QLD - Australian Red Cross

QLD NEWSPAGE 3Message from the Chairand Executive DirectorWelcome to the Queenslandedition of the Newsletter forMembers and Volunteers in2012. We are both lookingforward with anticipation tothe year ahead.At the time of writing, many communitiesare commemorating the anniversary of lastyear’s floods and the anniversary ofCyclone Yasi which tore through our FarNorth Queensland communities, and is stillhaving a major impact on the lives andwell-being of people in the tropical north.In the commemoration of these eventsthe courage, commitment and concernof Red Cross members, volunteers andstaff has been universally praised.This is an opportunity for us tocelebrate those real Red Crosscharacter strengths; to offer ourSave our trees.Save our dollars.To receive thisnewsletter by emailcontact Supporter Services Centre:Email: donorinfo@redcross.org.auPhone: 1800 811 700sincere appreciation to members andvolunteers across Queensland for a jobwell done; and to share some stories ofthe wide range of work being done byAustralian Red Cross in Queensland.We would also like to take thisopportunity to thank Greg Goebel forhis eight years of service as Red CrossExecutive Director for Queensland.During this time Greg has made animpact on so many people andprograms and more recently he will beespecially remembered for his dutyduring the Queensland Floods in 2011.There are so many great thingshappening in our region and as thenew Executive Director, Kevin Keeffehas been very impressed by the rangeof work by members and volunteersacross Queensland. We look forwardto meeting many of you over the nextDo you have a Red Cross story?We would like to hear how you, our valued members andvolunteers, are making a difference.If you have an idea for a story, or are holding an event that wecan cover, please get in touch.Please contact your local membership coordinator (contactdetails on back).few months as you carry out some ofthe extraordinary work of Red Cross.Thank you for your hard work andcommitment and we wish everyone asafe and productive 2012.Alan ClaytonQLD ChairKevin KeeffeExecutive Director QLDGreat ideascan travelThe Greg Vickery Scholarshiphas been established this year bythe Australian Red Cross Board inhonour of the retiring President, MrGreg Vickery AM who continues toserve Red Cross as a member, avolunteer and a leader after nearly40 years. Greg’s involvement withRed Cross continues at the highestlevels following his appointment asChair of the Standing Commissionof the International Movement.The scholarship, valued at $25,000,will be awarded annually to fund ajoint international learning experiencefor a Red Cross volunteer or memberand a Red Cross staff member. It willbe a fantastic collaborativeexperience and have a direct benefitfor Australian Red Cross.We encourage members andvolunteers to collaborate with a staffmember and submit the requiredjoint application by 31 May, 2012.For further details about how toapply or the selection criteria, pleasecontact Cathy Stillwell, at cstillwell@redcross.org.au or 07 3367 7450.Newsletter for members and volunteers

PAGE 4AROUND AUSTRALIARed Cross CallingLocal hero Cliff Baker from Monash, Victoria,has worked tirelessly to raise funds for RedCross Calling. Photo: Australian Red CrossLocal heroes may come withoutcapes and superpowers but thework that they do is nothingshort of miraculous.This year as part of our Red CrossCalling campaign we are looking torecognise all those local heroes whoare living in communities acrossAustralia and help Red Cross supportvulnerable people both locally andthroughout the world.One local hero is well known to ourRed Cross Calling team: Cliff Bakerfrom Monash, Victoria. Cliff hasworked tirelessly with Red CrossCalling for a number of years, andraised more than $44,000 last year– an astonishing effort.Cliff visits the schools in his area to talkto students about Red Cross andworks with student volunteers tocoordinate Red Cross Callingfundraisers. He then personallydelivers fundraising kits to the schoolsinvolved, organises street collectionsand finally collects and banks all themoney that they raise.We know that there are many morelocal heroes out there who havecontributed in equally important waysand on a daily basis. This year for RedCross Calling we are asking you tosend in your local hero stories.A local hero could be anyone who hasshown overwhelming support for RedCross. This could be:• A local community member whohas been involved for a long periodof time or has raised significantfunds for Red Cross• A Red Cross program managerwho has worked closely with localcommunities in their region• Someone who has volunteeredwith Red Cross either in a time ofcrisis or in support of one of oureveryday programs.Please send your stories of your localhero, including a short description ofwhy you think they fit the title torcc@redcross.org.au or mail to LocalHero Story, Red Cross Calling, Level 9,17 York St, Sydney NSW 2000.These stories will help us in ourupcoming promotions of Red CrossCalling campaigns.Red Cross Calling is on during March.For more information or to fundraisefor us, visit our website at redcross.org.au, call us on 1800 811 700 oremail us at communityfundraising@redcross.org.au.East Africa Drought Appeal2011 now closedThank you for your tremendous efforts in fundraising for the EastAfrica Drought Appeal 2011. The final day for fundraising is 29February and all funds must be banked by 30 March 2012.Japan tsunamione year onThis March marks 12 months sincea destructive earthquake andtsunami severely affectedcommunities across north eastJapan. The signs of recovery areclear, with most of the debris nowremoved and shops and businessesgradually reopening in many places.Generally, people are facingconsiderable challenges living incramped temporary housing,especially during the winter season.Many people are stressed about theslow pace of reconstruction and feeluncertain about the future.The Australian Red Cross Japanand Pacific Disaster Appeal 2011raised more than $27 million andfunds raised through the appealhave been forwarded to JapaneseRed Cross Society, whichresponded within hours of theearthquake with medical teamsand relief supplies. Red Crossremains committed to assisting inthe long term recovery of affectedcommunities in the months andyears ahead.To find out more about theongoing assistance to Japan,visit redcross.org.au.Wills for lifeIf you would like to leaveyour footprint by contributingto the vital work of RedCross in Australia and acrossthe world, why not rememberus in your Will. We can putyou in touch with a solicitorwho can help you write orchange your Will for only$75. To find out how to leavea bequest for Red Crossplease contact us by calling1800 811 700 or emailbequests@redcross.org.au.

PAGE 6INTERNATIONAL NEWSA troubled paradiseSivapalam Sundaram not only survived the 2004tsunami but also a violent 30-year civil conflictin Sri Lanka. Photo: Australian Red Cross /Nadeeka ArambewelaSivapalam’s home town, anidyllic seaside village innorthern Sri Lanka, has seentsunami destruction and 30years of war. Sivapalam haslived through all of it. Now hetalks about rebuilding his homewith the help of his survivingfamily and Red Cross.Sivapalam Sundaram used to fish thewaters every day. Then they turned onthe village. He tells of the deafening,deep roaring as the wave chargedthrough the town. The 2004 tsunamistole his wife and left him clingingdesperately to his fence, fighting thewater. He then sought safety at theHindu temple (kovil) with what was leftof his family.Displacement and fearing for his life arenot new to Sivapalam. He has not onlysurvived one of the most destructivenatural disasters in recent history but alsoa violent 30-year civil conflict in Sri Lanka.Sivapalam lives in Mamunai village –an isolated, breathtakingly beautifulseaside village located in the NorthernProvince. However, the white sand andpalms disguise the brutal fighting thatthis village has witnessed. In yearsfollowing the tsunami, the conflictintensified and the villagers werelargely housed in Internally DisplacedPersons camps.Now Sivapalam has returned to hisvillage after his release from the camp.His adult son has come back and theyhave built two adjacent temporaryshelters with palm fronds and tin sheetsso that they are never too far from eachother. Even with this shelter they areexposed to the elements and themonsoon season is near.Sivapalam is not too worried about therains, though. He shows me how hiskitchen garden has been moved toaccommodate the foundations of a newhouse that will be built using the fundscontributed by Australian Red Cross. Forthe first time in years, he will havepermanent shelter and a lockable door.The Post Conflict Recovery Program(PCRP) is a construction programdriven by participants and has provento be successful in other conflict andtsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka.Cash grants are given to participantslike Sivapalam to start building. Anaccompanying livelihoods and waterand sanitation grant offers extrasupport. Red Cross works closely withparticipants, managing and monitoringthe program, and ensuring that peopleare technically supported throughoutthe construction process.Sivapalam’s granddaughter waves tous from behind a tin sheet that formsthe wall of her current house.Sivapalam nods quietly with a look ofpride as he acknowledges the little girl.Her blitheness presents a contrast tothe contained emotion of hergrandfather who has survived so muchdestruction and pain.The war and the tsunami have left alasting legacy on those who have livedthrough them. Although one cannoterase memories of the past, continuedsupport will slowly rebuild lives andrenew hope. It is this hope that willnurture the next generation of villagers,like Sivapalam’s granddaughter, andfoster positive stories of seaside life inthe north of Sri Lanka.For more information on our work withvulnerable communities overseas or tofind out how you can help byvolunteering or making a donation go toredcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700.With shelter materials accessed via funds donated by Australian Red Cross to the Post ConflictRecovery Program, Sivapalam Sundaram is rebuilding his home. Photo: Australian Red Cross /Nadeeka Arambewela

INTERNATIONAL NEWSPAGE 7International scholarshipsrecognise Red Cross peopleWhether in the field, at their desks, or inour communities, Red Cross peoplework hard to achieve amazing things.Vinay Menon and Anita George are beingrecognised for their commitment tohumanity through prestigious awards thatwill send them abroad to pursue study.Former national youth leader ofAustralian Red Cross, Vinay Menonhas been awarded a prestigiousRhodes scholarship to study at theUniversity of Oxford, England. Vinay’sextensive humanitarian work has alsobeen recognised in Australia throughthe WA Citizen of the Year award(2008) and the National YoungPeople’s Human Rights Medal (2009).This exceptional young man has amedical degree (MBBS) and a medicalscience degree (BMSc in child health)from the University of Western Australia.He was the co-founder and volunteerleader of the Red Cross ‘World Aware’program for young refugees.Anita George – a team leader for theCommunity Detention program at RedCross in Tasmania – has been awardedAfter years of study and volunteering with RedCross, Vinay will journey to Oxford next July.Photo courtesy of Vinay Menonthe Sir John Monash Foundationscholarship and will undertakepostgraduate study at Paris’ SciencesPo, a university dedicated to the studyof political and social sciences.“I feel very honoured to be a recipient ofsuch a prestigious postgraduatescholarship. The calibre of the otherrecipients, both past and present, isboth humbling and inspiring,” says Anita.Anita holds first-class honours degrees inboth Law and Psychology from theUniversity of Tasmania and has a diplomaAnita George has been awarded theSir John Monash Foundation scholarship.Photo courtesy Anita Georgein French. She is also well known as amusician and has released three albums.“My postgraduate studies will includesubjects relating to internationalmigration policy development, so I amgrateful for the opportunity to haveworked in the Australian migrationsphere as a human rights lawyer andsubsequently in my role with AustralianRed Cross,” Anita says.Volunteer destinations: The PhilippinesThe Philippines is an extraordinarilybeautiful country. A place wherevolunteers can really make adifference. Australian Volunteers forInternational Development (AVID) is anAustralian Government and AusAIDinitiative. AVID representative, ShaunHazeldine gives the lowdown onvolunteering in the Philippines.“The Philippines is plagued by naturaldisasters – between 20-30 cycloneseach year. This has a real impact onthe country’s ongoing development.Through AVID, we want to lend somesupport to organisations working indisaster management, and supportlocal communities to better prepare forand withstand natural disasters.Most assignments are about disastermanagement, whether in climatechange, city-wide disaster planning,logistics or working with Philippine RedCross staff in rural communities. Oneday you could be in an office developinga project plan; the next day you could be100km away in the mountains talking tofarmers; and then you might be relaxingon a gorgeous beach at one of thecountry’s 6000 islands!Philippine Red Cross will be a keyagency for AVID assignments. It will alsoembed volunteers within localgovernment units that have responsibilityfor coordination during disasters. It willalso work with organisations thatsupport at-risk young people.As a volunteer, you need to be adaptableand flexible, because things can changedirection from one day to the next. It cantake some time to settle in, so patience isvery important. It’s an extraordinarilybeautiful country and people are genuineand friendly. Volunteers in the Philippinesmake solid, lasting friendships and thereare many strong development agenciesto work with.”Check out Shaun’s video atredcross.org.au/volunteer-destinationsphilippines.aspxAVID is an Australian Government,AusAID initiative. Visit ausaid.gov.au/volunteer and search for Red Crossassignments or call us on 03 9345 1834.Newsletter for members and volunteers

PAGE 8AROUND AUSTRALIAA thousand extra miles to recoveryRed Cross volunteer Jeff Hubbard and RedCross staff member Colin Sivalingum head toCondamine to assist with the Queensland floodsresponse in 2011. Photo: Australian Red CrossIt is eye-opening how many people stillneed a hand in their recovery, saysRed Cross emergency servicesvolunteer Jeff Hubbard. “Even thoughmany people are still doing it tough, itis rewarding seeing how Red Crossmakes a difference,” he says.“When you see people down on theirluck, it is always nice to help. I likewhat Red Cross stands for. You knowthat saying ‘someone goes that extramile? Well Red Cross goes the extrathousand. How do I know? BecauseI’ve done it.”Jeff has spent much of his time overthe past year doing everydayemergency services work, assistinghundreds of people affected by thefloods across Queensland.Jeff says the horrors of the Victorianbushfires in 2009 inspired him tovolunteer with Red Cross emergencyservices. Jeff didn’t hear from RedCross until towns in Queenslandstarted going underwater on 26December, 2010 then “my phone wasgoing crazy”.Jeff worked across Queensland in nofewer than 12 evacuation and recoverycentres from Chinchilla in the south toCardwell in far north Queensland.“A lot of people just wanted somebodyto talk to. (Where they needed specificassistance) I referred them on to otheragencies and other service providers,”he says. Often resulting in muchneeded grants and financial assistanceso that people could get simple itemslike kettles and white goods. “Whenwe did return, the smile and gratitudemade it all worthwhile.”He remembers one woman with fivekids. “She had absolutely nothing. Now,the house is fully decked out. For methat is a good result. She was verythankful and it was good to help them.”Jeff says Red Cross was there forcommunities who were in remoteareas and risked being forgotten. “Iwas doing areas that I’d never evenheard of. Those areas never got amention on the TV.” Jeff will not forgetthem. He was flown in to Condamineby Black Hawk helicopter.Jeff recalls a Condamine man living ina tiny place. “He was living in a carportand his landlord had told him that hecould move back in to his place,” Jeffsays. His place was “horrendous… fullof mud and toads” so Jeff referred himon to a support service and he wasre-housed. “That’s a victory,” Jeff sayswith a huge smile.Our work with communities, inAustralia and overseas, in disasterpreparedness, response and recoveryis a crucial part of our everyday work.There are thousands of Red Crossvolunteers like Jeff. We rely on theservice and hard work of volunteers tohelp some of the most vulnerablepeople in our communities.You can make a donation to theongoing everyday and emergencywork of Red Cross by:• giving monthly, leaving a bequest inyour will or making a one-offdonation to Disaster Relief andRecovery by visiting redcross.org.auor calling 1800 811 700• or you can become a member ofthe Disaster Relief and Recoveryteam, go to redcross.org.au tofind out more.Historic decision taken on nuclear weaponsAustralian Red Cross has beenrunning an advocacy campaign,Make Nuclear Weapons the Target.We have been calling on theAustralian public and the internationalcommunity to support a conventionto ban the use of nuclear weapons.In November, we took your viewsand the results of our campaignto an international Movementmeeting in Geneva. In an historicdecision the International RedCross and Red Crescent Movementpassed a resolution to work towardsa legally binding internationalagreement to ensure nuclearweapons are never used again andare ultimately eliminated.The decision is of critical importance asit challenges the legitimacy of nuclearweapons ever being used as a weaponof war because of the catastrophichumanitarian consequences, inparticular on civilians, and the threat toclimate change.“Nuclear weapons are an increasingthreat to all civilian populations in theevent of conflict. If we can achievetreaties to control the use of land minesand cluster munitions, as wesuccessfully have, then we cannot turnour backs on the need to get agreementon a global convention to outlaw this evilweapon forever,” Australian Red CrossCEO, Robert Tickner says.The decision to support the initiativewas taken by the Council ofDelegates of the Movement which iscomprised of representatives of theInternational Committee of the RedCross, the 187 Red Cross and RedCrescent National Societies and theInternational Federation.There is still much more to be done toban the use of nuclear weapons, andwe want you to be part of the journey.You can join our campaign atTargetNuclearWeapons.org.au.

AROUND AUSTRALIAPAGE 9The man with the golden armJames Harrison gives blood that has been credited with saving the lives of 2.4 million Australianbabies. Photo: Australian Red CrossVery few people in the worldcould claim they have savedmillions of lives during theirlifetime but there is one manin Australia who can.Through his blood donations, JamesHarrison has been credited with savingthe lives of 2.4 million Australianbabies. The 74-year-old has beendonating blood to the Red CrossBlood Service for more than 50 years.Making his 1000th donation in 2011,James has also entered the GuinnessBook of Records.James has a rare type of blood plasmathat is used to make lifesavinginjections given to mothers whoseblood is at risk of attacking and killingtheir unborn babies.The condition, called HaemolyticDisease of the Newborn, potentiallyaffects 17 per cent of babies and iscaused when a mother and her babyhave different blood types.The disease arises when a mother hasRh (D) negative blood and her baby isRh (D) positive. The product derivedfrom James’ blood is called Anti-D andis injected into at-risk mothers.The Blood Service’s Anti-D Programbegan in 1967 to help decrease the nowpreventable deaths of unborn babiesduring pregnancy. Every batch of Anti-Dever made in Australia has some ofJames Harrison’s blood in it, and onebatch, incredibly, even helped to protectthe life of his unborn grandson.James is so committed to the programthat even after embarking on the greatAustralian road trip with his wife for hisretirement, he stopped at majorcentres along the way to keepdonating his life saving gift.Anti-D Program Leader, NoemiBondar, says that there are now 192active donors on the program.However, this number is only justsufficient to meet Australian needs.“Anti-D can only be produced from theblood of a select group of donors,”says Noemi. “These donors all havethe Rh (D) negative blood type butthey also have an antibody calledAnti-D. Very few people, and evenfewer donors, have Anti-D, so we relyheavily on these donors for thisimportant product.”Noemi says that to maximise thesupply of Anti-D to meet demand, theprogram is now able to stimulate thedevelopment of Anti-D in speciallyselected donors who initially do nothave it and boost the Anti-D levels ofdonors who do. Men and womenpast child-bearing age are the mostsuitable candidates.“Anti-D donors are then able to giveplasma donations as often asfortnightly with each one beingtremendously valuable and gratefullyreceived,” says Noemi.To find out how you can donateto the Anti-D Program visitdonateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.Get the latestupdates fromRed Cross onsocial mediaRed Cross uses socialmedia to promote our work,engage with our supporters,boost our fundraising andincome activities and raisebrand awareness.If you are on social media, here aresome of the ways you can learn aboutand share Red Cross with the world.• ‘Like’ Australian Red Cross’Facebook page and share andcomment on our postsfacebook.com/AustralianRedCross• ‘Follow’ Australian Red Cross onTwitter and retweet our tweets@RedCrossAU• Share links to Australian RedCross’ videos on YouTubeyoutube.com/redcrossaust• Set up a profile on LinkedIn andinclude whether you are avolunteer/member withAustralian Red Crosslinkedin.com/company/australian-red-crossKeen to get postingand tweeting?Here are a couple of ideas tohelp you get started.Facebook:• I’m a volunteer for AustralianRed Cross. It’s such a rewardingexperience!• I’m so proud to be a member ofAustralian Red Cross. What aninspirational organisation!Twitter:• Just spent the day #volunteeringfor @RedCrossAU. Love their work!• @RedCrossAU Calling is on in#March – can’t wait!Newsletter for members and volunteers

PAGE 10QLD NEWSOpening the doorto a brand new lifeAfter living on the streetsfor more than 40 years, IanDaphney made the decisionto change his life. Withsupport from Red Cross inTownsville, he now has aplace to call home.Ian is from Kowanyama and as ateenager faced racial taunts anddiscrimination. It made him “hit rockbottom”, turn to alcohol and experiencealmost a lifetime of homelessness.Ian explains the cycle of his life onthe streets, “you get kicked, have toget drunk, get a ticket and getharassed. You go to court, then thebig house, Stuart Creek.”Ian wanted to change his life andthe Heading Home program helpedhim on his journey. The programreflects a commitment made by RedCross in its Indigenous Policy CorePrinciples to support Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander peoples andcommunities to build a prosperous,safe and healthy future.This is achieved through acknowledgingand accepting that past governmentand community practices, policies andattitudes have had a detrimental andongoing impact on the social,economic, cultural and spiritual lives ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeoples and their families.Ian’s decision, along with the support ofthe Heading Home program, hasenabled him to move off the street andrent a property for the first time in his life.Ian says that while Red Cross has “donea good job”, he had to want to changehis lifestyle and make a commitment.“Nobody will do it for you, you have to doit for yourself. Nobody will open the doorWith new glasses, health care support and a home for the first time in his adult life, Ian has madegreat progress. Photo: Australian Red Cross/ Leigh Harris.unless you open it yourself. I’ve keptup with my commitments with RedCross,” he says proudly.“I got this place from Red Cross and Iseem to settle down now, look aftermyself. They support me with clothesand food if I need. Anybody wants ahand, there’s always Red Cross there,”says Ian.The Red Cross commitment toworking with clients long-term meansthat Ian has been able to accessmore than just a home. “Theysupported me through the hospital,with doctors to check my body, see ifI’m alright and everything was good.Red Cross took me to an eyespecialist and I got glasses and allexpenses to them, so now I read, Ican see properly,” he says.Along with reading, Ian now enjoys thecomfort of his unit. “You feel safe inyour own place, you sleep whenyou’re ready, watch TV or cooksomething when you feel hungry,” hesays, adding that he wants to tell hisstory to encourage others to take thatstep for themselves.“I got a place and I say to others youcan do that too,” says Ian. “They haveto help themselves, get up, stand up.It won’t happen overnight, but it willeventually come. Have a talk and don’tbe afraid because they will help you.”Red Cross relies on committedvolunteers and donors. You cansupport Red Cross by giving monthly,leaving a bequest in your will or makinga one-off donation by visiting redcross.org.au or calling 1800 811 700.

QLD NEWSPAGE 11Recovery challenge continues oneyear on from the Queensland floodsTanya and Justin Sangster registered at the Bundamba Recovery Centre in January 2011 during the Queensland Floods. Photo: Australian RedCross/Bradley Kanaris.For communities acrossQueensland, Januarymarked the one yearanniversary of the floods thathit the state in 2011 and led toone of Australian Red Cross’largest ever relief andrecovery programs.Red Cross CEO, Robert Tickner, saidthe anniversary was a time forreflection for the thousands ofQueenslanders who were affected bythe floods and underlines the factmany communities continue to facethe challenge of rebuilding their lives.“Our recovery work in communitiesaffected by the floods over the pastyear confirms many Queenslanders arestill doing it tough,” says Mr Tickner.“We are urging people to be aware ofthe long term psychological and socialimpact of the disaster. For some peoplethe one year anniversary was acelebration of life and anacknowledgement of how far they havecome. For others, a painful reminder ofloss and disruption to their lives.”“Red Cross has resources available toassist people affected by emergencies,including a guide on how to cope witha personal crisis and podcasts abouthow to deal with the stress of anemergency and how to help out afterone has occurred.”Our work has not ended as the floodwaters have disappeared. Over thepast 12 months, our teams have beenembedded with a number of thecommunities hit by the floods. RedCross staff and volunteers havevisited around 16,000 people in floodaffected areas and participated incommunity events as part of a longtermrecovery program.“The floods caused huge upheaval formany communities in Queensland. Inresponse to the crisis, Red Cross hadmore than 1,400 staff and volunteersfrom across Australia, as well as fromNew Zealand, working to supportaffected Queensland communities”says Mr Tickner.In 2011, Red Cross managedevacuation centres in 34 locationsaffected by the floods, includingBrisbane, Dalby, Emerald, Ipswich,Moreton Bay, Rockhampton andToowoomba, that accommodated12,000 people. Red Cross alsomanaged 11 emergency shelters,including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsvilleand Tully, that accommodated 6,500people affected by Cyclone Yasi.Working with State and localgovernments, as well as otherorganisations on-the-ground, RedCross’ recovery work in Queenslandcontinues. To support this importantwork you can make a donation toRed Cross Disaster Relief andRecovery at redcross.org.au or bycalling 1800 811 700.Newsletter for members and volunteers

PAGE 12QLD NEWSVolunteer Betty Shepherd isSenior Citizen of the YearRed Cross person, Betty Shepherd receivesher Senior Citizen of the Year Award. Photo:Australian Red Cross.At 91, Red Cross stalwart BettyShepherd is an active and muchloved volunteer.Mrs Shepherd joined Red Cross in1956, volunteering with the blood bankand regularly supporting Red Crossfunctions throughout the years. In 1982,she began volunteering her skills inbeauty therapy, helping with hairstyles,make-up and nails. Her visits toresidents in aged care homes havealways been appreciated.“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I’llkeep doing so – it’s what keeps meyoung,” says Betty, who still volunteersat the Gympie Private Hospital with thetrolley and a smile for everyone.The nonagenarian was thrilled to receivethe Gympie Region Senior Citizen of theYear Award.“There are a lot of people just asdeserving,” Betty says. CongratulationsBetty from all of your Red Cross friendsand colleagues!Red Cross relies on committedvolunteers and donors. You can supportRed Cross by giving monthly, leaving abequest in your will or making a one-offdonation by visiting www.redcross.org.auor calling 1800 811 700.Red Cross joins forces with Kambu Medical CentreLast year, Kambu Medical Centre andRed Cross partnered to develop a jointsubmission to the QueenslandDepartment of Education, Training andthe Arts for the development andoperation of the Ipswich Children andFamily Centre. With the success of ourjoint submission, representatives fromRed Cross and Kambu have negotiatedour shared responsibilities through aMemorandum of Understanding andhave set the direction for how we willwork together both on this importantproject and into the future.Kambu Medical Centre is the leadagent and holds responsibility for thecoordination of the Ipswich Childrenand Family Centre. This will include anumber of key tasks such asdeveloping facilities on Kambu’sRoderick Street site. The Centre willoperate and coordinate early childhoodcare and learning, child and maternalhealth along with all of the Red Crossprograms linked to the centre.Red Cross supports the major workof the Kambu Medical Centre and willprovide the family support componentof the Ipswich Children and FamilyCentre, including:• Outreach and in-home service to15 families at any one time, withan average intervention period of3-6 months• Support to Kambu Medical centrestaff supporting local families whorequire casework• Facilitating peer-based adultlearning programs at KambuMedical centre• Support connecting andcoordinating family support serviceswith the early childhood and childand maternal health staff at KambuMedical centre.To find out more about Red CrossFamily Support programs available atthe Kambu Medical Centre, or to findout how you can get involved go toredcross.org.au.Queensland49 Park Road Milton QLD 4064PO Box 1822, Milton QLD 4064Telephone: (07) 3367 7222Facsimile: (07) 3367 7444Email: qldinfo@redcross.org.auNational Office155 Pelham Street Carlton South VIC 3053PO Box 196 Carlton South VIC 3053Telephone: (03) 9345 1800Facsimile: (03) 9348 2513Email: natinfo@redcross.org.au