Melbourne Legacy is there to provide critical support to the families of veterans who have been killed or severely incapacitated through their line of duty. One of the many ways we do this is by offering financial relief through Coles and Woolworths vouchers, which help ensure that the families of veterans can access food and essential supplies during their most challenging times. As the rising cost of living impacts hundreds of thousands of Australians, the strain has been felt even more deeply by our Melbourne Legacy families, who are navigating their own unique challenges.
For many of our families, widows, and dependants, financial strain can arise unexpectedly. Life events such as the loss of a veteran, family violence, or the hospitalisation of a veteran can disrupt their financial stability overnight. Melbourne Legacy’s expert case management team is committed to supporting the post-traumatic growth of our beneficiaries, offering community connection and referral pathways to services such as financial counselling through our partnership with Bravery Trust.
Sometimes, the most immediate concern is simply ensuring there is food on the table. Financial relief through Coles and Woolworths vouchers provides an essential service, helping families regain stability during these difficult moments.
Families experiencing family violence, for example, are sometimes forced to leave their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. With limited time to prepare, access to resources becomes critical. Melbourne Legacy’s financial relief vouchers provide families with the ability to purchase food, hygiene products, and other essential items, offering some semblance of stability during an incredibly stressful time. As they work to rebuild their lives, we help them meet their immediate needs so they can focus on their safety and recovery.
Another common situation where Melbourne Legacy provides financial relief is when veterans are admitted to mental health facilities following severe incapacitation through their line of service. During these times, families relying on carer’s allowances from Centrelink can face financial hardship as payments are often paused during the veteran’s hospital stay. For many, this sudden loss of income leaves families without crucial support at a time when it is most needed. Often, the veteran is also the primary income provider, and their absence creates significant financial uncertainty.
Thanks to the generosity of our community and partners like SCS Group, who provided a number of financial relief vouchers to our beneficiaries in 2024, Melbourne Legacy ensures that no family of a veteran who has been lost or severely impacted by their service is left without the means to purchase food and essential supplies. Together, we are helping families navigate these challenges with dignity and support.
