Janice Creenaune meets Kevin Donald, a long-time resident of Austinmer, who worked as a supermarket manager, but has devoted his time to the Legacy organisation since 1956 and remains a stalwart supporter after 68 years of service.
In the years after the Second World War, Australia was a very different place and, coming back from overseas travels, Kevin noticed a need in the Illawarra.
“There was a great need to look after the women and children of many ex-serviceman – those who had passed in service of their country and the many more who were injured, permanently disabled or who suffered mental health issues,” Kevin says.
“These families were in great need and the Legacy movement stepped up to hear the call.
“I was only a small part of the movement, but we have continued it. In particular, we saw a great need for boys’ holiday camps … At the time, boys were the focus, but eventually girls too were incorporated into the outdoor activities and camps. Many came from NSW, but Victoria too.”
Kevin enlisted his mates from the teaching profession and the Scouts to help run the camps, initially at Legacy house, then Mount Keira Scout Camp, and finally at the Girl Guides Camp.
“These people understood children and had experience working with them. They were invaluable as a source of expertise. The children were children of ex-serviceman, some who had lost their fathers in and during the war and those who may have suffered with conditions after the war.”
Little was understood about the effects of war service on veterans and their families at the time. “Thankfully, we understand a great deal more today and can work towards helping, but in those days, immediately after the war, for many men it was very hard. Children often needed just someone to talk to, and often they turned to each other for understanding and camaraderie.”
About 40 to 50 children (aged up to 15) attended the camp each year. “Many children returned year after year. What started as an experiment, went on for about 45 years (and me personally for 42 years).
“We started out at Legacy House in Market Street, Wollongong, and the children experienced very basic facilities, with donations from ex-army resources, but we soon realised there was a great need for a much larger space and particularly an outdoor area was needed. The Scout Camp at Mt Keira was chosen and it worked very well for a number of years.”
Legacy also delivered excursions.
“The Aero Club offered joy flights, the Steelworks showed an avenue for big industry and these were often country children who attended. Hikes up Mt Keira were well loved, especially at night to see the Wollongong/ Port Kembla lights and the extent of the coast. But learning about red-belly black snakes and leeches also featured. All the outback children loved the salty ocean. We also offered picnics and Opera House excursions as well as the Harbour Bridge and Naval vessels on display.”
Children enjoyed the camaraderie, Kevin remembers. “There was indeed a need to talk about their problems together, and mateship offered just that in an informal way.
“One young lad became very emotional, [saying] ‘I just do not want to go home’, so I put his name on first for the following camp. So many others, too, just kept coming back year after year. Some suffered significant trauma and death in their lives, and our camps offered them hope for a better future and at least, much fun for a short period.”
Once one camp was finished, it was time to begin organising for the next.
“Our efforts seem so insignificant to so many of the participants’ problems,” Kevin says. “We were only trying to help. But we know we made a difference and our helpers were terrific and they too turned up year after year to volunteer.
“These camps don’t run themselves, and behind the scenes involved many volunteers who assisted in setting up, running the camp, and pulling down the camp, including funding from local businesses and family members.
“Our last camp was just prior to Covid.
“Many new restrictions were applied and we just could not fulfil them. However, camps are still running in Sydney (which Wollongong people can attend), and now in Wollongong we concentrate more on widows and dependants.”
Kevin still attends meetings, offering advice and doing what he can. At 85 years old, and after 68 years of service to Legacy, he is not about to stop. If his community needs him, he will step up.