The organisation’s new office was opened in Tamworth this week by New England MP and Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce and minister for rural health, regional development and regional communications Senator Fiona Nash.

Tamworth Legacy is now located on the corner of Peel and White streets, above FSW, after moving from Red Cross House in Kable Ave, where they’d rented space for more than 30 years.

The club has been in existence since 1948 and looks after an area that includes Quirindi, Gunnedah, Boggabri, Narrabri, Barraba and Manilla.

President Laurie Hoad said both Tamworth Legacy and the Red Cross had undergone structural changes and there was a need for his organisation to have a permanent base.

“So, what you see here today is the culmination of the wonderful support we have received from many, including Legacy NSW Associated Clubs, Sydney Legacy Club, local businesses and local tradesmen to create this new office,” he said at the official opening.

Office manager Deborah Bright said Tamworth Legacy looked after just over 400 war widows today, falling from about 1000 when she first started with the organisation 18 years ago.

Its role though remains an important, if changing one, with Legacy nationally providing services to about 90,000 families of veterans who have died or suffer from health issues, and Iraq and Afghanistan veterans adding to those numbers in more recent years.

Secretary Greg Roese said the fallout from mental health issues suffered by veterans and the impact on loved ones had become a priority issue in more recent times.

“The nature of warfare has changed ... so 

our focus has changed. Serviceman now are doing more short, intense tours than we did,”said Mr Roese, a Vietnam veteran.

 Legacy provides support for young families and children, and ageing widows, cares for dependants with a disability and advocates on behalf of families for the likes of pension 

entitlements.