90 years service for Red Cross

Warragul Red Cross Branch recently celebrated 90 years of helping people in need locally, nationally and internationally.

The afternoon celebration coincided with the branch’s annual general meeting.

The 90th birthday attracted invited guests, Red Cross management, current and past members and friends.

A beautifully decorated cake was cut by Mabel Colls who has been a member since 1960.

A presentation of past photographs was enjoyed and created conversation of past events. An afternoon tea and display of items and scrapbooks were also enjoyed.

Chairman Shirley Grove welcomed those gathered and invited Member for Monash Russell Broadbent as guest speaker.

Mr Broadbent told of his long association with Red Cross, having help start the Junior Red Cross in his school.

As an example of work undertaken by these junior branches, those operating in all local schools from Moe to Longwarry raised over £2000 to build and furnish the children’s ward for the new West Gippsland Hospital which opened in 1931.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Mikaela Power spoke of local activities and the value of volunteers in the community before declaring the meeting open.

Mrs Grove gave her 20th report as branch chairman. She highlighted a variety of fundraising efforts over the years.

The Warragul branch was active during 1914 to 1919 before recommencing in 1929 with fundraising, medical loans, local emergencies and overseas support.

Trees were planted in 1959 for the centenary of Red Cross and again in 2014 for the centenary of Australian Red Cross.

Many services started by Warragul Red Cross have since been taken over by others, such as the hospital library and book trolley and home-bound library.

First aid and home nursing were also started by Red Cross.

In 1954, Dr Cornish and Sister Harper established the Red Cross Blood Bank. Red Cross still operates this service.

The Warragul branch has served the area during bushfires, floods and search operations as well as assisting individuals in need after home loss.

The local opportunity shop opened in 1986 and helps raise funds for Red Cross services.

Red Cross Victorian Advisory Board chairman Anne Macarthur OAM took the chair for the election of office bearers and no voting was required.

The new chairman is Isabell Ough with Shirley Grove taking up the vice chairman position. Helen Langres is secretary, Libby Loane is assistant secretary, Rose Atkins is treasurer, Judy Hetherington is assistant treasurer and Diane Moyes is publicity officer.

Warragul Red Cross always welcome new members. To find out more, visit the opportunity shop or visit redcross.org.au.