Victoria Police Legacy was founded in 1980. Its purpose then was to provide on-going support for the families of deceased police members. Today with an expanded charter, the same concept and tradition continues.
Our role
Victoria Police Legacy is a charitable organisation that provides a range of services to police families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. (This includes families of police and retired police even if there is no dependent children.)
Independent from Victoria Police, it is managed by a Board consisting of serving and retired police. For day-to-day management, it has a full-time CEO, together with two part-time employees; a field officer who maintains regular contact with legatees and an administrative assistant.
Funding is mainly provided through generous fortnightly payroll contributions from serving police. Other funding is acquired through bequests and one-off donations, often from members of the public expressing appreciation for work done by police in the community.
With a plan to ensure its on-going development as a progressive and caring organisation, Victoria Police Legacy is committed to meeting the needs of those for whom it cares.
Our services for young legatees
Financial assistance
- Education Grants - pre-school through to tertiary level (includes trade apprenticeships)
- Career Grants - On the completion of all schooling this grant is available to assist with the expenses often incurred when entering the workforce
- Driving lessons -up to 10 driving lessons from age 16
- Advanced driver education for young adult drivers
Social activities
- Youth development and educational trips
- Reconnecting with police program
- Family days
Special occasion gifts
- Birthday
- Christmas
Our services for adult legatees
Personal visits
Our Field Officer will visit legatees initially to explain our services and make follow-up calls. Visits will also be made in response to requests for help, providing advice and acting as a conduit to the broader range of services available in the community.
Mature-age study grants
These are made available so that legatees may gain skills to
- return to the workforce,
- advance in their workplace or
- pursue a course to expand their understanding in any area of interest or hobby.
Social activities
- Local and regional lunches
- Get-together for younger widows and widowers and
- Christmas functions
Financial assistance
Help is provided to legatees who find themselves in an unfortunate financial situation exacerbated by the loss of their loved one – eg, home maintenance, unexpected large bills or special needs.
Special occasion gifts
- Milestone birthdays and
- Christmas