The Rylstone branch of the Red Cross celebrated its 100th anniversary at a lunch at Henbury Golf Club on Saturday.
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The Rylstone branch was one of the first formed after Red Cross began in Australia on August 13, 1914, nine days after the outbreak of World War I.
It is one of only four branches in the Red Cross western region to celebrate its centenary this year.
“I congratulate you on the work that you do locally and commend you on such an important occasion.”
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole congratulated the branch on 100 years of service.
“I think when we see what Red Cross actually does for the community right across the country and right across the world, it’s something you should be proud of,” he said.
“Its members are people from different walks of life and different backgrounds who come together to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Mr Toole said in times of war and during natural disaster, Red Cross is always available to lend support.
“I congratulate you on the work that you do locally and commend you on such an important occasion.”
The Rylstone branch of the Red Cross celebrated its 100th anniversary at a lunch at Henbury Golf Club on Saturday.
The Rylstone branch was one of the first formed after Red Cross began in Australia on August 13, 1914, nine days after the outbreak of World War I.
It is one of only four branches in the Red Cross western region to celebrate its centenary this year.
Rylstone Red Cross president Carol Hayward noted that during World War I, 180 members of the Red Cross branch and sewing circles were aged under 20 years of age.
In its first year, the branch sent soap, tobacco, cigarettes, stationery, sheepskin vests, walking sticks and 1892 items of clothing to Australian soldiers as well as raising 435 pounds for the war effort.
Between the wars, the branch dedicated itself to caring for returned soldier.
Numbers rose again during World War II and reached 97 in 1944/45.
The branch currently has 16 members.
Western Region Zone representative Karen McHale said the Red Cross continued to work across the world in areas affected by war and natural disaster.
“We work very closely with asylum seekers and refugees and we still trace people through the Tracing Service,” she said.
“The Red Cross runs the Telecross service to look after isolated people and we have just started the Telechat services, which offers a more personal interaction with people.”
Mrs McHale said for around 70 years, the Red Cross has run a women’s program to help disadvantaged women learn essential skills such as childcare, cooking and budgeting.
Mrs McHale presented long-service badges to four Rylstone branch members.
Patricia Reynolds received her 10-year long service medal, Barbara Reynold received her 30 year bar on her long service medal, and Pamela Miskle and Claire Andu received their 20 year bars on their long service medal.
The guest speaker was author Dr Val Webb who spoke about the life and work of Florence Nightingale.
Dr Webb said although Florence Nightingale is best known for her work in reforming nursing practices and the nursing profession, she was also influential in reforming many other aspects of British law.
Her work inspired the founder of the Red Cross Movement, Henry Dunant, to establish the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863.
Florence Nightingale also assisted in drafting the British position paper for the first Geneva Convention, which resulted in the first codified international treaty that covered the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
“Henri Dunant realised the need for an international organisation that alleviated the suffering of the wounded and poor in war and peace,” Dr Webb said.
The Red Cross anniversary cake was cut by Maureen Brodie, whose mother Joyce Carter was a along-time branch member, and Tim Evans, son of long-serving member Sheelagh Evans.
Mr Evans said one of his earliest memories was of his mother making up food parcels and knitting for the troops overseas in World War II.