Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This year marks 100 years of service in Australia for the Red Cross. The Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest humanitarian movements in the world. The centenary milestone is a time to celebrate the achievements of the Red Cross and thank them for their support and generosity to the community. Responding to the outbreak of the First World War, the Red Cross began operations in Australia on 13 August 1914. It began as the Australian branch of the British Red Cross Society at Government House in Melbourne.

Today, there are one million Red Cross members, volunteers, donors, staff, blood donors, recipients and supporters across Australia.    Many local branches were established throughout the country, many throughout the electorate of Flynn, including Gladstone, Biloela, Emerald and Gayndah.

Over the years, countless volunteers have generously    given their time, energy and resources to help others. For many families, the Red Cross volunteers have supported parents and grandparents in past wars. They provided support for soldiers and their families, including the preparation of care packages. Red Cross volunteers have provided invaluable support to communities faced with disaster here and abroad. During the floods in Central Queensland at the beginning of 2013, Red Cross teams called on flood-affected households in the Boyne Valley and Banana Shire, visiting towns from Dululu in the north to Monto in the south, providing great assistance. Well done and thank you.