Good friends: Helen Beckenham (left) and Helen Colley enjoying each other’s company at the luncheon.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
After three long years, Shepparton Red Cross held its first annual luncheon on Tuesday, April 5, after various cancellations caused by lockdowns and COVID-19.
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The luncheon usually takes place around May to celebrate Red Cross founder Henry Dunant’s birthday, but was moved forward to avoid the flu season.
Shepparton Red Cross president Millicent McNeill said it was important to celebrate and recognise Mr Dunant’s work in Red Cross.
“He was a wonderful man, he had such a vision and was just amazing and he’d be very thrilled as to what Red Cross does today,” Mrs McNeill said.
“We've had a wonderful response today and it’s lovely that people are happy to come out and enjoy themselves.”
The luncheon saw volunteers presented with long service awards and a wrap-up of what the branch has achieved in the past few years.
This was followed by a speech from honorary life member from the Lindenow district branch Anne Macarthur about her time at the Red Cross Conference in Geneva in 2019 which saw Red Cross delegates from around the world come together.
Smiling: Red Cross members Cath Birkett and Betty Nightingale are eager to celebrate the achievements of Red Cross in the past year.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
It’s been a good year: Shepparton Red Cross emergency services officer Judi Hanlon makes a presentation on Red Cross’s efforts in the past year.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
For a good cause: Lorraine Gray (left) and Maxine Schumann selling raffle tickets and homemade items to Kathryn Lelliott.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
A day to celebrate: Laurice Sutherland (left) and Heather Halsall.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
Around the table: Anne Macarthur, Helene Hayes, Cameron Hayes, Helen Newton, Bernadette Steward, Glenice Holmes, Judy Longley and Julie Godwill getting ready for the start of the presentation.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
All together: Joan North, Peta McKenzie, Ella Egan, Jan Vibert, Margaret Plunkett, Gwen Jensen, Margaret Croke and Dale Roberts catch up before the lunch.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
Standing together: Shepparton Red Cross president Millicent McNeill (left) with guest speaker Anne Macarthur and lifetime Packenham Red Cross member Helene Hayes.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato