Get ready to paint the town red as Jamberoo's Red Cross celebrates a milestone birthday

Bust out your brightest red outfit, because you’re invited to Jamberoo Red Cross’s 110th birthday on Tuesday (13 August).

Branch members have asked locals to wear red as a thank you to the volunteers who have been, and always will be, here to help.

One of those volunteers, Lesley East, has been part of the Red Cross for more than 70 years – with some breaks.

Lesley first joined as a junior Red Cross volunteer when she was at school in Bermagui in the 1940s.

After a lifetime spent doing disaster relief work, and as a personnel assistant in fire and flood relief work, 20 years ago Lesley decided to switch gears and find a way to direct her efforts closer to home.

The Red Cross provided the perfect opportunity.

“I can help in much easier ways, things like sewing for the Red Cross stall and working on fundraising events,” she said.

“It’s a non-political organisation, it helps everybody, it doesn’t discriminate.

“I was brought up by very community-minded parents who always taught me by example that we should help as many people as we can in whatever way we can.

“I saw adults always being there to help people who needed help, and in that respect things haven’t changed.”

Formed after the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the Australian Red Cross Jamberoo Branch has played a pivotal role in connecting older or vulnerable community members and raising funds for life-changing Australian Red Cross programs.

Jamberoo Branch President, Barbara Adams, says turning 110 is a milestone worth celebrating.

“We are proud of our long history serving this community and of the volunteers and members who continue to deliver what’s needed to those who are most vulnerable,” she said.

“In celebration of this milestone, we’re encouraging the Jamberoo community to wear red to acknowledge those we have stood beside, and those who continue to make our important work possible.”

In celebration of the 110th anniversary, from Sunday 4 August, Red Cross memorabilia will be on show in the vacant shop next to Kings Patisserie in Allowrie St, Jamberoo.

Images by well-known Jamberoo photographer Linda Faiers, showing past and current Jamberoo Red Cross volunteers in action are on display in the windows of a number of local businesses.

Branch members skilled in knitting and crochet will also yarn bomb and garland the village to “paint the town red”.

From 10 am till 2 pm on Thursday 8 August, Ms Adams will host the regional Red Cross Zone Conference at Club Jamberoo, with about 50 delegates expected, including members from neighbouring Red Cross branches in Kiama, Gerringong, Albion Park, Dapto and Fairy Meadow as well as dignitaries from head office.

On Tuesday 13 August, Jamberoo Branch is putting on a free community morning tea from 10 am till noon in the RSL hall on Allowrie St, with all welcome to join in the celebrations.

From 10 am that morning, there will also be a drive-by of classic cars through Jamberoo courtesy of members of the Jamberoo Valley Classic Vehicles Club – look out for red and white vehicles in particular.

Lesley said she was keen for the celebrations and particularly the chance to thank the commnunity.

“The support we get is amazing,” she said.

“Everyone is so generous when we come asking; we seldom get a knockback even if people are only able to contribute a small amount.

“It’s wonderful to see so many women in our community who work so hard recognised.”

She encouraged anyone who was interested in giving back to the community and meeting like-minded people to consider joining their local Red Cross branch.

“You meet all kinds of people, there’s no age restriction or discrimination, so there’s a very social aspect,” she said.

“But in those social activities you know you are raising money to help people without advantages.

“You can see the help you’re giving to local people in need, that we help young families who are struggling; that’s important to me.”