General News
2 August, 2026
Legacy’s target nearer
MORE than $190,000 has been raised towards Far North Queensland Legacy’s planned Legacy House after more than 300 people attended a sold-out gala ball at the Pullman Cairns International on Saturday night.
Nine News Sydney presenter and former 60 Minutes reporter Peter Overton headlined the event, joining FNQ Legacy President Alfonso “Alfie” Santos CSC for a fireside chat. The pair first met while Mr Overton was reporting on HMAS Childers in 2010 and have remained friends ever since.
Speaking before the gala, Mr Overton said supporting FNQ Legacy was an easy decision.
“One reason, because our veterans and their families are the most important things I believe in our community – and we need to look after them while they serve and when they leave service,” he said.
“And Alfie Santos, who’s someone I did a 60 Minutes story with back in 2010 ... when he rang me and said ‘I’d love you to come up and support this cause for FNQ Legacy House,’ I said, ‘Bang on there, straight away.’”
“I’m also a reservist in the Royal Australian Air Force, a wing commander, so I get it. I understand the critical nature of supporting our veterans.”
Mr Overton said the proposed Legacy House would become an important support hub for the region.
“They’ve given us what we have today, and in Far North Queensland, it’s a very big veterans community and their families,” he said.
“I think FNQ Legacy House will become almost a one-stop shop for them for everything in terms of caring for them, looking after them, navigating the world post-service. So it’s a no-brainer to be here.”
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when FNQ Legacy beneficiary Melanie Allen shared her experience of becoming a war widow and the support her family has received.
“The hardest part wasn’t the funeral. It was the weeks and years after, when everyone else’s life went back to normal and mine didn’t. FNQ Legacy was still there,” she said.
“They still are, 10 years on. That’s what tonight is supporting: the people who are still there in the second year and the fifth,” Ms Allen said.
Mr Santos said the fundraiser’s success reflected the Far North community’s commitment to veterans’ families.
