17 September 2024
Legacy widow Shirley Ross was overwhelmed by the support she received during a Legacy Brisbane Backyard Assist at her Chapel Hill home of almost 50 years.
A former signaller, Mrs Ross discharged from the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps when she married her husband, who served in the Royal Australian Navy.
They purchased the Chapel Hill home in 1976 and over the years planted and nurtured an extensive garden that has since become difficult for the 86-year-old to manage.
“I can’t do it anymore,” said Mrs Ross, who had recently suffered a series of ailments, which resulted in several trips to hospital.
“This is my second Backyard Assist but there weren’t so many people last time. There must be about 20 here today.”
There was a hive of activity in her backyard as volunteers from Headquarters 6th Brigade, Navy, Air Force and Rheinmetall Defence Australia trimmed trees, piled garden debris into skip bins, spread mulch and spruced up her pavers with a pressure wash.
“Doesn’t that shrub look nice shaped into a round hedge,” Mrs Ross said, pointing to a shrub that had been carefully trimmed and shaped.
“My husband and I planted all these trees. It’s fantastic that everyone can come here and do this for me.”
One of the volunteers from Headquarters 6th Brigade, Captain Rachael Kloprogge, said while Mrs Ross was overwhelmed to see so many people helping her out, it was a positive experience for everyone.
“It was amazing to see so many people turn up from different organisations, all wanting to help,” Captain Kloprogge said.
“My grandfather was a veteran and it would have been really nice to see my grandmother supported in this way if she was still alive.”
Being able to help out a former serving member made the experience even more rewarding for Captain Kloprogge and her colleagues.
“It was great for our ops [operations] team to get out of the office and do something meaningful like that in the community,” she said.
“For us it means something extra special to be able to give back to a former serving member.”
