Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae, in her address to guests at the celebrations held at the Jerilderie Sports Club last Thursday, spoke of the irreplaceable service of unpaid volunteers in our communities.
Cr McRae noted the challenges faced by all organisations as volunteers grow older, have to learn ‘new tricks’ to adapt to the digital age, and are required to fill in forms or go online before they can just get in and do the job they want to do.
She thanked Red Cross members for their contribution to our community.
Differences between city and rural security requirements was a talking point during the day.
One point of contention which seemed to be affecting all branches was the need for all the online/paper work.
It was suggested that a national database would, perhaps, remove the need for doubling up every time someone volunteers for a different organisation.
Members of branches from Berrigan, Langunyah/Finley, Coleambally, Darlington Point and Table Top attended the special day.
Guests included Red Cross chief finance officer ‘JB’ Naudet, and the ACT director of Red Cross Migrant Support Program National Operations, Jessi Claudianos.
There were also representatives from other local organisations.
Jerilderie branch and life member Lucy Sweeney cut the special birthday cake made by Lucy Gurciullo and decorated by Virginia Montgomery.
Two Jerilderie members, Mary Catena and Betty Conn, were each presented with 10 year long-service badges by Jessi Claudianos.
Branch president Annette Kelly gave a potted history of the Jerilderie branch which was inaugurated on July 17, 1915 to help provide home comforts for those fighting in World War 1.
During World War 2 the branch responded to the call to ‘adopt a POW’.
After the war Jerilderie Red Cross carried on helping returned soldiers and their families, and under the banner of Red Cross has continued to provide assistance in cases of national and international disasters and emergency situations to this day.
Generous donations are made locally to both schools including presentation night awards, the MPS, and Portsea Camp.
Before lunch President Annette provided those present with a couple of quizzes which were an amusing respite from prior discussion on demands made on volunteers in today’s high tech, impersonal world.
‘JB’ Naudet spoke after lunch, leading into more discussion.
Afternoon tea was then enjoyed by all, ending a very successful day.
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