Red Cross unit celebrates 110 years

THE Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale Red Cross has operated continuously since it was founded in 1914, and celebrated the achievement at an event on Friday last week.

Held at The Shelter Shed in Queenscliff, the lunch drew a crowd of 35 present and past members as well as representatives from Red Cross including Victorian state director Nichola Krey.

Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale Red Cross branch secretary Lyn Houldcroft said the origins of her branch dated to World War I, when there was a call-out for people across Australia to join the Red Cross society and assist those who had gone to war.

She said a Mrs Taylor-Cox was the first president of the Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale Red Cross, with other names involved at the time that still have connections in the borough including Mouchemore, Priddle, Klug, Cuzens, Ward, Patching, Thwaites and Tobias.

“All these local people were very happy to be involved and their contribution from a small community was remarkable.

“They met as a group monthly but, in between, spent time working and sewing together to make and encourage each other to deliver the needs of the service men serving their country.

“The local Queenscliff newspaper The Sentinel reported on their monthly meetings in detail and named the contributions they had made and gathered each month. As an example: 20 pairs of men’s pyjamas, 15 balaclavas, 12 pairs knitted socks, 14 pairs of gloves and mittens, eight splints, cigarettes, quantity of used sheets, soap and sweets.”

The unit continued to provide similar caring services during World War II, as well as nursing and relief services for families and children left at home.

“Members assisted with the work involved in monthly blood collections at a local guest house, monthly dances for soldiers training at the fort and raising money to assist the work of Red Cross,” Ms Houldcroft said.

“So much of the work was appreciated by injured soldiers evacuated to hospitals in the UK and Europe, who were pleased to have a pair of pyjamas to wear and food parcels donated by the families from home.”

She said it was an amazing achievement for the “Ps and Qs” to still be active and contributing, given the community’s small size.

“Today, 110 years later, the unit still works to raise money to provide help with emergency services in the time of flood, bush fires or any other humanitarian areas where there is need, working under the seven principles of Red Cross – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.”