Kate Hazelton brings extensive experience in veterans’ affairs and community service to her role as Director of Legacy Australia. Her commitment to service began at age 20 in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon where she was working as a tutor. Foreign nationals were being evacuated but Kate stayed to provide humanitarian assistance during a period of conflict.
Upon returning to Australia, Kate served in the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps 1st Ambulance Unit (Reserve), where she was among the first nurses to be trained as a combat medic. She later worked as an aged care nurse, where she provided care to veteran residents, drawing on her unique understanding of military service. Her dedication to veterans’ causes continued through her role as Treasurer of the Orange RSL sub-branch (2000-2004) and 22-year membership of the Orange Anzac Day Committee.
In 2002, Kate became a Legatee at Orange Legacy and went on to serve as Junior Vice President and President (2021-2023). During her presidency, she played a key role in facilitating the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay. She currently serves on the board of Legacy Australia Inc., representing Zone B2 – NSW Rural Southern Region.
Kate has been instrumental in establishing several community initiatives, including co-founding the region’s first PTSD Support Group for veterans and first responders, the Western NSW Autism Support Group, and the Cudal Twilight Markets.
She resides in Cudal, NSW with her husband Richard and helps to run the family farm and small manufacturing business. They have three adult children.
