Legacy torchbearer Isabella Bates has been awarded an honour usually reserved for a soldier’s meritorious service.
Isabella is one of the youngest torchbearers in the 2023 Legacy Centenary Torch Relay and took out the 2023 title as the number one fundraiser in Victoria, raising an impressive $13,330.
As the torch reached its final destination at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on October 13, the 13-year-old from Malmsbury was presented with a unique military coin bearing the words ‘Service, Courage, Respect, Excellence, and Integrity’ by the Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.
The Army Chief shook Isabella’s hand as he passed the coin and congratulated her on her fundraising work.
During the course of the day Isabella and her parents met the Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, his wife Linda Hurley, the chairman of Legacy Australia Eric Easterbrook and the Chief Soldier of Victoria.
Isabella told the Express that she was nervous on the day, but once she saw the torch coming all of her nerves disappeared.
“I got to stand next to the Governor General, and I got to sit next to Steve Moneghetti on the bus ride,” Isabella said.
Isabella’s father Bill Bates, a long-time war enthusiast, is immensely proud of Isabella and all of her achievements.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Bill said.
“We really want to thank everyone who sponsored Isabella, especially the Kyneton and Maldon RSLs who were major sponsors.”
Isabella proudly carried the torch in Ballarat on September 19 and again for the last leg of the relay at the Shrine of Remembrance on October 13. 
