Community called on to help war widows

A Geraldton man is urging locals to increase financial and social support for families of fallen service personnel.

Ross MacArthur is secretary of Legacy WA’s Geraldton sub-branch, which is a group of six people who help local war widows.

Mr MacArthur estimates that in the Geraldton area, encompassing Kalbarri, Mullewa, Dongara and Mingenew, there are 120 widows.

He said his group volunteers to help people who have a loved one who died during or after their service in the Australian Defence Force.

The group also helps family members of returned servicemen and women who are suffering from service-related mental illness.

“We’ve cleaned yards, filled out the paperwork to help people access the war widow’s pension, painted houses and helped fund medical equipment,” Mr MacArthur said.

“We also help by covering travel expenses, and one time we funded the expenses of a carer to go down to Perth to look after a widow.

“Some widows just don’t have family locally to help them.”

Legacy WA were a beneficiary of the Rotary Club of Geraldton-Greenough’s Rock of Ages quiz night fundraiser on March 24.

Proceeds from the quiz night were split between Geraldton PCYC, Holland Street School and Legacy WA.

To help Legacy WA’s Geraldton sub-branch, phone Ross MacArthur on 9921 8497.