Hercules Sydney flyover marks Legacy Week

An Air Force Hercules has flown over the Sydney CBD to launch this year's Legacy Week.

The RAAF C-130J Hercules flew over the Cenotaph at Martin Place on Monday to coincide with a service and wreath-laying commemoration 90 years after Legacy began.

"Legacy is here to make sure the families of Australian Defence Force personnel are not disadvantaged because of the death or injury of a partner or parent," Sydney Legacy president Paul Lane said in a statement.

Dignitaries in attendance included NSW Governor David Hurley and 97-year-old former Kokoda veteran Dick Payten.

The aircraft, operated by No.37 Squadron from RAAF Base Richmond flew at an altitude of about 450 metres approaching the CBD from the east.

Since 1942, Legacy Week has raised funds in support of families of veterans.

Donations made to Legacy help more than 70,000 widows and children who have lost a parent during or after their defence force service.