Townsville Legacy is teaming up with Townsville Airport to host former Australian Defence Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK(Retired), as part of its annual Leadership and Culture Business Breakfast.

The event, to be staged at Townsville Airport’s NAACEX Hangar on March 20, is a key fundraiser for Townsville Legacy, which supports approximately 700 dependents of deceased and incapacitated veterans of the region, who have died serving our country or as a result of that service.

The event comes at the right time for Townsville, bringing everyone together as the community begins the challenging task of rebuilding after the flood.

Townsville Legacy president Mick Reilly said the organisation had been hard hit, with its offices and the neighbouring RSL on Charters Towers Road flooded in early February and requiring extensive repairs.

“It was a huge set-back, but we can’t thank enough all the Legacy supporters and volunteers and the soldiers of the 3rd Combat Engineers Regiment for their amazing efforts in the initial clean up,”he said.

“Local defence contractor CUBIC stepped up, offering us temporary space in the immediate aftermath of the disaster so we could contact all our Legacy widows and families and provide help where needed.

“Now Gabrielli Constructions has generously provided Townsville Legacy a new interim home at 324 Bayswater Road, next to the Dalrymple Hotel. This allows us to continue our work and remain accessible to Legacy widows and families while we re-build.”

Mr Reilly said the flood recovery gave added importance to this month’s Townsville Legacy Business Breakfast featuring Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Rtd) as the keynote speaker.

Sir Angus was knighted in 2015 for distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force and service to the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of community roles.

“We are incredibly honoured and humbled that Sir Angus has accepted our invitation to address business and community leaders in Townsville, especially as the city recovers from our worst ever flood disaster,” he said.

“The business breakfasts are important fundraisers, enabling Legacy to continue providing social, emotional and financial support to families of Defence Force veterans and members who have given their life or lost their health as a result of their operational service.

“We currently have around 700 dependents supported throughout North Queensland by Townsville Legacy including widows, children and adults with a disability ranging in age from two to 100.”

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said the fundraiser was crucial to the ongoing support of those who counted on Legacy’s help on a daily basis, particularly after the devastating flood.

“Townsville Legacy plays such an important role in our community, helping the many widows, widowers and children of those who have given their lives serving our country,” Mr Gill said.

“We are proud to do whatever we can to help this important organisation, which relies solely on community support for its funding. We look forward to welcoming Sir Angus to the garrison city once again.”

Townsville Airport announced a formal partnership with Townsville Legacy in November last year, as part of the airport’s ongoing commitment to local residents and the broader North Queensland community.

Townsville Legacy Business Breakfast:

Guest speaker:                 Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Retired).

When:                                Wednesday 20 March, 6.30am for 7am start.

Where:                               Northern Australian Aerospace Centre of Excellence (NAACEX Precinct), Hangar 2, Townsville Airport.

Cost:                                  $95 per person or $950 for reserved table of 10.

Bookings:                         Visit www.townsvilletickets.com.au