Anzac Day 2023 National Address

The Governor-General’s Anzac Day National Address was broadcast on the ABC at 6:55 pm AEST on 25 April.

On Anzac Day we honour those who have served, those who continue to serve and the families that support them.

We reflect on their sacrifice and what it has meant to our nation.

This year, we also recognise the Centenary of Legacy.

Legacy was born from a promise made by a soldier to his dying mate on the Western Front: “I’ll look after the missus and kids.”

For the past 100 years, Legacy – supported by generations of Australians – has worked quietly but had a huge impact. 

Legacy has saved and changed lives.

And Legacy continues its work today.

Linda and I were delighted to welcome members of Legacy to Government House to share their stories.

[Interviews / footage from Government House]

Governor-General: ... enjoy the celebration of a big heart for community and a big heart for our country — that’s Legacy.

Annabelle Wilson (with Primrose): Josh was an Officer in the Air Force. He was diagnosed with cancer just after he returned from an eight-month deployment to Afghanistan and passed away just before Primmy was born. It was at that point that Legacy came into our lives through my Legatee. It was absolutely life-changing for us. In a moment where we were obviously really grief stricken and had very little knowledge of what we were going to do next, Legacy just kind of dropped in at the perfect moment and guided the way for us.

Leesa Kwok: Legacy stepped in to help the children and I after my partner’s diagnosis with PTSD and other mental health diagnoses and physical injuries. We thought at the time that Legacy only looked after widows and children of those who had lost their lives. We had no idea that they looked after families like ours. So, it was an amazing moment to understand what Legacy could do, who they were, and why they were there to support us.

Danyan Jones: Legacy hosts camps around Australia for specifically the children of families. It is just great because it is a group of people in the same situation as you. I go to these camps and suddenly there are hundreds of kids who are in the same situation as me, who can possibly support me if I need. And I can support them if they need.

Lucy Kopp: Not only do they support me financially, they helped me with my therapy dog when I had really bad meltdowns — because I have autism spectrum disorder. Then they would help me with my swimming fees and sports fees and driving lessons, to name a few. They even paid for my braces which I’m currently wearing. They have always been so good to me and Mum, and I will always be grateful for that.

Luke Hill: When things started to really catch up with me service wise, how much of an impact my service had had on me — it got to the point where I couldn't function anymore. When it comes to families, no-one seemed to be looking after them. Legacy have been doing that for 100 years.

Denise Bird: He was dental corps and had served in Vietnam. We had moved all around the place, which most service wives do. He was in the Army. Legacy helped when he wasn't well enough to look after himself. They helped me make sure I had all of the bits and bobs that you need when people are really ill and when they’re at home and having palliative care, so they helped a bit there. But it was mostly after he died when they really came up with the goods and helped me a lot.

Ashley Dennis-Henderson: I think Legacy is one of the most amazing organisations — through my experience with losing my dad, but also I actually do research on World War 1 diaries. So, I’ve seen a lot of this throughout — from World War 1 up until now — how it’s affected the families, people who have lost loved ones. I’ve seen that support that Legacy provides, how they can help with the payments. They can be that ear, that shoulder to cry on — whatever someone needs — and that is so, so important.

Governor-General: Legacy! At the end of the Torch Relay let’s hope Australians are far more aware of service that has been given to our country, who provided that service, the cost of that service, and how we can best care for those who participated in that as a family and as individuals.

Annabelle Wilson: Without legacy I would have had nothing. I would have really, really struggled. In fact, I try not to think about it. I felt very, very alone. So, to be able to come to us financially but also emotionally — it was life changing. I shudder to think what would have happened if it wasn’t for Legacy.

Luke Hill: That promise that we talk about — look after my wife and kids. That is what Legacy is. Legacy is the family that keeps that promise alive.

[Music fades to end]