volunteer leave, recent retirees and stay-at-home parents who are looking for ways to make a meaningful impact to become a legatee and help Newcastle Legacy continue to keep the promise.

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