September 25th, 2024Redcross celebrates its 110th birthday at Parliament House
Born at the outset of World War One and continuing to serve 110 years later, the significant impact of a volunteering giant was toasted at Parliament House late last month.
The Australian Red Cross notched up supercentenarian status in August 2024 and Legislative Assembly Speaker Maree Edwards hosted an event to mark the milestone.
‘The work that the Red Cross have engaged in over the last 110 years has been of very significant benefit to individuals, families, communities and our broader society,’ Ms Edwards said.
‘The mission to ease suffering is a noble one and the work could not be more evident than in the numbers, the stories and the lives that have been changed because of your endeavours.’
Today boasting more than 16,000 volunteers and 1,639 staff across 423 separate branches, the Red Cross has supported Australians through war, migration, drought, pandemic and disaster.
Bendigo’s Judith McCarthy (pictured above speaking at the lectern) has been a member for 55 years; half of the charity’s existence.
The 89-year-old joined the Kennington branch on 1 August 1969.
Mrs McCarthy fondly reflected on fundraisers including lamington drives, bazaars and assisting people with attending appointments or taking part in community events.
‘I’ve had so many blessings since I’ve been a member, and we have a very small group now, but we still love to get together and hear all the stories.’
Young volunteer Lauren Walduck also spoke to the MPs, staff and volunteers who gathered in the parliamentary library for the special occasion.
‘I was fortunate to grow up in a regional community where there was a plethora of inspirational leaders around me,’ she said.
‘I was drawn to Red Cross because I was inspired and excited by the opportunities and values that emanate from its work.’
During the COVID-19 pandemic the emergency services volunteer gave out food hampers.
‘That was something where I learned how Red Cross really develops programs that deliver something specific and needed to communities,’ she said.
