Australian Red Cross recently turned 110 years old and the Berwick branch held a special celebration as one of few in Victoria to still be going strong since day one.
On Wednesday 21 August, St Andrews Berwick Uniting Church held a fashion parade and luncheon for long-time Red Cross members of both Berwick and Upper Beaconsfield to mark the branch’s 110th birthday.
The day also marked an individual milestone for member Helen Fyfe, who received her Laurel Wreath for 50 years of service.
The Red Cross in Australia began with the outbreak of the First World War by Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, the wife of then Governor-General Ronald Munro Ferguson.
Shortly after, a group of seven women from Berwick decided to form a local branch. It was formed at the home of Mr JB Pearson which still stands today within the grounds of St Margaret Grammar.
Berwick is one of reportedly 12 in Victoria which remain in existence since their establishment in 1914.
With a rich local history, the Berwick Red Cross has held the membership of many significant local figures and contributed countless hours toward the community.
