Red Cross celebration ongoing community service

The Narrabri Red Cross annual general meeting took place at the Narrabri Bowling Club on Wednesday, July 19.

The meeting was well attended by members, locally-knit Red Cross trauma teddies, and Narrabri Shire Council’s general manager Rob Williams and mayor Ron Campbell.

After the traditional recitation of the Red Cross pledge and a warm welcome to the group, secretary Judy Michell read the previous 2022 AGM minutes from last July.

Red Cross president Max Pringle OAM provided his annual report for 2023, noting the change of location for group meetings to the Bowling Club, and praising members for their dedication to filling the yearly fundraising roster.

Most notable efforts were the annual cake stall held in November for Red Cross Calling, and the annual Mother’s Day raffle, from which this year’s winner from far North Queensland donated his prize to an RSL-goer.

This year three members received their Red Cross long service medals, with Kath Davis being recognised for 20 years’ service, and Mr Pringle and Jenny Tucker, for 10 years.

One thousand trauma teddies were given away to hospitals and other places where required, and numerous throws, scarves, beanies, and coathangers were given to worthwhile causes or sold, and money was sent to the Red Cross.

Mr Pringle also thanked The Courier newspaper for the ongoing coverage of Red Cross events and 2Max FM community radio station for promoting the Red Cross and providing a collection point for wool donations.

After Gil Kahl delivered her final report as the group’s treasurer, Mr Pringle presented Carolyn Michell with a 50-year-long service medal and read a letter from the president of the National Red Cross Foundation, Ross Pinney.

Part of the letter stated: “It is thanks to people like you that the Australian Red Cross can continue to provide meaningful support wherever help is needed and be there for those that need it both now and in the future.”

Chris and Jenny Seccombe.

All current office bearers then vacated their positions and the group invited general manager Rob Williams to chair the election of new office bearers.

Max Pringle was once again the single nomination for president and accepted the position for his sixth year.

Gil Kahl nominated Judy Michell for the role of secretary and was re-elected by the group.

Kath Davis nominated Lynn Tuckey to take on the role of treasurer for the first time after Gil Kahl stepped down from the position.

Two vice presidents were filled by Kath Davis and Dawn Armstrong, who were re-elected by the group.

Sue Hunt was recognised once again as the Red Cross patron, but the second patron’s position remains open after the passing of member Bette Miller.

Narrabri Shire mayor Ron Campbell then took to the floor to deliver a few words to the group.

“I would like to congratulate everyone for their service to Red Cross, your organisation is an important part of the fabric of our shire and the country,” he said.

“Thank you for your service – from the council’s perspective it is so important for these organisations to exist in our community and participate in our community.

“These long-held organisations are long cherished, and we only hope they can prosper into the future.”

After the lovely acknowledgment from Cr Campbell, the meeting was concluded, and the group stepped out for a delicious chocolate mud cake brought in by member Dawn Armstrong, before resuming their first general meeting for the financial year.