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2023 is a significant year for Legacy Australia as they commemorate the charity's Centenary of Service and their support of Australian veteran's and their families since 1923. To mark this momentous occasion, and to keep the flame of remembrance burning for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for their country, over 1,500 Torch Bearers including representatives from Thales Australia as Principal Partner, and other industry participants, will carry the Legacy Torch over 50,000kms visiting over 100 cities and towns from Pozieres, France, to the Torch's final destination in Melbourne, Australia.

The Promise

In the trenches of the Western Front during World War I, a soldier said to his dying mate “I’ll look after the missus and kids.” This sentiment became known as ‘The Promise’ and formed the foundation on which Legacy, one of Australia’s oldest charities, was built.

Since that first promise was uttered in the trenches all those years ago, Legacy have provided support to the partners and families of veterans who gave their life, or their health, in recognised military service. 

Thales, Legacy, and supporting veterans

Due to the nature of Thales’s work, there is an intrinsic link with veterans, their continued contributions following full-time service, and the wellbeing of their family. Through our work with Legacy, which has included fundraising events, Graduate initiatives, and now, major support of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, we are continuing our commitment to the support of the veteran community and their families.

Nick De Bont, Chair of the Thales Australia Veterans Committee and Chief Security Officer, and Dan Keighran, Key Account Manager Close Combat, are representing Thales as Torch Bearers in Pozieres and London respectively. In a recent Legacy video supporting the activity, Nick spoke of Thales’s continued support for veterans and highlighted the role that the Thales Veterans Committee, both locally and globally, are playing in this mission.

“For over 40 years Thales Australia has employed veterans of the Australian Defence Force and other defence forces around the world. Our Veterans Committees in Australia and other countries including France and the UK, assist veterans through their transition from Defence into private industry."

“This commemorative event recognises the sacrifice of many families over the past century as well as the efforts of countless volunteers who have supported them throughout grief and hardship”"

Nick de Bont, Chief Security Officer, Thales Australia and Chair of Thales Australia’s Veterans Committee.

“Legacy is honoured to have the support of Thales for our centenary torch relay event that begins in the battlefields of France this week. This important event commemorates 100 years of Legacy supporting our veterans’ families and recognises the service and sacrifice of so many Australians.

Thales has been our corporate partner for over 15 years and we are truly grateful for their ongoing commitment and support of Legacy. Their continued support has greatly assisted us in keeping the promise to help veterans’ families carry on with their lives after the loss or injury of their loved one.” Eric Easterbrook OAM, Chairman Legacy Australia 

To find out more, and to follow the Torch Relay, please click .