However, Leeton’s branch of the Red Cross has managed to do just that and the organisation will be celebrating the milestone by hosting a party on August 28. 

Although the Leeton group is now relatively small in the years gone by it has done plenty of hard work for the community. 

The Red Cross was founded in Australia on August 13, 1914 and by November that year there were 249 branches established in NSW.

Leeton formed a branch in 1915 and this continued until it was disbanded in 1919.

At that time, it was mainly concerned with putting together packages for servicemen in World War I. 

“At the end of the war they felt it was not required as it was widely thought that we had had the war to end all wars,” current member Judith Nolan said. 

“Unfortunately how wrong they were.

“In August 1928 a Mrs E Gerard appeared to have called a meeting to form a Red Cross Branch in Leeton. 

“We say she called it as she took on the role of president a position she held for three years and then she became treasurer.

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“Mrs H.G.B.Williams was elected secretary and Mrs E.R. Dibbs treasurer.

“There we about 50 members of the branch at this point.”

VAD units were established during World War II.

These were women trained in First Aid who ministered to victims of war who returned home in need of care.

Leeton had one such unit and was one of only two or three in the whole of the Riverina.

The branch has continued to flourish since its beginning in 1928 and is about the only one in southern NSW to have been continuous in its commitment to the Red Cross movement.

Over the years the Leeton branch has worked hard, being one of the major caterers in the town, serving food at changeovers, weddings, birthday parties and funerals for members of the community.

On August 28, the branch will hold a celebratory luncheon at the Mia Club to mark the anniversary. 

All community members have been invited to attend, with the head of the Southern Districts of Red Cross John Pocius also taking part.

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