100 Years of Bendigo Legacy
Legacy has celebrated the centenary of its foundation with a number of events throughout 2026.
The final activity on the centenary calendar will be a historical exhibition entitled 100 Years of Bendigo Legacy which will be on display at History House, 11 Mackenzie Street, Bendigo throughout September.
The exhibition has been developed in partnership with the Bendigo Historical Society and will showcase the work of Legacy since its establishment in 1926. The exhibition was officially opened by Mayor Cr Prince on 29 August 2026.
“Legacy recognises that the impact of service doesn’t end when a conflict does, and we support the families of veterans who may have died or suffered ill health years after serving our nation, whether their service was for one day or many decades” said Tim Evans, President Bendigo Legacy. “This exhibition provides another opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon 100 years of Legacy’s support for the local community.”
“The Bendigo Historical Society is delighted to host this exhibition at History House which up until 2021, was the home of the Bendigo Legacy Club. The exhibition is a fitting way of highlighting the significant work of the Club throughout its history.” Said Euan McGillivray, President, Bendigo Historical Society.
Legacy was founded after the First World War in order to keep a promise made to a dying digger by his mates to “look after the missus and the kids”. Legacy’s modern mission is not too different: to serve the families of deceased and incapacitated veterans, striving to ensure that they face no undue financial or social disadvantage due to their loss.
Bendigo Legacy was founded in 1926 – the fourth oldest Legacy Club in Australia after Melbourne (1923), Geelong (1925) and Ballarat (1926). The club covers a large area from
Gisborne in the south to Swan Hill in the north and includes Kyneton, Seymour, Castlemaine, Kyabram, Echuca and Kerang as well as Bendigo.
Legacy provides essential support that families depend upon each day. This includes financial and material support; social support; developmental and educational support; and advocacy for rightful entitlements.
In 2024/25 over $320,000 was spent on providing welfare in the local region. Bendigo Legacy receives no direct Government support. It depends upon donations, sales and bequests to fund the services we deliver to local veterans’ families.
