For Drew Jardine, the support Legacy provides in Australia was like nothing he’d experienced in the British armed forces.
That’s why he is helping celebrate Legacy’s centenary year by participating in the Cairns leg of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.
“I am passionate about the way Legacy supports bereaved families and, in particular, the support locally in Cairns,” Drew said.
Drew started out at 16-years-old as a Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice and worked his way to Senior Engineering Officer. After 30 years in the British Army, Drew came to the Australian Army via a lateral transfer.
After four years in the Australian Army, and an army career spanning more than 34 years, encompassing more than 22 postings and 11 operational tours, Drew decided it was time to settle down with his family and stay in one place. That place was Cairns.
“I knew I wanted to stay in defence and stay in Cairns and I’d always had a good experience with BAE Systems when I’d worked with them during my service days,” Drew said.
This meant going from the army side to the naval side and while Drew says it has been a steep learning curve, it’s also been enjoyable.
Drew is now busy working as an Engineering Manager at our Cairns Capability Hub.
“We have such a high number of the Cairns team who are veterans themselves so Legacy is really something that resonates with us all.
“I’m really glad BAE Systems Australia is a Legacy partner. It’s worth shining a light on the good work Legacy does and it’s nice being able to get involved locally."
Drew and the Cairns team frequently work with their local Legacy representatives, holding fundraisers internally and using their volunteer leave to help out at Legacy events/fundraisers.
"The strength of Legacy is that so many of the beneficiaries then go on to volunteer themselves – not just wives, but children and other family members as well.
“The team here is extremely keen to be involved, we all really feel a connection to the work Legacy is doing and it’s really nice to be able to see the money that is raised stay in the local area,” Drew said.