TEN soldiers have waged a war of a different kind, transforming the backyard of a Capalaba house.
The house belongs to Wanda Sprenger, who lost her serviceman husband Paul five years ago.
The soldiers from Gallipolli Barracks 6RAR were joined by staff from Legacy, an organisation that helps partners and children of deceased servicemen and women, and volunteers from Tradelink and Arthur J. Gallagher.
Mrs Sprenger, a single mum to two children with autism, had bought the house with Paul, who suffered post-traumatic stress after serving in Iraq with the Australian Army.
“When he was home, he spent whole weekends in that yard,” she said.
“After he was gone, I tried doing it but it was just too much. I would sit there and cry.”
Her legatee, or Legacy support-person, Chad Sherrin nominated Mrs Sprenger for Legacy’s backyard assist program.
Mrs Sprenger said she had expected the team might help prune some trees but instead there had been a phenomenal transformation.
“It was so overgrown,” she said. “They stripped everything and uncovered the table and chairs we had set up as our quiet space.”
Mrs Sprenger said she was used to helping others and found it hard to ask for assistance.
“To think that so many people want to be here and help just blows me away.”
She said Legacy provided valuable support to her and her children.
“It is so sad that every time we gather there are new faces. It is a horrible reminder of why Legacy are there.”
The backyard assist program is in its third year, helping a family every month.
Legacy chief executive and ex-serviceman Brendan Cox said the program embodied the spirit of the organisation.
“There’s nothing more heartbreaking than to see a mate’s family home looking sad and tired, especially when so many special family memories have been made there,” he said.
“’Looking out for your mate’ is a value ingrained in the Aussie consciousness but for Legacy it’s not just a belief, it’s a solemn duty the organisation has upheld for 95 years.
“I’m proud to see the Gallipolli Barracks soldiers carry on this tradition and accept a legacy of responsibility for the welfare of the wives of soldiers who served our nation.”
For information on Legacy, visit legacy.com.au.
To find out about becoming a legatee, phone 3029 5600 or email info@legacybrisbane.org.au.
