Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to celebrate the work of the Australian Red Cross, which turns 110 tomorrow. In my electorate of Cowper, the Red Cross holds a particularly special place in our hearts because, on the mid North Coast of New South Wales, we're prone to bushfires and floods, and not just the ones we've faced over the past few years but throughout the lives of generations, and our passionate local network of Red Cross volunteers have played a significant role in our emergency response and recovery—volunteers like the wonderful Heather Connell of the Bellingen branch, a branch that is also celebrating its 110 years, as it was one of the first to officially open in the country. For over 40 years Heather has assisted those most in need by tirelessly coordinating the sale of merchandise and donating generous prizes for fundraisers, working on street stalls and actively helping people to recover post disaster through her involvement in the Red Cross personal support team. It's individual acts of service like these from every Red Cross volunteer that make a positive impact on lives and livelihoods.

So a heartfelt 'Happy 110th birthday' to the Australian Red Cross and a very special thankyou to every Red Cross volunteer who has been involved over that time—may there be many more years to celebrate.