By Olivia Condous
Veterans and their families across Victoria, including in Melton and Moorabool, have benefited from continuous support from Melbourne Legacy to help them find their way through tough times.
Melbourne Legacy is a not-for-profit organisation that has supported families of veterans since 1923, providing essential help through hardship in life post-service.
The 66th annual Legacy Week will run until September 3, encouraging Victorians to donate to the cause and support veterans.
Hillside resident Faye Swan has been a beneficiary of Melbourne Legacy for the last five years, after her husband Max Swan suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder upon returning from service in Iraq and East Timor.
Ms Swan said that the struggle her family had experienced with her husband’s mental and physical difficulties post-service was a “very isolating” experience.
“More often than not, veterans coming back to the civilian world find it very hard to fit back in, especially if they’ve suffered post traumatic stress they become quite reclusive which has been my experience,” Ms Swan said.
Ms Swan and her family have struggled financially due to her being unable to work, as she cares for her husband and supports their three children, but she said Melbourne Legacy have supported them through the difficult times.
“They just filled that gap for us, we were alone and suffering in a lot of ways… They were the only ones who cared,” she said.
Through her family’s struggles, Ms Swan has also suffered from mental and physical illness and was hospitalised as a result, but she said Melbourne Legacy was able to ensure her children were still looked after.
“One of the case workers became like a guardian angel to me, she was checking on me all the time… she got to know my kids,” she said.
“Legacy were the ones that came to my aid, every day they were checking on me, sending vouchers home to my partner for the kids.. They organised a hamper with toys and food while I was in hospital.”
Melbourne Legacy have also helped Ms Swan’s children by providing engagement in youth programs, art programs, camps, school expenses and more.
“They’ve just been amazing, they’re always reaching out to us which I think is amazing,” Ms Swan said.
“Often it’s hard for veterans and their families to reach out for help, it’s quite stressful.”
“It’s nice to know that there’s someone out there that’s looking out for you.”
Melbourne Legacy community services executive manager Annabelle Wilson, who was once a beneficiary herself as the widow of a veteran, said it was fulfilling to build relationships with others who had similar experiences.
“We work with these families to figure out on a case by case basis and do what we can to help, we tailor our financial, emotional, peer support, youth programs based on the family,” Ms Wilson said.
“It’s so wonderful to be able to watch families transform, build resilience and get back on their feet.”
The organisation has encouraged Victorians to donate to the cause this Legacy Week to support Victorian families of veterans, as it operates solely on community funding.
To donate, visit: www.legacy.com.au/donate/
