Wallendbeen Red Cross news, May 25, 2016

Three members from Wallendbeen attended.

Noeleen Hazell, the Zone 19 representative, commenced proceedings.

Speakers included Sue Bulger former mayor of the Tumut Shire Council, a Wiradjuri elder who grew up at Brungle and one of 11 children.

Sue is the first Indigenous person to have held this position in our area.

Kate Tralaggan, from Wagga, who runs migration support programs, spoke of her work with Indigenous people and particularly in relation to isolation and mental health issues.

James Hayes, a high school teacher from Tumut, introduced a documentary which told the story of Henry and Walter Whiting who lost their lives in World War I and together with their cousin Harry Whiting were connected to the Adelong district.

This film, complete with original footage, told an extremely moving account of these three young men.

Sam Hardjona, who is the new Chairman of the NSW Divisional Board of Australian Red Cross, identified areas needing attention, including; the need to attract new members as present members age, the suggestion that branches and clubs could hold Super Zone Conferences in major country cities eg. Wagga, Dubbo Armidale etc. The following day a Red Cross Expo could be held to educate the community in relation to Red Cross activities in Australia and overseas.

Also more direct contact with government would be beneficial .

NSW has close to 5000 members, more are needed, and particular attention is needed in relation to fundraising for Australian work and participation in war torn areas of our world.

Mrs Hazell concluded the conference by saying that in excess of $79,000 had been raised in Zone 19 over the past year and that the Zone 19 Conference for 2017 will be held in Wallendbeen.

Members were reminded of the seven principals of Red Cross. These being Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

These ideals are as vital today, as they have ever been.