As the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay makes its way across the nation, one exceptional individual stands out among the torchbearers.
William James Buckley, a devoted Bundaberg Legacy volunteer, whose remarkable journey and selfless service are deserving of recognition.
Born on 6 August, 1962, in Beaudesert Queensland, William, fondly known as Bill, grew up in Bundaberg and pursued his education at Walkervale State School, Kepnock State High School, and Bundaberg College of TAFE.
After completing his studies, he embarked on a fulfilling career, starting at Port Curtis Dairy on Quay Street in Bundaberg in 1979.
However, Bill’s true calling came when he joined the Royal Australian Navy in March 1980, where he proudly served for two decades.
During his time in the Royal Australian Navy, Bill had the privilege of serving on various esteemed vessels, including HMA Ships Tobruk, Perth, Cook, Canberra, Derwent, Torrens, Swan, and Anzac.
His deployments involved undertaking numerous humanitarian, peacekeeping, and operational roles, with his final operational mission taking him to East Timor (Timor Leste) in 1999.
Upon his honourable discharge in April 2000, Bill returned to his beloved Bundaberg, where he continued his dedicated service to the community.
For 11 years, he volunteered in the State Emergency Services, rising to the position of deputy controller.
However, his commitment to making a difference didn’t stop there.
In 2022, Bill joined Bundaberg Legacy, recognising the organisation’s vital role in providing support to the families of veterans who have made significant sacrifices in the service of Australia.
Within Bundaberg Legacy, Bill finds his role highly rewarding, as he extends much-needed support and companionship to these courageous families.
One of his valued responsibilities includes driving the Legacy bus, ensuring widows have the opportunity to attend morning teas and lunches, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
On 4 June, Bundaberg Legacy will proudly host a leg of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, a monumental event that started in Pozieres, France on 23 April.
The torch has made its way through Belgium, London, Albany, Fremantle, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton.
After the relay leg in Bundaberg, the torch will continue its inspiring journey, visiting other Legacy clubs in Queensland, NSW,
Canberra, Victoria, Tasmania, and finishing in Melbourne on 12 October.
This magnificent torch will have travelled a staggering 55,000 kilometres, making many stops along the way, and will be carried by approximately 1500 dedicated torch bearers.
It symbolises the ongoing legacy of support, remembrance, and gratitude for veterans and their families.
The Bundaberg torch relay leg kicks off at the Bundaberg Barrel at 10am on Sunday 4 June.
The route will weave through the heart of the CBD, including Bourbong Street, before making a meaningful stop at Lions Memorial Park.
The torch’s final destination will be Legacy House, located at 11 Williams Road in Svensson Heights.
Bill Buckley, along with a remarkable group of individuals including Len Gordon, William Buckley, Angela Hillis, Bill Hillis, John Routledge, Sue Ericsson, Judith Klein, Rachael Anderson, Veronica Sussens, Laurel Crawford, Sandra Fawcett, Mervyn Mudge, Margaret Biddlecombe, Jo Salvini, Judith Sheehan, Faye Wilkes-Johnson, Susan Micklewright, Julie Beh and Mabel Matthews., will proudly carry the torch.