“It was an opportunity to acknowledge the various service clubs and the wider community for their generous support of Legacy,” outgoing chairperson Don Cook said.
He also indicated the support of secretary Gavon Armstrong and treasurer John Neale was pivotal in dealing with the challenges of the past three years
Peter Fitzgerald was installed as chairperson and indicated he was pleased his first task was to induct a new member Ian Danahay.
“Ian will be a welcome addition to our group, having already helped out during last year’s Legacy Week as a volunteer,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
He also indicated there were challenges ahead post-COVID, but the group was well positioned to be able to continue to provide a “Legacy of Care” in the future.
The guest speaker was Loretta Lilford who talked about her life-changing experiences in Uganda.
Her initial visit to Uganda in 2014 involved using her nursing training to support the HUGS project (with another Kyabram woman, Helen Brown).
Further visits resulted in the co-founding of the Smiling Hearts project, which looks after the needs of disabled children and women.
More recently, the program has expanded into vocational training, which has resulted in workplace employment.
“The presentation was inspirational and well received by the audience,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
Further information is available on the smilingheartsuganda website.
Victorian National Party leader and State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, in his response on behalf of guests, commented on the positive attitude within the Legacy group (given the negative impact of COVID on past activities).
He highlighted that strong leadership had played a key role. He concluded by acknowledging the camaraderie that was evident across the range of community groups represented and their support for Legacy.