Saluting a steadfast Aussie hero
28 August 2024
Born at the outset of World War One and continuing to serve 110 years later, the significant impact of a volunteering giant has been toasted at Parliament House.
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.’
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 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.
“ 'I think I’ve always been a Red Cross person. It’s become a part of my life.' ”
Judith McCarthy, Red Cross member
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.
New Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin has been speaking with supporters, donors and clients to learn about the impact of the organisation on people’s lives.
“ ‘The real special people this morning are our members, our volunteers and our staff.’ ”
Andrew Colvin, Red Cross CEO
‘Some of them have been a part of this organisation longer than most of us have actually been alive and that says something very special.
‘We shouldn’t forget though the lifesaving work that our colleagues in Australian Red Cross Lifeblood do each and every day and for those of you who are donors – thank you very much.’
Mr Colvin highlighted the constant and consistent presence of the charity since 1914.
'The Australian Red Cross is entrenched in the fabric of who we are as Australians and what it means to be Australians,’ he said.
‘Our members, our staff, our volunteers are driven each and every day to help people. To provide for them after their worst day. To provide for them in their time of need. To provide for them when they need that humanitarian support.
'As we reflect on 110 years and think about the next 110 years what we know is the Australian Red Cross will be here for everyone, always.’
