Outgoing chairperson of Kyabram Legacy Peter Fitzgerald congratulates John Lilford on 25 successful years as treasurer.
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Kyabram Legacy has opened another chapter in its long history book, bidding farewell to dedicated long-serving members while warmly welcoming fresh faces into key positions.
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On Sunday, April 27, over 60 people attended the Kyabram Legacy Group Handover luncheon at the Kyabram Club, with all the Legatees and guests enjoying the occasion.
The final duty for outgoing chair Peter Fitzgerald was to make an outstanding achievement presentation to treasurer John Neale as he finally stood down after 25 continuous years in the role at Kyabram Legacy.
It was nostalgic for incoming chair John Lilford, as his father, Jack, was also Legacy chair back in 1995.
Mr Lilford, who will take over from Mr Fitzgerald as chair, was quick to acknowledge the key role Mr Fitzgerald played in the recent successful transition of Kyabram Legacy to the Bendigo Legacy Club.
“It was important that the Kyabram Legacy Group retained its financial autonomy and regional independence, which was possible through Bendigo,” Mr Lilford said.
The guest speaker was past Legatee Ian Purdey, who was tasked with launching the History of Kyabram Legacy 1961-2025 booklet.
Ian Purdey reflected on his family’s connection to Legacy and the process of making the organisation's history book.
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It was nostalgic for Mr Purdey, as his father, Ern, was highlighted in the booklet as an original founding member of Kyabram Legacy back in 1961 and past chairman in 1967.
When Ian joined the Free Press back in 1965, Ian’s boss said his role would be a “keeper of history” across our region, and accordingly, it was press clippings from the Free Press that proved invaluable (since 1961) with the booklet.
A milestone within Legacy was the planting of the first Lone Pine tree back in 1998, and for over 20 years Mr Purdey was MC for all the ceremonies held annually across district schools, the Kyabram District Health Service plus Warramunda and Rocky McHale Aged Care.
Another highlight was the formation of the Laurel club in 2012, which has expanded the social network for the widows.
State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh and incoming chairperson John Lilford.
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Thanking the guest speaker on behalf of all the guests was state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, who congratulated Mr Purdey and his family on their outstanding commitment to Legacy.
Mr Walsh reflected on the fact there had been 99 Legatees involved since 1961, which meant Legacy was always in a position to provide care as needed through to the present day.
The Legacy booklet team of Don Cook, Ian Purdey, Chris George from Advanced Computing, John Lilford and Eileen Sillivan from the Kyabram Historical Society.
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