By OLIVIA SHYING
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IF YOU do take the opportunity to smell the roses this spring, think of the Red Cross.
On Tuesday, members of Leeton's Red Cross branch came together to plant a red rose outside the Leeton Visitor Information Centre.
The rose planting - part of a national campaign - was instigated to recognise and celebrate the organisation's centenary.
Roses have been planted across the country to remind Australians of the significance of the charity that has helped so many, both locally and abroad.
Leeton Red Cross secretary Judy Nolan said the organisation had been a significant part of the Leeton community for decades.
"We've been in Leeton continuously for 86 years," Mrs Nolan said.
"It is significant to be recognised as part of the community."
The Leeton branch is involved in the community, often holding raffles and fund-raisers with the money sent to Sydney head office where it is divided up to different campaigns.
Supporting the hard-working ladies was Leeton deputy Mayor George Weston.
Councillor Weston acknowledged the significance of the organisation, particularly during Australia's war effort, saying they have continued to work hard for the people.
"In the post-war period, Red Cross focused on social welfare, national emergencies, natural disasters, the blood bank and first aid programs, which were sustained by the extensive branch network, and thousands of volunteers," Cr Weston said.
"Leeton is proud to be recognising this centenary and to be making available a site in the garden of the visitors centre for the planting of the commemorative rose."