WA - Australian Red Cross

Issue 3, 2012 

Newsletter 

for members 

and volunteers 

WA edition 

Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, 

Patron of Australian Red Cross, met with volunteers 

at the Red Cross Altona Warehouse in Victoria. 

P4 Engaging with 

Volunteers 

P5 100 years of Red 

Cross 

P9 Our work with asylum 

seekers 

P12 A family of volunteers

President and CEO Message 

It has been a productive and busy few 

months since the last issue of 

Newsletter for members and 

volunteers. Operationally, we have had 

a few changes and developments: CEO 

Robert Tickner has taken up a short 

term opportunity at the International 

Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and 

planning has commenced on our major 

events over the next two years: the 

General Assembly and Council of 

Delegates in November 2013 and our 

100 years celebration in 2014. 

Robert is currently undertaking a short 

term secondment to the IFRC in 

Geneva as the acting Under Secretary 

General for the Humanitarian Values 

and Diplomacy Division. In his 

absence, Chief Financial Officer 

Sandhya Chakravarty was Acting CEO 

(1 August - 14 September) and 

Director of Services and International 

Operations Michael Raper is now 

Acting CEO until 1 November. 

Gathering of the Movement 

Robert’s secondment will add value to 

the work of Australian Red Cross, 

especially with the approaching 

General Assembly and Council of 

Delegates which will be held in Sydney 

in November 2013. These are the 

peak decision making meetings of the 

Movement, and as it will be the first 

time they are held in Australia, it is a 

huge honour for Australian Red Cross. 

We are working closely with the 

International Federation of the Red 

Cross and the International Committee 

of the Red Cross to ensure that the 

delegates from the 188 National 

Societies are presented with a lively and 

engaging program, and we are also 

working on exciting fringe events to 

complement the themes of the statutory 

meetings and raise the profile of the 

Movement and our work in Australia. 

There will be wonderful opportunities 

for members, volunteers and staff to 

support and assist in the running of 

these events, and we aim to ensure 

there are a number of activities in 

which Red Cross people can 

participate. More information will be 

provided within the coming months. 

Celebrating 100 years 

Another important event on the 

horizon is our Centenary in 2014. This 

significant milestone will be a special 

time for many of our members who 

have been involved since the early 

years of Red Cross in Australia. While 

celebrating the past, we will also be 

looking to the future and inviting a new 

generation of humanitarians to help us 

build an active, vibrant and relevant 

organisation for the next 100 years. 

As members and volunteers, we 

encourage you to get involved, please 

see page 5 for more information. 

Voluntary service strategy 

Did you know Australian Red Cross 

has more than 33,000 volunteers In 

March this year, a Voluntary Service 

Project team was established to 

refresh our understanding of the 

volunteer contribution and consider 

how we can better engage volunteers 

in our vision and work (page 4). The 

project involves volunteers, members 

and staff and will further explore the 

strategic and operational opportunities 

and challenges to volunteering with 

Red Cross and how we aim to 

respond to an ever-changing context. 

This is the last issue of Newsletter for 

members and volunteers for this year – 

we wish you a safe and happy holiday 

season with your families and loved 

ones, and convey our gratitude for all 

the hard work and support you have 

given to Red Cross this year. 

Michael Legge 

President 

Australian Red Cross 

Michael Raper 

Chief Executive 

Officer (Acting) 


Greg Vickery Scholarship awarded 

We are pleased to announce that the 

recipients of the $25,000 Greg Vickery 

Scholarship 2012-2013 are volunteer 

Anthony Erman and staff member 

Yvette Zegenhagen. Anthony and 

Yvette proposed a project to build the 

tools and resources of the International 

Humanitarian Law programs using 

social media, to engage with key 

stakeholders such as the Australian 

Defence Force and young people. The 

inaugural Scholarship honours former 

Australian Red Cross President, Greg 

Vickery, AM, who for nearly 40 years 

served Red Cross as a member, 

volunteer and leader and is now Chair 

of the Standing Commission of the 

International Red Cross and Red 

Crescent Movement. 

This year, thirteen submissions were 

received covering a diverse range of 

topics and fields of study. Applications 

for next year’s Greg Vickery 

Scholarship will open in March 2013. 

For further details please contact your 

local Human Resources team. 

Yvette Zegenhagen, Greg Vickery, Michael Legge 

and Anthony Erman. 

Australian Red Cross/Rodney Dekker 

PAGE 2 

Cover photo: Australian Red Cross

Chair and Executive Director Message 

Winter has been long and cold but 

unseasonably dry and while a little 

uncomfortable, we all know how 

critical the rain is to so many people in 

WA, especially those on the land and 

in rural areas. We need a lot more over 

the coming months to prevent another 

cycle of droughts. 

Our members and volunteers have 

done a great job through recent 

months. I know our shops often see a 

reduction in numbers of volunteers 

during winter as people move north to 

warmer climates, or stay huddled 

next to fires. We continued to serve 

vulnerable people through this period 

for which we are all very grateful. 

Many units are holding fundraising 

events which are as popular as ever, 

and help so many people connect, or 

reconnect, to Red Cross and our 

work. Congratulations to all our 

members and volunteers for your 

dedication – please be assured that 

your work and contributions have 

helped many people through the 

last few months. On their behalf, we 

thank you. 

We celebrated NAIDOC week in the 

first week of July. Our official opening 

ceremony was held on Sunday 1 July 

2012 at Wellington Square, East 

Perth, marking the beginning of a 

week of celebration of Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander heritage and 

culture. During this week, 1 to 8 July, 

Indigenous and non-Indigenous 

Australians were encouraged to 

recognise the contribution that 

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander 

peoples make towards Australia’s 

national identity. 

In this edition, we continue 

recognising the hard work and 

dedication of our members, 

volunteers and staff. One such person 

is Margaret White, who has been a 

member for more than 30 years and 

recently retired from the Collie retail 

store after 14 years as store manager. 

We also profile the carers’ support 

team which facilitates support groups 

so carers can meet regularly and 

share common experiences. 

If you’ve ever thought of upskilling, 

why not have a look at the range of 

Thank you for your support 

Thank you to everyone involved in Red Cross Calling 2012 – 

together we raised more than $1.9 million, up from the $1.5 million 

raised in 2011! 

Donations are critical for our work in providing vital programs and 

services to the most vulnerable people in our communities. We are 

currently running our regular giving campaign ‘Need Never Sleeps’ 

and ‘Wills for Life’ which encourages people to leave a gift in their will 

to Red Cross. You can read more on page 6. 

In December, we will launch our Red Cross Festive Appeal 2012. 

We’ll be asking all Australians to consider giving a gift that will be just 

what someone needs, like safe drinking water or knowing the fate of 

loved ones torn apart by disaster or war. 

Donations to the ongoing everyday work of Red Cross can be made 

at our website redcross.org.au or by calling 1800 811 700. 

courses available through Red Cross 

College After providing first aid at 

public events and volunteering in 

administrative support at the College, 

Barbara decided to undertake a 

Certificate IV in Training and 

Assessment so she could start 

teaching first aid courses herself. Read 

more about her story on page 10. 

We hope you enjoy reading this edition. 

Ian Anson 

WA Divisional 

Advisory Board Chair 

Steve Joske CSC 

Executive Director WA 

Do you have a 

Red Cross story 

Do you want to win a signed 

copy of Red Cross supporter 

and ultra-marathon runner Pat 

Farmer’s book Pole to Pole: 

One man, 20 million steps 

Send us an inspiring story 

about the work you are doing 

to support vulnerable people in 

our communities. The best five 

stories will win a signed copy 

of the book, worth $32.99, and 

may be published in a future 

issue of Newsletter for 

members and volunteers. In 

this issue, we feature Meg 

Nurse’s 20 years of 

volunteering for Telecross 

(page 4). Send your stories to 

publications@redcross.org.au. 

Newsletter for members and volunteers PAGE 3

My story: 

making 

the call 

Telecross volunteer of 20 years, Meg Nurse. 

A Telecross caller for 20 years, 

Meg Nurse says volunteering 

has been as beneficial for her 

as the people she checks on. 

The early morning call has become a 

special part of my life. It’s nice to think I 

can be helpful to someone in need just 

by having a conversation with them, 

and it’s good to know the caller can 

receive help quickly if necessary. The 

Telecross call also gives the client a 

feeling that someone cares as well as a 

sense of security. 

On many occasions I will hear only one 

or two rings of the phone before my call 

is answered. I know my recipient is 

often waiting with anticipation just to 

speak to someone. 

This service works both ways: it’s always 

helpful for the recipient, but often 

rewarding for the caller as well. Many 

times I have walked away from the 

telephone with a smile on my face after 

a light-hearted conversation, or I may 

have a funny story to tell my husband. 

Other times I’ve been deeply moved or 

even motivated in my personal life after 

speaking to an amazing person. 

Meg has won a signed copy of 

Red Cross supporter and ultramarathon 

runner Pat Farmer’s book 

Pole to Pole: One man, 20 million 

steps. If you have an inspiring story 

about the work you are doing for 

Red Cross, email us at 

publications@redcross.org.au. 

Meg Nurse 

Spirit of volunteers 

Since 1914, Red Cross has relied 

upon the passion and commitment of 

skilled volunteers to address ever 

changing community needs. 

As a volunteer, do you feel inspired, 

recognised, empowered and 

supported in your role Do you see 

the impact of your voluntary 

contribution Are your stories shared 

and celebrated widely to inspire 

others to volunteer 

In March this year, with support from 

the National Board and National 

Leadership Team, a Voluntary Service 

Project team was established to gain 

better understanding of volunteer 

contribution at Red Cross and how 

we can better engage volunteers in 

our vision and work. This is done 

through consultation workshops, 

surveys, reviewing our operations, 

conducting research and analysis of 

other organisations both in Australia 

and overseas, and identifying good 

practice and innovation. 

Voluntary Service Project Manager 

Roz Wollmering says volunteers are 

the lifeblood of our communities and 

the work of Red Cross. 

“Since 1914, volunteers have 

enabled us to achieve positive 

change in communities both in 

Australia and internationally. We want 

to renew and further support their 

enormous and vital contributions.” 

Across the organisation, Red Cross 

people have engaged in stimulating, 

thought-provoking and beneficial 

debate to inform the project. In this 

debate, the volunteer voice has been 

an essential component to creating 

our renewed strategic vision. Diverse 

and talented volunteers have 

contributed as leaders to serve on 

the Project Steering Committee, as 

facilitators and participants in 

consultation activities, and as project 

team advisors, researchers, and 

specialist Members have also been 

active participants in consultation 

workshops across the country. 

This whole-of-organisation 

collaboration will result in the design of 

a Voluntary Service Strategy with 

recommendations for a three-year 

implementation plan. The aim is to 

develop a clear and compelling vision 

for volunteer engagement and Red 

Cross’ role in the voluntary sector more 

broadly, while also supporting and 

recognising the value of volunteers in 

our everyday endeavours. 

We seek your views on how we can 

better engage and support 

volunteers at Red Cross. Let’s work 

together to ensure that we have what 

it takes to meet the emerging and 

changing needs of the future. 

Please feel free to contact Roz by 

email rwollmering@redcross.org.au 

or telephone 03 9345 8373. 

Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, who is also Patron of Australian Red Cross, 

met with volunteers at the Red Cross Altona Warehouse in Victoria at the beginning of 

Volunteer Week in May 2012. The Altona Warehouse, which was established in 2010, 

receives donations of merchandise from various retailers, corporations and the general 

public. The volunteers and staff collect, sort, pack and distribute these items to the 164 

Red Cross retail stores across Australia. 

Australian Red Cross/Rodney Dekker 

PAGE 4

Event of the century 

When Red Cross in Australia 

was formed on 13 August 1914 

at Government House in 

Melbourne, it was exactly nine 

days after World War I broke 

out. Almost 100 years later, 


continues to help the most 

vulnerable people in our 

communities and further afield. 

In 2014, we will celebrate one of the 

most important milestones for 

Australian Red Cross – our Centenary 

year. The celebrations to mark this 

anniversary will provide a special 

opportunity to showcase the 

contributions that Red Cross people 

and supporters have made to the 

Australian community over 100 years 

of people helping people. 

As we begin planning for the Centenary 

celebrations, we want you to be 

involved. Now is the time for all Red 

Cross people to think about Centenary 

events and activities which celebrate 

past achievements, showcase our 

present everyday work to the Australian 

community and strengthen our future 

prospects to reduce vulnerability and 

improve lives. 

To help get you started, all branches 

and units should have now received a 

copy of the Australian Red Cross 

Centenary Planning Guide. This 

contains information on prospective 

national activities, 60 great ideas 

drawn from the many wonderful 

suggestions we received earlier this 

year, key dates to mark in your diaries 

for 2014 and information to support 

local planning leading into our 

Centenary year. 

We have also developed a Centenary 

logo, which highlights Red Cross’ 100 

years of ‘People Helping People’. It 

sends a message of achievement to 

the many Australians who have had a 

personal experience with Red Cross. 

For information on how to correctly 

use the logo in your planning, a 

comprehensive Australian Red Cross 

Centenary Style Guide, with guidelines 

and a range of templates, is currently 

being developed and will be available 

for supporters later in 2012. 

To develop and manage the Centenary 

year celebrations, a Centenary 

Manager has recently been appointed. 

Linette Hardcastle, working closely 

with the National Centenary and 

Membership Engagement Committee 

and the state and territory committees 

One of the early posters recruiting members to 

join Red Cross. 

of the local Divisional Advisory 

Boards, will bring to life our major 

2014 Centenary initiatives. Linette will 

also organise ongoing information 

sharing and engagement of Red 

Cross people and supporters in 

Centenary celebrations. 

Please contact your state or territory 

Membership Coordinator or Linette 

Hardcastle at centenary@redcross. 

org.au with questions or feedback. 

The power of social media 

Late last year Red Cross called 

on all Australians to go online and 

join our push to ban the use of 

nuclear weapons by voting in an 

online referendum at 

targetnuclearweapons.org.au. 

Australian Red Cross asked 

supporters to share their Facebook 

and Twitter social networks to help 

spread the message far and wide. As 

at August this year, the social reach of 

these messages was a staggering 

936,000 people. 

This is just one example of how Red 

Cross is using social media to talk 

about important issues. You can be 

involved by sharing news, experiences 

and stories with friends on your social 

networks or staying up-to-date with 

the latest campaigns. 

We have also developed a social 

media policy and guidelines for using 

social media. It’s important you read 

these before you talk about Red Cross 

online. Contact your local office or 

membership coordinator for a copy. 

Connect with us: 

• Facebook.com/ 

AustralianRedCross 

• Twitter.com/RedCrossAU 

• Youtube.com/ 

australianredcross 

• Linkedin.com/company/ 

australian-red-cross 


Need never sleeps 

Regular monthly supporters can help vulnerable kids like Tanya receive a nutritional breakfast. 

At every minute of every hour of every 

day there are vulnerable people who 

need Red Cross to be there for them. 

Red Cross is helping people in crisis 

around Australia and around our 

region around the clock. 

At 7:45am on a Monday morning, 

while you’re brushing your teeth 

getting ready for the day, somewhere 

in Australia, a vulnerable child is eating 

a nutritious breakfast. Fast forward to 

9:58am when you may be tending the 

garden, or chatting to a co-worker in 

the kitchen: an isolated elderly person 

is receiving a telephone call to check 

on their wellbeing. 

In the world today, need never sleeps. 

Whatever time it is at any given 

moment, there are thousands who rely 

on Red Cross in times of crisis and 

Australian Red Cross / Shannon Reddaway 

need. In Australia, close to 5,000 

Aussie kids receive a healthy breakfast 

through one of Red Cross’ 200 Good 

Start Breakfast Clubs in areas of 

greatest need around the country. And 

each year, around 4,800 elderly and 

isolated Australians receive a daily 

telephone call to make sure they’re 

okay. Regular monthly supporters are 

an essential part of maintaining and 

expanding vital programs such as these 

right across Australia and further afield. 

Regular monthly supporters are people 

who give what they can every month 

through automatic amounts via their 

bank account or credit card. From just 

$1 a day, it can make a big difference 

to the lives of many. It is our most 

reliable pre-assured income source for 

Red Cross and makes up nearly 40 

per cent of our fundraising net income. 

The ongoing financial support of our 

regular monthly supporters is what 

helps us to continue our work helping 

those who need it most. Visit 

redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700 

to become a regular giver and help 

those in need. 

The gift of a lifetime 

It has been 56 years since Eva 

Sheaves crawled through ice 

and snow to escape an 

uprising in Hungary. 

Born to a Hungarian mother and 

Austrian father, Eva Sheaves was in 

high school when violence broke out in 

Hungary in 1956 and she was forced 

to escape her hometown. With a group 

of 40 fellow refugees, she travelled to 

the Hungarian/Austrian border. 

“It was winter in Europe, and the 

ground was covered in snow and ice,” 

Eva remembers. “We had no choice 

but crawling on our knees and hands, 

and I had nothing with me, just a 

handbag with my very basics in it, no 

warm clothing.” 

Crawling for kilometres, it wasn’t until 

she had a torch shone in her face and 

heard someone speaking in German 

that she stopped, fearing they had 

been caught. 

“He said, ‘Sie sind ungarische 

Flüchtlinge’: you are Hungarian 

refugees. 

“It was Red Cross… When you 

personally experience what Red Cross 

actually do… I mean they could have 

been shot when they picked us up 

from the border.” 

It is because of this experience and 

the additional support she received 

from Red Cross when she arrived in 

Australia that she has decided to 

leave a bequest to Red Cross. A 

Eva with her partner Bernie, in their home on 

NSW’s Central Coast. 

bequest is a gift made in a Will that 

only comes into effect after a person’s 

lifetime, and is a positive way to 

influence the future. If you would like to 

find out more about leaving a bequest, 

visit call 1800 811 700 or visit 

redcross.org.au. 

Australian Red Cross/Louise M Cooper 

PAGE 6

Working with her community 

Janelle Evans’ goals are simple: 

to be a positive role-model for 

young women in the 

community, an advocate for her 

people and ensure locals have 

the same access to services 

that people in the city receive. 

Janelle is a Case Manager at the Red 

Cross operated Gumbi Gunyah Women’s 

and Children’s Wellbeing Centre in 

Woorabinda, an Aboriginal community 

two-and-a-half hours drive inland from 

Rockhampton, Central Queensland. 

The centre supports Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander women and their 

children, who are homeless or at risk 

of homelessness, or escaping 

domestic and family violence. 

Janelle says the women and children 

often come in confused and emotional, 

but after settling them in she can see 

the stress easing as they feel safer and 

listened to. 

“I feel privileged that the women trust 

us enough with their stories and are 

willing to take advice from our staff,” 

Janelle says. “But we never tell them 

what they should do, we always ask 

them what they want to do.” 

Janelle knows that being a local is an 

important part to building trust. She 

grew up in Woorabinda, her mother 

and grandmother were born there and 

she’s a traditional owner through her 

grandfather’s side, the Wadja people. 

Red Cross has 10 full-time and four 

casual staff in Woorabinda, all Aboriginal 

and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

They work on a range of programs from 

supporting young people and families to 

community engagement. 

“We live in our community, we know 

our people and have a way of finding 

out what they want,” Janelle says. 

Janelle is one of more than 100 local 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

Red Cross staff and volunteers 

working in capital cities and regional 

and remote centres such as Palm 

Island, Tennant Creek, Broome, Port 

Augusta and Dubbo. 

Janelle (right) wants to be a positive role-model for young women in the community. 

Red Cross is working with Aboriginal 

and Torres Strait Islander communities 

and increasing employment of 

local Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

Islander peoples as they understand 

their communities, and help us work 

best together. 

Janelle says it’s important her work is 

supported by the Woorabinda 

Governance Group. Consisting of 

Elders, councillors and Red Cross 

representatives, the group ensures 

that programs are driven and delivered 

by the community. 

“We’re all here for one purpose to help 

one another, that’s our way. We need to 

get back to some of the simple things, 

our own values and work together to 

build a stronger community.” 

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 

Red Cross staff Luke Wenitong, Sally 

McDonald and Traci Fraser volunteered at an 

information stall as part of the NAIDOC week 

in Cairns. 


NAIDOC Week (1 to 8 July) 

celebrated Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander cultures and 

recognised the contributions of 

Indigenous Australians in various 

fields. This year’s theme was 

selected by the National NAIDOC 

Committee to celebrate the 40th 

anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent 

Embassy and acknowledge the key 

contributors to its long history. Forty 

years ago, the embassy became a 

powerful symbol of unity. Its 

founders instilled pride, advanced 

equality and educated the country 

on the rights of Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander peoples. 



A sustainable lunchbox 

Fay (centre) is working as a nutrition adviser for 

the Laotian Ministry of Education. 

Fay Bushell is determined to 

improve the health and 

nutrition of school children 

in Laos. 

She is on a two-year sabbatical from 

her job as operations manager of food 

services for the NSW Department of 

Corrective Services and is working as 

a nutrition adviser for the Laotian 

Australian Red Cross/Bart Verweij 

Ministry of Education through the 

Australian Volunteers for International 

Development program. 

Laos is in the early stages of rolling out 

a national school meals program, 

comprising balanced school lunches, 

nutrition education and opportunities 

for local farmers to sell fresh produce 

to schools. 

As Fay explains, the program will help 

children to stay in school. “A lot of 

students have to walk very far to get to 

school; if they had to walk home for 

lunch each day, most wouldn’t come 

back to school in the afternoon. 

“The purpose of this program is to 

increase the enrolment rate for 

students in primary school, reduce the 

drop-out rate and therefore improve 

overall education outcomes.” 

Most school lunches include cooked 

rice, a portion of protein, and 

vegetables. The program encourages 

villagers to donate or sell food to 

schools, with the ultimate aim of 

having all meal ingredients sourced 

from local farmers and growers. 

Less than halfway through her twoyear 

assignment, Fay knows there’s a 

long way to go. 

“This assignment really interested me 

and I have a passion for this work. 

Also, I was born in Thailand and 

wanted to bring my children back to 

experience the culture of this region. In 

a way it feels like a return home.” 

Red Cross is a partner of the 

Australian Volunteers for International 

Development which is an Australian 

Government, AusAID initiative. Visit 

www.ausaid.gov.au/volunteer and 

search for the Red Cross assignments 

or call us on 03 9345 1834. 

Desperate struggle for health 

care in newest nation 

A year after South Sudan 

achieved independence, 

health care continues to be 

a major issue. 

When South Sudan achieved 

independence on 9 July 2011, the 

International Committee of the Red 

Cross (ICRC) established a delegation 

in South Sudan’s biggest city, Juba. 

The region has faced years of ongoing 

armed conflict with tragic 

consequences, including a lack of 

access to basic healthcare services. 

Fighting around the northern border 

with Sudan escalated in April, which 

has had a direct impact on the 

availability and price of food, 

contributing to an increase in child 

deaths from malnutrition. 

According to the Ministry of Health, 

South Sudan has about 120 medical 

doctors and just over 100 registered 

nurses for an estimated population of 

nearly nine million people. 

Together with the South Sudanese 

Government, the ICRC manages a 

physical rehabilitation centre in Juba, 

the only operational one of its kind in 

the country. 

Navid Dadbin, a physiotherapist with 

the ICRC, has been overseeing the 

treatment of ten-year-old Karima 

Deng, who was in her village 

Abiemnom when a bomb fell and her 

leg had to be amputated. 

Navid is confident that Karima’s spirits 

will lift when her artificial limb is fitted 

and explains an important 

psychological aspect of having access 

to this rehabilitation centre is that the 

patient comes into contact with others 

who have lost a limb. 

The need is great as the Juba Physical 

Rehabilitation Reference Centre is 

Mothers and their children must arrive early 

to be seen by health professionals in South 

Sudan’s capital Juba. 

currently able to fit 50 limbs per month 

but they need to be treating double 

this number. 

Australian Red Cross works to 

promote safer, healthier and more 

sustainable lives for people in 

developing countries. To donate to 

Red Cross’ everyday work, visit 

redcross org.au or call 1800 811 700. 

ICRC/Conor Ashleigh 

PAGE 8

Just like me 

Eight teenagers chill out on colourful 

beanbags in front of a film screen in 

North Melbourne. Their backgrounds 

are diverse. Some are asylum seekers 

who have come a long way to be here, 

others are local Red Cross volunteers. 

Casually dressed in T-shirts and jeans, 

it is difficult to distinguish program 

participants from volunteers. 

Alexander Brown, 19, is a Red Cross 

volunteer involved in the Refugee and 

Asylum Seeker Youth (RAY) program 

in Victoria, which brings young people 

together during school holidays to 

help vulnerable newly arrived young 

people adapt to their new 

environment. Alexander has 

discovered he has a lot in common 

with the young asylum seekers. 

“…They’re just doing the same thing as 

we are in Australia. They’re interested in 

going to school and learning,” 

Alexander says. “They watch movies, 

play video games, sports. They are just 

the same as my friends and I.” 

Asylum seekers, who have fled their 

own country to seek protection from 

the government of another country, 

face many difficulties and are among 

the most vulnerable people in our 

community. They may have little 

understanding of language and 

culture, be without friends and family 

or be dealing with the effects of torture 

or trauma. They may also have been 

subjected to prolonged detention. 

“They are just the same as my friends and I,” says 

volunteer Alexander Brown, pictured with young 

asylum seeker Nematollah. 

Despite the many hardships they face, 

asylum seekers can retain the strength 

and skills they need to re-establish 

their lives, as long as they are provided 

with support, access to the services 

they need and information that helps 

them make informed decisions. 

Unaccompanied minors 

in Community Detention 

Nearly one in five of all asylum seekers 

coming to Australia are under the age 

of 18. Many are minors who arrive 

without parents or family. 

The Community Detention program 

provides eligible children under 18 with 

24-hour care, safe housing, adequate 

healthcare and enrols them in school 

while they wait for a decision on their 

visa outcomes. The program was 

developed by Red Cross, other 

humanitarian agencies and the 

Department of Immigration and 

Citizenship (DIAC) to provide a more 

Australian Red Cross/Joe Cropp 

humane model for families with 

children, unaccompanied minors and 

individual adults. 

Living in community detention, rather 

than in a detention facility, is far better 

for the mental wellbeing of asylum 

seekers. It gives them the chance to 

be part of a community, providing 

emotional and practical support while 

they wait for the outcome of their 

immigration application. 

Asylum seekers living 

independently in the 

community 

Red Cross is contracted and funded by 

DIAC to provide asylum seekers in the 

community with access to vital services 

to help meet their basic needs, while 

they await an outcome on their 

protection visa application. DIAC policy 

determines the level of support an 

individual or family will receive based on 

their needs and the eligibility criteria set 

for each program. 

Our staff and volunteers can meet people 

at the airport, help them locate short-term 

accommodation for up to six weeks and 

transport them there. Red Cross can also 

provide information about longer term 

accommodation, financial assistance, 

general healthcare, orientation to their 

new community and help in setting up 

a bank account or applying for a tax file 

number so they can look for work. Red 

Cross can also provide referrals to 

counselling, accommodation, health care, 

material aid such as clothing and 

furniture, education, legal services and 

social support. 

Other work with asylum seekers 

In addition to these DIAC funded 

community support programs, Red 

Cross restores family links for 

people who have been separated 

by war, conflict or disaster through 

our International Tracing services. 

Red Cross also provides 

humanitarian monitoring of the 

conditions of detention and treatment 

of people still held in immigration 

facilities. These programs are 

largely funded by Red Cross. 

Red Cross works to persuade 

governments, public authorities and 

decision makers to act in the interests 

of vulnerable people and to promote 

respect for humanitarian values. 

Consistent with the wider Red Cross 

and Red Crescent Movement, our 

preferred mode of advocacy is one 

of direct and confidential dialogue 

with government and other 

decision-makers. We seek to work 

in a way that enables sensitive 

issues to be discussed in an 

honest and open manner, but we 

always retain the right to speak 

publicly when required. 

Red Cross works with the most 

vulnerable people in the most 

disadvantaged circumstances. As 

part of this mandate, Red Cross 

supports vulnerable asylum seekers 

whose survival, dignity, physical or 

mental health is at risk. You can 

donate to Assisting Vulnerable 

Migrants by visiting redcross.org.au 

or calling 1800 811 700. 


Celebrating NAIDOC Week in WA 

Once again Red Cross in Western 

Australia was proud to be part of the 

NAIDOC Week official opening 

ceremony held on Sunday 1 July 2012 

at Wellington Square, East Perth. July 

1 marked the beginning of a week of 

celebration of Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander peoples’ heritage and 

culture. During this week, Indigenous 

and non-Indigenous Australians are 

encouraged to recognise the 

contribution that Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander peoples make towards 

Australia’s national identity. This year’s 

NAIDOC theme was to celebrate the 

Aboriginal Tent Embassy set up in 

1972 as a powerful symbol of 

Aboriginal unity outside of Old 

Parliament House in Canberra. The 

Embassy is still there and NAIDOC 

Week acknowledges those who have 

contributed to it over the last 40 years. 

The opening ceremony commenced 

with a Welcome to Country by 

Whadjuk Noongar Elders, Marie Taylor 

and Rev. Sealin Garlett, followed by 

entertainment performed by local and 

Training for a new career 

After more than ten years in Alice 

Springs and deciding it was time for a 

change, Barbara and her husband Ian 

made the move to Perth. Barbara had 

spent most of her career working in 

retail and wanted to try something 

new, so she started volunteering in 

the Red Cross College office helping 

out with administrative tasks, five 

days a week. 

While working in the retail sector, 

Barbara and her husband also spent 

many years volunteering their time to 

provide first aid support services at 

public events. After the move and as a 

result of her involvement with Red 

Cross College, Barbara gained a new 

interest in becoming a trainer. Red 

Cross staff encouraged Barbara to 

undertake a Certificate IV in Training 

Community Nutrition Programs Manager Narelle Little at the Red Cross stand at the official 

NAIDOC Week opening. 

visiting artists such as Oz Island 

Band, The Bad Influence, Troy Cassar- 

Daley and Angela Rule to name a few. 

There were rides and activities for 

children and plenty of food for all to 

enjoy. The occasion was also 

celebrated by 30 different agencies 

showcasing their work with Aboriginal 

and Torres Strait Islander 

communities. Red Cross was well 

and Assessment, a necessary 

qualification to deliver any kind of 

training within Australia. 

“Red Cross provided me with the 

flexibility I needed to fit the training in 

around my volunteering,” Barbara 

says. “I not only formally learnt training 

and assessment, but my computer 

skills have improved dramatically, 

along with my confidence. I can’t wait 

to start out on my own as a first aid 

trainer for Red Cross!” 

Now that Barbara has completed her 

studies she is now assisting first aid 

trainers with delivering Red Cross 

courses. Barbara’s manager, Philippa 

Metschukat says she looks forward to 

scheduling Barbara as a head trainer 

by the end of the year. 

represented by our staff members 

who volunteered at the stall. The event 

was also attended by well over 300 

people including Councillor Lilly Chen 

from the City of Perth, many young 

and senior Indigenous men, women 

and children enjoying the day and 

celebrating their culture. This was a 

wonderful event and we look forward 

to participating again next year. 

Barbara completed a Certificate IV in Training 

and Assessment and is now an Assistant 

Trainer at Red Cross College. 

For more information on Red Cross 

College courses, visit redcross.edu.au 

or call 1300 367 428. 

Australian Red Cross Australian Red Cross 

PAGE 10

Embarking on a new adventure 

There are many dedicated and 

generous Red Cross supporters 

in Australia like Margaret White. 

A member since 1979 and a regular 

blood donor, Margaret recently retired 

from her role as the Collie retail store 

manager after 14 years. 

Barbara McMullan, area manager for 

the Collie store says Margaret worked 

tirelessly managing the store and has 

been committed to providing the best 

retail service possible. 

“The reputation she has established 

with the Collie businesses has also 

provided the store with many new 

items of clothing for sale,” Barbara 

says. Starting at 5.30am on some 

days, Margaret has also been highly 

Supporting those who support others 

Caring for a loved one can be 

a demanding and sometimes 

isolating experience. 

The pressures faced by carers can 

increase stress, which may lead to 

emotional and physical fatigue 

and burnout. 

The Carers’ Support program in 

Western Australia facilitates support 

groups for carers to meet regularly 

and share common experiences, 

enjoy social interaction and take a 

short respite break. Red Cross 

organises guest speakers and staff 

members provide specialised 

information and training. 

A recent example of this was a Herbal 

High Tea organised by Amanda, a 

Carers’ Support Coordinator who 

invited a local naturopath to speak 

with the carers. 

The support coordinators go above 

and beyond in their roles, 

recognising their important work 

doesn’t end at the meetings. Debby 

recalls one carer, John*, who was 

rushed to hospital with a broken hip 

committed to the wider retail family. 

“She will be greatly missed by all the 

south west store managers at their 

regular staff meetings.” 

In addition to her role, Margaret has 

previously contributed towards Red 

Cross disaster relief and recovery 

work. She will continue working as a 

volunteer at the store. A celebratory 

lunch was organised by the store 

volunteers, who presented her with a 

gift voucher and a rose for her garden, 

while the staff from Perth thanked her 

with new luggage as she hopes to 

travel in her new-found free time. 

“Along with all the retail team, a big thank 

you to Margaret for all the commitment 

she has given Red Cross and we wish 

her happy travels,” Barbara says. 

and leg, and was suddenly the one 

who needed support. 

“John is a carer in my group – an 

80-year-old who looks after his 

22-year-old intellectually disabled 

daughter,” Debby says. 

Debby contacted the hospital social 

worker, who turned out to be an 

ex-Red Cross staff member and the 

social worker arranged extra services 

to ensure John’s daughter’s wellbeing. 

John later called to say he was out of 

hospital and doing well. 

“How wonderful it is coming to the 

carers group,” John says. “It has been 

a big support to me. I believe it has 

saved my life. There have been times 

I’ve been so depressed and felt 

suicidal – coming to the group 

changed my mood dramatically.” 

Carers can join support groups of their 

own accord, and sometimes find out 

through their involvement with other 

Red Cross programs. One such 

instance involved Barbara*, who was 

an emergency contact for her mother, 

a Telecross client. Although Barbara 

Long time Red Cross supporter Margaret White 

recently retired from the Collie retail store after 

14 years. 

Carers’ Support Coordinators Louisa Perroni, 

Deb Johnson, Anne Gaynor, Debby Williums 

with volunteer Joe in the centre. 

was finding it difficult to care for her ill 

mother and had no outside support, 

she was unwilling to attend group 

meetings. Carers’ Support Coordinator 

Louisa provided her with telephone 

support for eight months until she was 

ready to attend the group sessions. 

“Now she never misses a session,” 

Louisa says. “She copes better in her 

caring role and has also attended 

self-development courses which have 

been self-empowering for her.” 

* Names have been changed to protect our 

clients’ privacy. 




All in the family 

Three generations of the 

Keogh family have been 

involved as members, 

volunteers and staff at Red 

Cross in Queensland. 

When Julia Keogh joined the Warwick 

office as an intensive family support 

caseworker in 2006, little did she know 

that it would inspire her family to 

become involved with Red Cross. 

“My whole family has gravitated 

towards this incredible organisation,” 

Julia says. 

Her aunt Eileen volunteers as a 

TeleCHAT volunteer with four clients 

on her call list. “She’s even brushing 

up on her French to better 

communicate with one of her clients,” 

Julia says. 

Mother Kate is the Secretary and 

Treasurer of the Warwick Branch, of 

which Julia’s daughter Elizabeth and 

two sons Sebastian, 18, and Nicholas, 

15, are all members. Kate is also the 

Zone Representative Darling Downs 

and wider region. 

Elizabeth, 20, who works at the Milton 

office in Brisbane, plans to study 

nutrition at the University of 

Queensland. Julia is particularly proud 

that Elizabeth has been a regular 

blood donor since leaving high school. 

The full extent of the Keogh family’s 

commitment to Red Cross was 

demonstrated when the Queensland 

floods occurred in 2010. 

“Warwick was hit severely by the 

floods,” Julia says. “The town was cut 

off in 2010 and again in 2011 so we 

had many people travelling through 

Nicholas, (left) is the youngest member of the Warwick Branch, of which Sebastian, Elizabeth, Julia 

and Kate Keogh are also members. 

visiting family, we had international 

visitors who were stranded, it was an 

intense time. 

“Because of the limited number of 

volunteers with experience in 

emergency training… mum, myself, 

Elizabeth and Sebastian ran the 

evacuation centres.” 

“I remember in the second evacuation, 

Seb had been on his feet for about 17 

hours and he sat down, pulled off his 

shoes and socks and said, ‘Next time, 

remind me to put on a dry pair of 

socks’. When we were activated, it 

was like ‘Get in the car now, they’re 

closing off access’, so we just had to 

grab whatever we could and go. Now 

we all have our ‘evac’ packs ready to 

go next time we’re activated.” 

“I’m very lucky to have such an 

amazing family,” Julia says. “Their 

compassion and ability to give is 

inspiring for me and I get so much 

positive energy from them – it’s great 

to see they’re willing to give of their 

time without question.” 

Warwick Daily News/Linden Morris 

Western Australia 

110 Goderich Street East Perth WA 6004 

GPO Box P1239, Perth WA 6844 

Telephone: (08) 9225 8888 

Facsimile: (08) 9325 5112 

Email: wainfo@redcross.org.au 

National Office 

155 Pelham Street Carlton South VIC 3053 

PO Box 196 Carlton South VIC 3053 

Telephone: (03) 9345 1800 

Facsimile: (03) 9348 2513 

Email: natinfo@redcross.org.au 

PAGE 12

WA - Australian Red Cross

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