“I wanted to focus on a more stable career that would enable me more time with my family without straying too far,” said David.
Flash forward to 2023, David continues to make an indelible impact on the industry as Project Manager for the Hawk Lead-In Fighter In-Service Support Program at BAE Systems Australia.
Supporting a team of 300, David is responsible for the execution of services under the Phase 4 contract. This includes supporting graduate aircrew, managing budgets for the aircraft’s capability and engaging with Commonwealth stakeholders.
As if he was not busy enough, when David discovered that BAE Systems Australia was supporting Legacy and looking for volunteer torch bearers, he could not pass on the chance.
“I have always recognised Legacy and the role they’ve played in supporting veterans’ families for 100 years. Defence is a challenging environment and most do not realise the strain, particularly on family and support networks.”
After attending a local relay meeting, where a participant shared her story of losing her Air Force husband in a tragic accident, David wanted to do more.
“These stories are very real. The support this woman and her two young boys received made a huge difference.”
What also struck David was the number of relay participants in their eighties coined, ‘Wards of Legacy’.
“These participants are children of fathers who were killed during WWII or died as a result of their injuries - including mental health. Legacy supported them as children through to adulthood. It was very moving listening to their stories.”
At the ripe old age of 50, David is one of the younger Legacy torch bearers and says the Newcastle team has been practicing their leg and are ready to go!
When asked what he was most looking forward to on the day of the relay, he said: “This is not about me. It’s about the people who have been touched by Legacy for over a century.”