New faces welcome at local Red Cross branch

A LOCAL Red Cross charity branch based in Aireys Inlet is eager to hear from community-minded residents to assist the organisation moving forward.

Red Cross Aireys Inlet/Anglesea president Christine Walker says the local branch recently held one of its bi-monthly meetings on Monday, where the committee planned its remaining 2024 events.

“We have a calendar of events that we look at every year, so we’re always searching for new faces to help out the branch wherever possible,”

“It’s actually a sociable commitment. It’s not just the old tin-rattling, it’s actually about having some fun and adding another label to helping out the community.

“It’s a strong spirit of coming together, making new friends, and getting out there.”

The branch’s major events it attends includes Anglesea’s Anzac Day Service, the Fathers’ and Mothers’ Day Stalls in Aireys Inlet, and Aireys Inlet’s Christmas Village Fundraiser event.

Red Cross branches across the country have been working to support local initiatives dating back to 1914 when the charity was first formed.

The Australian Red Cross Society as it is formally known, focuses on supplying humanitarian aid and community services to national disaster incidents and internationally as well.

New members are required to pay a nominal $10 annual fee to join the local branch.

Ms Walker has been the branch president for the past four years and first joined 12 years ago after finishing up as director of Deakin University.

“I didn’t really want to face up to more meetings, but I loved it, so I took on the role of secretary before coming president,” Ms Walker said.

“I wanted to do something worthwhile in the community, something that allowed me to interact with people and doing something impactful as well.”

Ms Walker says anyone is invited to join community meetings held at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall on Mondays every second month at 10am.

Ms Walker can be reached on her mobile at 0408 444 199 for anyone interested in joining the local Red Cross branch.