By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
JUST nine days after the outbreak of World War I, a community meeting in the town hall led to the formation of the Kooweerup Red Cross – an organisation that would provide crucial medical aid to wounded soldiers throughout the war.
With Mrs J.A. Morrison volunteering as president, Miss C. Jack as secretary, Miss O’Riordan as treasurer and six committee members, the group planned a “plain and fancy dress ball” as the town’s first Red Cross fund-raiser.
So began a lasting legacy of service which would see generations of devoted Kooweerup locals volunteering their time, energy and money to the cause.
The branch celebrated its centenary – exactly 100 years after its first meeting – with a small ceremony at the Kooweerup War Memorial and a lunch at The Chandelier Cafe in Station Street.
On Tuesday 7 July, about 15 members of both the Kooweerup and Cranbourne branches laid wreathes and flowers before president Don Jewell spoke of the history of the iconic group.
The Kooweerup Red Cross has three major chapters within its long and impressive history.
Following the conclusion of WWI, the branch disbanded until 1928 and remained active throughout WWII before it was again discontinued in 1945. In 1962 the branch was revived once more and has operated continuously since then.
While initially providing medical aid to wounded soldiers, the Red Cross became involved with the Blood Bank and raised funds to support those in need both locally and across the globe. They provide crucial services during emergencies such as fires and floods and members of the Kooweerup Branch continue to knit ‘Trauma Teddies’, volunteer at the local op-shop and serve refreshments at the Blood Bank.
Now a group of 11, the six members of the Kooweerup Red Cross in attendance were Pauline O’Brien, Don and Lyn Jewell, Gwen Mason, Norma Dixon and Gwen Lengersdorf.
Due to declining membership, the branch now operates in the capacity of a ‘Friends of Red Cross’ unit, with a more informal structure yet the same core values and mission.
What they lack in numbers they make up for in spirit, with members sharing many laughs and memories over lunch. With hundreds of years of service between them, it is clear the group share a bond that will endure for years to come.
The Kooweerup District Friends of Red Cross invites all members of the community to join the organisation as it enters its second century. They are also looking to make contact with the descendants of former members. Those interested should contact 5998 7734.
