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Scott Bennet lost his life in the Sea King helicopter crash
while on a humanitarian relief mission to the tsunami affected
areas of Indonesia in April.
When Scott died, he left behind a wife and two children.
The compassion of our nation was highlighted by the tsunami
effort.
The Defence Forces worked tirelessly to assist the relief
effort, while those watching the headlines gave generously
to help those in need.
But when we watched helplessly as seven-year-old Jarryd
Bennet bravely received the Indonesian Bronze Medal of Valour
on behalf of his father from Indonesian President Yudhoyono,
many Australian’s did not know how they could help.
Scott Bennet met his wife Terren while serving in the Navy.
Together they settled in a small town on the NSW south coast,
close to HMAS Albatross.
After their two boys – Courtney and Jarryd – were born,
Terren left the Navy to dedicate her time to her children.
Scott became their main source of income, as well as a dedicated
father: sharing his love of the outdoors with his boys;
bike riding with Courtney and rock climbing with Jarryd.
He had served for almost 15 years in the Navy when he died.
Now Terren is raising their two sons on her own and working
as a teacher’s assistant at Jervis Bay Primary School to
support her family.
Originally from South Australia, and with Scott’s family
in Queensland, Terren does not have family or old friends
nearby. But through tragedy there is hope, and Terren has
discovered a new family that she can to turn to for assistance.
“I always bought the badges on Badge Day,” Terren said.
“But I was unsure who I was helping by doing so. “I didn’t
know what Legacy did before Scott’s death.
Now I know that money is used to help people like me and
my boys.” When the Aussie Diggers returned home from Europe
after World War I they made a pact to look after the wives
and children of their fallen comrades who never returned.
Today this tradition continues.
“Legacy contacted me straight away to offer support and
assistance. “I am a very independent person, not always
wanting to ask for help; but it’s comforting to know that
Legacy is close by.
“They got straight in there with pocket money for the boys;
I couldn’t stop them. They also organised an allowance for
me and are helping with the inevitable paperwork.
“In the future, when things have settled down, the boys
may choose to go on Legacy camps where they will meet other
children who have gone through what they’ve gone through.
“And, I know that I can also call on Legacy to talk to other
wives who have lost their husbands; who understand.
It’s nice to know Legacy is now part of my life.
“We are so proud of Scott. And I can get through this, with
the support of Legacy.”
