Legacy Giving

A legacy gift, or bequest, is a donation made through your will to support a cause you care about. At WASO, a legacy gift ensures future generations can experience and be inspired by live orchestral music.

If you are creating a will or updating it, we suggest you consult a legal adviser to ensure that your will is valid and your wishes are expressed correctly. Including WASO in your will is simple and straightforward. Contact us for some sample wording you can use on 9386 0014 or meliar@waso.com.au

Changing an existing will

If you already have a will but wish to include a gift to WASO, you can easily do this by adding a codicil—a legal amendment to your will. It’s a straightforward way to update your wishes without needing to rewrite the entire document.

For more information, guidance on wording your will, or to notify us of your intentions, please contact our Philanthropy team for a confidential discussion on 9386 0014 or meliar@waso.com.au

Types of Bequests

When leaving a gift in your will, there are three main options to consider:

Pecuniary Gift: A specified dollar amount.
Residuary Gift: A percentage of your estate, after other specific gifts have been made.
Specific Gift: Includes real estate shares, bonds or other items of value.

No matter the size or type, every gift helps to support our mission and ensure WASO’s future.

Creating a will is the best way to ensure that your wishes are honoured and that your loved ones are provided for. It gives you the peace of mind that your estate will be distributed according to your preferences.

Without a will, your estate could be subject to complex legal proceedings at an already difficult time for your loved ones; and if you have no immediate family, the Government may receive your assets.

Creating a will is also your opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy by supporting the causes that mean the most to you.

We understand that providing for your loved ones is your first priority when writing a will. Once this is taken care of, many people also choose to leave a gift to an organisation that holds special meaning or reflects their values.

Sharing your decision with your family can be an important step in the process. Open conversations can provide your loved ones with insight into your reasons for leaving a gift, bringing them closer to your vision. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the moments that have meant the most to you. By sharing your personal connection to the Orchestra, you can offer your family reassurance and understanding, helping them see why this is an important legacy for you.

When you leave a bequest to WASO, you become part of a special community—our Symphony Circle. As a member, you’ll be recognised for your generosity with exclusive invitations to behind-the-scenes rehearsals, intimate events with our musicians and leadership, and an annual celebration of legacy giving. You’ll also receive a commemorative pin as a symbol of your commitment to the future of live music. It’s our way of saying thank you for ensuring that WASO’s music continues to touch lives for generations.

If you would like to learn more about joining our Symphony Circle, please get in touch with Renee Melia for a confidential conversation by email at meliar@waso.com.au or phone at (08) 9386 0014.

Your gift to WASO will go where it's needed most, making a lasting impact for future generations to enjoy the music we all love.

We promise to maximize your gift’s impact, ensuring it touches as many lives as possible.

Gifts of over $5,000 are publicly acknowledged by WASO (we will not disclose the amount) in perpetuity. You can also choose to keep your support anonymous if you wish.

And if you ever change your mind about your gift, we’ll respect that decision too.

No. Gifts of any size are welcome. Whether it’s a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or an item of value like property or shares, every gift makes a difference to WASO’s future.

Your gift will support WASO’s artistic growth, community outreach, and education programs, helping to ensure that live music continues to enrich lives for years to come.

Received bequests of over $5,000 are publicly acknowledged by WASO (we will not disclose the amount) in perpetuity. You can also choose to keep your support anonymous if you wish.

If you would like a copy of our Legacy Giving brochure, please get in touch with Renee Melia via email at meliar@waso.com.au or phone at (08) 9386 0014.

If you’re considering leaving a gift in your will or would like more information, we’re here to help. Please get in touch with Renee Melia for a confidential conversation by email at meliar@waso.com.au or phone at (08) 9386 0014.