The Alstonville Branch invites you to a complimentary Devonshire Tea and Sandwich event to be held between 11am and 3pm. Jenny Dowell, ex-Mayor and long-term Red Cross member will be the Speaker on that day. Further information available from Carol on 0424 742 774. 

Since its inception on 13 August 1914, the Australian Red Cross has been providing support and relief to our population.  Last year alone $95,000,000 was distributed following donations and philanthropic gifts.  August 13 has been designated as the official date to celebrate the commencement of the Australian Red Cross.  To commemorate this event, many prominent Australian landmarks will be lit up on that evening.  Locally, the Murwillumbah Bridge, the tree in Alstonville Main Street, Crawford House Museum and many others.

The Alstonville branch has met continuously over the past 110 years, with Zoom meetings taking place during the pandemic. Apart from funds sent to Head Office, the branch has supported numerous local and overseas projects.  The Branch has provided money for water in drought ridden Menindee and Walgett, a Breakfast Club at Bonalbo School, also the Syrian and Tsunami appeals, to name but a few.  Namatjira Haven has been an ongoing local recipient of support since 1984.  During recent floods and bush fires the Branch was able to provide financial support to many local organisations and citizens. $5000 was donated towards the re-establishment of the devastated Lismore Red Cross Tea Rooms.  Over the years, mental health programmes such as Save-a-Mate and Let’s Talk Program have also been supported.

Money has been raised through street stalls, sausage sizzles, craft shows, raffles, a High Tea, Bingo, Ballina Players charity night.  The local population has been very generous and supportive of all Branch efforts.

Continuing Alstonville Branch’s association with the RSL, a wreath is laid annually on Anzac Day. A plaque celebrating the centenary of the Australian Red Cross stands as a memorial in Elizabeth Ann Brown Park.

The Australian Red Cross continues to provide Trauma Teddies to many outlets. Local member Nancy Farr was recognised for her extraordinary contribution to this programme over many decades. She was the recipient of The Yvonne Kennedy Memorial Trophy.

To celebrate the 110 Anniversary, The Alstonville Plateau Historical Society at Crawford House, will feature a display of Red Cross memorabilia for two months from July – September this year.  Three local members, now deceased, are to be featured in the exhibition. Firstly, Elsie Johnson, a highly decorated member who served the Red Cross for decades.  Her legacy continues with funding from her Will, which has helped many communities and appeals in the local area.  Mrs Lumley, long time President of the Wardell branch will also be featured in the exhibition. 

Two Defibrillators were established in Alstonville, at the High School and The Plaza. Freda Noble, a courageous and committed long time local member, was honoured by her family in assisting with the cost of the Alstonville Plaza Defibrillator with monies left in Freda’s Will.

For more information visit Crawford House Museum