Unsure what will happen to your possessions, pets or digital legacy after you’re gone? National Wills Week is your reminder to take control by creating a will, which can be done online in as little as 20 minutes.

Running from 1 to 7 September, this year’s theme — ‘Life changes, so should your will’ — encourages people either to prepare a will for the first time or to revisit one that may no longer reflect their current situation.

While many senior Canberrans have made a will, it may have been many years since they last reviewed it, ACT Public Trustee and Guardian CEO Robyn Hakelis said.

“Your legacy is more than your assets; it’s about making sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are supported,” Ms Hakelis said.

“We’re encouraging senior Canberrans to take a fresh look at their estate planning and seek advice if their circumstances have changed.”

Ms Hakelis will attend Libraries ACT’s Community Corner Belconnen on Thursday 4 September, between 10:15am and 12 noon, to speak with community members about wills and enduring power of attorney agreements.

Canberrans are encouraged to speak with a lawyer or community legal centre to begin or revisit their estate planning.

To promote National Wills Week, Safewill are offering free wills to people who take up the offer via the Public Trustee and Guardian’s website.

For more information, visit ptg.act.gov.au or contact the ACT Public Trustee and Guardian at [email protected].

Leave a charitable bequest

More people should consider leaving a charitable bequest in their will to support the causes they care about most.

GreaterGood, a not-for-profit organisation managed by the ACT Public Trustee and Guardian, oversees enduring funds that continue giving long after the initial donation.

Canberrans have donated more than $50 million to local causes through the community foundation. Since 2003, 99 charitable funds have been established under it, distributing more than $21 million to more than 200 charities.

Chair Aidan Goldsmith said GreaterGood links good people with good causes.

“Whether it’s a fund established in your will or a small regular donation from your pay, every contribution helps build a lasting source of support for charities doing vital work in our community.”

Canberrans can contribute to existing funds or establish their own, including through a charitable bequest in their wills.

For instance, Sally Sinisoff, an Estonian arts supporter, and Eric Crawford, a World War II veteran, both created perpetual trusts to support causes close to their hearts. Each year, their funds generate profits which are donated to charitable organisations they nominated — including Vision Australia, which helps blind or low-vision people.

General manager Ian Finlayson said the philanthropists’ generosity “provide us with the capacity to forward plan our activities so that our clients … are fully supported in their choices and can achieve their goals and objectives”.

Funds can also be created through workplace giving: regular donations can be made directly from an individual’s pay.

Staff at the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directoriare support Roundabout Canberra in this way, providing essential baby and children’s items to families in need. In 2024, Roundabout Canberra supported nearly 5,000 local children.

“GreaterGood’s support makes a real and lasting difference for local families,” CEO and founder Hannah Andrevski said. “Thanks to their funding, we can provide essential new items like mattress protectors, doonas and pillows in our linen packs.

“These are vital for warmth, hygiene and dignity. We’re so grateful to GreaterGood and its donors for helping us ensure every child has what they need to feel safe and comfortable.”

Find out how to leave a charitable bequest in your will by visiting greatergood.org.au.