Legacy: The home where war widows connect and bond for life

After Rachel Knowles lost her husband to cancer, she was caught in a "black hole of despair", she never thought she would escape.

But when she finally attended a Legacy meeting with other war widows like herself, she felt that black hole began to shrink.

"You could feel grief, but you could also see the light at the end of the tunnel, because we were all together."

Legacy House in Mudgee cares for the families of Australian Defence Force members who have lost their lives or their health as a result of their service.

Ms Knowles' husband, Bill Knowles, was a Warrant Officer Class Two in WWII. He worked as a radio mechanic, which often involved repairing gear inside Kittyhawk planes that were in the midst of battle.

War widows, like Ms Knowles, look forward to regular lunches at Legacy which provide an opportunity to socialise.

"The first few times I went, I thought, 'this burden is lifting' because once you're there, the pain of war is cut off and it's just companionship that's left," Ms Knowles said.

Mudgee North West Legacy community service worker, Glynis Hill has been part of the organisation for 30 years.

"I think it's great dealing with the older ladies, I've always said it's like I have 300 nanas."

Ms Hill has worked with older widows and more recently, younger families of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"A lot of people say, 'there's no wars, so why are you needed?' well, our fellas are everywhere around the world on peacekeeping and their dependents still need us," she said.

"I deal with younger families now, it's just great when you give them something like a laptop for school."

But the Mudgee branch has had a difficult time in fundraising, and getting the word out as the focus on war has dissipated.

"It's not as well known now as it once was. Closer to the wars everyone was related to someone who fought, so people knew about it," Ms Hill said.

In January this year, the Department of Veteran Affairs listed 318 people as clients, including 111 dependents on its health card list in the Mid-Western LGA.

A major part of Legacy's work is helping widows navigate the often-confusing and complex process of pensions, which many don't have the energy to do while they grieve.

"That's a big part of our work, making sure the dependent gets their full entitlements, and the process still hasn't improved over the years, even for the contemporary guys," Ms Hill said.

But the help goes far beyond helping with paperwork.

"Without Legacy, I don't think I would have my house," Ms Knowles said.

"They've helped so much over the years, I once ran out of water so I called Glynis and she just said 'help is on its way,' and it was."

To get in touch with Mudgee North West Legacy, call 6370 8600.

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