The long-time member takes over from Max Grimshaw, who has been at the helm for the past year and endured a tough period due to COVID restrictions.

The club, which serves military widows and beneficiaries across the southern Riverina and the North East, has been only able to raise $35,000 in the past year.

In a regular 12 months the club based in Olive Street would attract $80,000.

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"We normally have Bunnings barbecues and street stalls during Legacy Week and twice those badge week activities have been cancelled," Mr Grimshaw said.

"We were fortunate though because one of our main donors continued to support us and we were able to organise some significant welfare activities, the most significant of which was food vouchers."

Bus trips and school camps for students for youngsters supported by Legacy have been canned, with Mr Grimshaw saying a university student had twice had to abandon planned Kokoda treks.

Mr Deegan said he was delighted to be warming the president's seat.

"I was asked to join nearly 20 years ago, because I totally agree with what Legacy is all about and I will do my utmost to continue the good work that those other people have started," he said.

"My aim is to expand the knowledge in the community of what Legacy is about and should there be any spouses out there whose partners have been in the military and they're not being looked after by Legacy please let us know.

"We'd also like ex-servicemen aged 35 to 50 to become members because a lot of our Legatees are reaching an age where they want to slow down."

Mr Deegan has been on the board for four years and was previously vice president.

In addition to being mayor, he is best known on the Border he recent years for leading the Wodonga Ratepayers' Association.

Mr Deegan has stepped back from his involvement with that group, but he said that had not influenced his decision to take on the Legacy presidency.

"I love it, the interaction with the beneficiaries and opportunities to help where we can, it's great," he said.

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