LEGACY OF CARING
LYNETTE Heenan lost her husband nine years ago to health issues connected with his service in Vietnam.
As a Legacy widow, she says she benefits greatly from the volunteer home visit program with soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Visits include activities such as sitting down for a cup of coffee and some cake and are aimed at reducing the social isolation experienced by the older women.
Lynette was married to Denis for 46 years and said the companionship she found through Legacy helped pull her out of a deep depression.
“I feel safe with them, particularly when Denis died … I often walked past Legacy and thought: ‘ I’ve got to go in there’,” she said.
“The wives they’re more emotional and need the support to be able to go in and say ‘ this is how I feel, my heart is just breaking’.
“Then, once widows become stronger, they’ll start to get out of the house.”
Private Mikayla Gordon joined the Army five years ago and said she wanted to make a contribution.
“I love hearing their stories, a lot of them wouldn’t have many networks left. It’s letting them know that there are people out there who care about them,” she said.
Legacy chief executive Nicole Hayes said the organisation appreciated the support from soldiers of 1RAR.
“I know that the ladies are ex- cited about meeting young service personnel and sharing their stories over a cup of tea. Both the soldiers and the widows have given us very positive feedback about the program,” she said.
“Townsville Legacy is very appreciative of 1RAR’s soldiers with our home visits, and we would also like to thank, in advance, all of the ADF personnel who will be assisting us with the sale of merchandise during Legacy Appeal Week on September 2- 8.”
A 1RAR spokesman said the unit saw importance in Army community engagement. “1RAR has close community ties and we recognise the sacrifice of the widows of serving members. “We understand the importance of remaining connected with the generations. We want to assist in a meaningful engagement where possible, starting with home visits.” >> The Home Visit volunteer program is also open to community volunteers. For more information contact Townsville Legacy on 47 72 75 33 or legtown@ bigpond. net. au or on the Townsville Legacy Facebook page.