Legacy WA

Congratulations to John Arco OAM on being recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List with the Medal of the Order of Australia.

John's dedication to the veteran community has made a lasting impact on countless lives, and this recognition is a fitting acknowledgement of his years of service, leadership and commitment to supporting veterans and their families.

"It was a shock, disbelief and why me. I am proud and honoured to have been awarded the OAM." J. Arco

Everyone at Legacy WA is proud to see John receive this well-deserved recognition. We thank him for his ongoing contribution to the veteran community and congratulate him on this significant achievement.

Please join us in congratulating John on this remarkable honour.

What an incredible result from the Better Together Ball at IODS 2026, with more than $250,000 raised in support of Western Australian veterans and their families.

Bringing together more than 1,100 guests from across Defence industry, Government and the Australian Defence Force, the evening was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the community comes together behind a shared purpose.

Funds raised will be shared equally between Legacy WA and RSL WA, helping deliver vital programs, services and support for veterans and their families across Western Australia. We are incredibly proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with RSL WA in making this happen and deeply grateful for the support shown throughout the evening.

For Legacy WA, this funding will directly support the continued development of our Busselton facility, creating more opportunities for respite, connection and camp programs for children and families. For more information on our Busselton Revitalisation Project click here: https://www.legacywa.com.au/camp-revitalisation

A huge thank you to Platinum Sponsor L3Harris, sponsors Accenture, CPB Contractors, Dataminr, Fujitsu, H&B Defence, Nova Power Solutions and Raytheon Australia, as well as Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, along with all supporters, partners and attendees who helped make the night such a success.

Together, we are making a real and lasting difference for the veteran community.

This is an incredibly important moment for veterans’ families in Western Australia.

Legacy WA welcomes the WA Government’s and Hon. Paul Papalia's announcement that tomorrow, May 15th, will now be formally recognised each year as the Day of Recognition for Families of Veterans.

For almost a century, Legacy WA has stood beside the families of veterans, recognising the sacrifices they make every day through deployments, relocations, long periods of separation, and the ongoing impacts of service.

This formal recognition sends a powerful message that the contribution of defence families matters and deserves to be acknowledged publicly.

As Veterans Minister Paul Papalia noted:

“Beside every serving member and veteran is a family carrying the load at home, and they deserve to be recognised.”

Our Legacy WA President, Steve Stoll, welcomed the announcement, saying:

“On 15 May, we encourage the community to join us in recognising these often-hidden heroes. Their sacrifice is profound, their contribution enduring, and they deserve our sincere and public thanks.”

To every veteran family across Western Australia, this recognition belongs to you.

You can read the WA Government media release here:
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook%20Labor%20Government/Formal-day-of-recognition-for-veterans%27-families-20260512

Hon. Paul Papalia's speech can be viewed here:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1299620604926426

Teeing off in the Swan Valley

Our Junior Legacy families enjoyed a great afternoon at Supa Golf on 18 April, with beautiful warm Perth autumn weather.

It was fun day out for kids and adults alike in a golf format that makes it enjoyable for everyone. There was a bit of friendly competition, and a lot of steps clocked up across the 9 holes. The scorecards didn’t get much attention, but that was the point.

Pizza and chips at lunch went down well and kept everyone fueled for the rest of the round.

Days like this matter. Time together, getting out and doing something simple, and just enjoying each other’s company.

A big thank you to Telethon7 Perth for helping fund important events such as this.