Serving north‑west New South Wales since 1952, Legacy Inverell plays a vital role in supporting families of Australia’s Defence Force personnel with service‑related death or injury. In recognition of the exceptional service they provide to their local community, they have been voted as this year’s best Community Service Club in Best in the New England.
Operating from its base in Inverell township, this chapter of the national Legacy organisation brings assistance across a territory spanning roughly 200 km from Bundarra to Texas (QLD), and extending 130 km west towards North Star.
General Manager Lyn Kitawal said, “Thank you to everyone who voted, the win is much appreciated and very timely with Legacy Week coming up at the end of August.”
Ms Kitawal manages a team of 54 volunteers, known as Legatees, who currently assist around 105 beneficiaries, including veterans, widows, 21 children and people with disabilities.
“We have an incredible demographic – our beneficiaries range from 1 year old, all the way up to our two oldest, who are 102,” said Ms Kitawal.
“What our Legatees provide our beneficiaries in terms of support ranges widely, but the most important aspect, more often than not, is support by means of social visits and interaction.”
“It can be challenging, but we make it work, and I think often some of the interactions between our oldest and youngest beneficiaries are the most beautiful.”
Legacy Inverell also hosts a monthly morning tea for their beneficiaries, as well as other outings, such as school holiday activities, for the younger age groups.
“The schools in the area are also by far our biggest supporters – we have just launched our annual poster competition for primary and high school-aged children, which we usually receive up to 800 entries in,” said Ms Kitawal.
“The three high schools in Inverell also provide enough students each year to completely man our stalls during Legacy Week.”
Legacy’s support is both practical and personal. Core services include visits from community Legatees to provide companionship, assistance with Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims, advocacy if initial applications are rejected, and financial relief, including emergency grants, utility help, and school cost assistance. Education grants, recreational camps, social outings, and loans of medical or mobility equipment are also offered to promote wellbeing and inclusion.
The impact that Legacy has on the local community is as significant as it is valued. Some of the comments received alongside votes for the organisation included:
“They have been helping me since my husband fell ill & this has continued since he died. I enjoy attending the monthly beneficiary morning teas,” said Shirley.
“Lyn and the team work very hard to look after everyone they support and are always diligent in keeping in touch and offering assistance in any way possible,” said Patsy.
And Jim said, “They are a wonderful, caring organisation that looks after the families of veterans in the Inverell area.”
A unique aspect of Inverell Legacy is its retail social enterprise: the Gwenneth Daley Legacy Centre store, which was voted Best Second Hand Store in New England region in our 2024 BITNE promotion. The charity‑run shop sells donated goods—clothing, household items, books and more—with profits reinvested into service delivery. Volunteers have undertaken full accreditation to safely test and tag donated electrical items, expanding the shop’s offerings.
For anyone in the Inverell Shire, Gwydir Shire or the Texas postcode area interested in volunteering, becoming a Legatee, or learning if they may be eligible for assistance, contact the Legacy Club of Inverell at rear of Flanders House, Oliver Lane, Inverell, or call (02) 6722 1945.
Best in the New England is an annual promotion run by New England Times. Find out more here.
See who won last year.
Read the terms and conditions of the promotion.
See all the stories about Best in the New England including winner profiles.