The completed works, which took 18 months to produce, officially launched at the Port Macquarie-Hastings Legacy branch in Bourne House, Port Macquarie on September 4.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams, branch president Kerry Thomson and Legatee Peter Bruce spoke at the event.

Mr Bruce, who compiled the works, said the aim is to let people know how Legacy is progressing over the years in the area.

"People can learn a lot from what is written in the past," he said.

"This covers the formation of Legacy in the early days of Australia and it flows on into World War Two when this area of NSW became more active.

"As the population of Port Macquarie grew, the work of legacy increased until 1984 when we had enough numbers and the financially backing to form the then-Hastings Legacy Club.

"We later changed to the Port Macquarie-Hastings Legacy Club to differentiate us from Hastings in Victoria.

"To make the book we used documented minutes right back to the formation of the club in 1984.

"Before that time I had meeting minutes, newspaper cuttings and talking to people in Taree Legacy."

The book release is funded through a grant from the state government and launches amid the annual national appeal, Legacy Week from September 2 to 8.

Members of the public can buy pens, badges, chocolates and uniformed bears to raise funds for widows and families of returned service people.

Residents can get involved by wearing their Legacy badge on Badge Day Friday, September 7 in support of the families of our veterans who have given their life or their health.

Branch president Kerry Thomson said this would be a first time the club's complete history has been documented in one place.

"It's a timely reminder at this time, that Legacy is still a significant player in the community with veterans families," she said.

"Legacy was established in 1923, 96 years after we are still looking after the war widows in the community and more recent veterans who have given their health in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We have about 480 war widows, the majority of those are aged over 85 and we have four families that we look after in this area.

"There are a lot of stories to tell."

Port Macquarie-Hastings Legacy branch has 25 volunteers and helps around 480 families and widows. You can find out more about volunteering with Legacy HERE.

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