ANZAC spirit lives on

42nd Annual Combined Lodges Anzac Reunion meeting raises $35K for veteran’s family support

In the spirit of ANZAC, a long-standing Melbourne tradition has once again delivered meaningful support to families of Australian Defence Force veterans.

On Saturday 18 April, 70 members from 14 local Lodges came together in Ivanhoe for the 42nd Annual Combined Lodges ANZAC Reunion - an event that brings people together each year to reflect, connect, and give back. While the gathering honours service and sacrifice, its impact extends well beyond the room.

It is a custom to set a place for absent brethren at the end of the top table which includes a slouch hat (representing service), a pebble from the beach at Gallipoli (representing the supreme sacrifice), and a statuette (representing those absent on military duty).

This year, the event raised $7,000 through a mix of community generosity, including a charity auction and donations on the day. One of the most memorable contributions came from a 12-year-old attendee, who donated $50 of his own money - earned from returning a lost wallet - highlighting the spirit of giving.

With matched support from Freemasons Foundation Victoria, the total contribution reached $35,000, which was formally presented to Melbourne Legacy.

Presentation:  WBro Major Phil Watson (The Army Lodge), RWBro Garry James (FFV), Mr Sam Broughton (Legacy), RWBro Lieutenant Colonel Ian Upjohn (WM The Army Lodge),  WBro Major Bruce ‘Stretch Jarvis (United Service Lodge), WBro Carl Cukurs (WM Lodge of Devotion), Colonel Jason Cooke (WM Victorian Naval and Military Lodge), VWBro Gary Edwards (representing United Merbein and Memorial Lodge).

Supporting veteran’s families

Melbourne Legacy has been supporting veterans’ families since 1923, helping more than 28,000 widows, children and dependants navigate life after injury, illness or loss linked to military service through a wide range of practical and emotional support services.

The funding from this year’s event will directly support children and young people in these families, particularly those facing complex challenges linked to grief and trauma.

Professional and tailored support

A significant portion of the funding will help Melbourne Legacy’s professional case managers provide tailored support to families with children experiencing challenges such as anxiety, PTSD, ADHD or other forms of neurodiversity.

This can include:

• Specialist assessments (such as speech, learning or behavioural evaluations)

• Access to therapies that complement medical care

• Support to participate in everyday childhood experiences like school camps, sport or creative activities

  
  

These supports play a critical role in improving wellbeing, building confidence, and helping children stay connected to school and their peers.

The funding will also help ensure children don’t fall behind in their education due to financial hardship. This includes providing essential items such as:

• Technology for learning and connection

• Tutoring and educational resources

• School uniforms, books and supplies

For many families, this assistance helps restore a sense of stability and opportunity during challenging times.

A growing impact

This year’s contribution is the largest raised through the event in the past four years, bringing total support for Melbourne Legacy through this initiative to nearly $95,000 over that period. This support will help Melbourne Legacy provide holistic support that empowers the families of veterans to navigate challenges and build brighter futures.

Find out more about Melbourne Legacy here.