Spring 2011 Issue 5

Newsletter

members and volunteers for

WA edition P4 Make nuclear weapons the target P6 Australian wins highest nursing award P9 First impressions on the field P10 Big Cake Bake

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AROUND AUSTRALIA

Message from the President and CEO The year began with floods, fires and cyclones across the nation. During this challenging time, Australian Red Cross members, volunteers and staff showed the world what the power of humanity can achieve. Every day, since the summer of disasters, your commitment to helping vulnerable people has not wavered. Along with many Australians, many of you gave generously to our appeals to provide relief to affected communities. These major appeals have now closed: • Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal 2011 • Victorian Floods Appeal 2011 • New Zealand Earthquake Appeal 2011. For donating to various appeals, holding fundraising events, or volunteering for any one of our services - thank you. We’d like to take this opportunity to highlight the value of our Red Cross members, an integral part of the future of Red Cross. If you volunteer for Red Cross, and would like to become more involved, consider becoming a Red Cross member. As a member, you join the world’s largest humanitarian movement and can help shape our future. Contact your state or territory office (details on page 12) or go to www.redcross.org.au to find out how. In other news, we have launched an innovative new campaign to reignite the push to ban the use of nuclear weapons. The campaign draws attention to the horrific humanitarian and environmental effects of nuclear

Cover photo: Australian Red Cross

weapons, and calls on the international community to do more to ensure nuclear weapons no longer pose a threat to our future. You can help. Head to www.targetnuclearweapons.org.au and vote ‘yes’ to ban the use of nuclear weapons. Enter your name and email address to receive further information about the campaign and the forthcoming ‘social explosion’. With this campaign, we are using the power of social media to talk to people about critical humanitarian issues. While you’re online, join the Red Cross network on Facebook and Twitter for news, stories and videos. We’re facing another critical humanitarian issue: the devastating drought and famine in East Africa. The United Nations reports more than 12 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the region. Red Cross is running the East Africa Drought Appeal 2011 to provide drought-affected communities in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia with emergency relief including food, water and health assistance. You can help too by donating to the appeal. Visit www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700 to donate today. The commitment and dedication of Australian Red Cross aid workers is well known and greatly respected, not only by those within the Movement, but by the thousands of people they help. Australian Red Cross nurse and aid worker Noela Davies has been awarded the prestigious Florence Nightingale Medal in recognition of her outstanding work in many areas of

conflict around the world. We congratulate Noela on receiving this award – she is an inspiration to us all. Once again, thank you to all members and volunteers for your tireless efforts this year. As we approach the end of 2011, we look back on a year that all of us can be proud of. Keep up the wonderful work.

Greg Vickery President Australian Red Cross

Robert Tickner Chief Executive Officer Australian Red Cross

WA NEWS

Message from the Chair and Executive Director It is hard to believe that we are already in the throes of spring. If you live in the south or east of the state, you may have thought that this winter was a mild one in terms of temperatures but this may not be true if you were one of the 100,000 homeless people doing it tough in Australia this winter. During Homeless Persons Week 2011, we opened our doors to assist people experiencing homelessness. If they wished, we helped to reconnect them with family and friends through various communication methods. We were thrilled that so many people took this opportunity, not only to see how the internet and Facebook work, but to also receive valuable information and a much-needed cup of soup and a sandwich. This initiative was a great success, so much so that we extended the sessions for four further Mondays. Pleasingly, this was a terrific example of where staff, volunteers and unit members came together to make a real difference. Congratulations to all

involved and we encourage you to read the article enclosed in this edition. This is just one example of our work, and we remain both humbled and inspired by the great work you are all doing all over Western Australia. Thank you for your contributions, no matter how big or small. We hope you all take the time to enjoy the warmer weather of springtime.

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How can I support Red Cross? Red Cross relies on committed volunteers and donors. You can support Red Cross by: • giving monthly, leaving a bequest in your will or making a one-off donation. Visit www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700 to find out how. • giving blood. Visit www.donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.

Support us as a member of Red Cross As a Red Cross member, you are part of one of the oldest and largest humanitarian organisations in the world. Members help us grow the Power of Humanity by showing what can be done when people care enough to come together to help others.

Ian Anson Chair, Advisory Board WA

Steve Joske CSC Executive Director WA

Renew your membership or join us now: www.redcross.org.au.

Launch of Members’ Action Kit Red Cross is delighted to announce the arrival of the Members’ Action Kit, which has been developed in conjunction with members to provide improved resources to support the work of members in branches/units/clubs. The Kit brings together information about Red Cross, its proud history and vision, and some suggestions about ways the organisation and its members can work towards building a strong future together. The content was developed in consultation with members, staff and

volunteers, and draws on their experience and knowledge. The Kits have been funded by the national office and production costs were offset with the generous assistance of designers and printers. Hard copies of the Kit are being distributed to branches/units/ clubs around the country. For ideas about how you can best use the Members’ Action Kit, please contact the Membership Coordinator in your State/Territory for support.

Newsletter for members and volunteers

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AROUND AUSTRALIA

Help make nuclear weapons the target Hiroshima survivor Junko Morimoto, who now lives in Australia, has pledged her support for the campaign, along with a number of celebrities, including Australian media personality Ruby Rose, Masterchef contestant Marion Grasby and Hungry Beast’s Dan Ilic. The first stage of the campaign is focused on growing critical mass behind the project, ahead of a ‘social explosion’ in November 2011, and we need the help of our members and volunteers! It takes less than a minute to support the campaign. Simply: Devastation in Hiroshima, 1945. Photo: Australian Red Cross.

Australian Red Cross has launched an innovative new campaign to reignite the push for a ban on the use of nuclear weapons. Make Nuclear Weapons the Target draws attention to the horrific humanitarian and environmental effects of nuclear weapons and calls on the international community to do more to ensure nuclear weapons no longer pose a threat to our future.

Nuclear weapons are capable of destroying the planet in a matter of hours. The world saw their devastating impact after a nuclear bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, killing tens of thousands of people and causing unimaginable suffering. Since then there have been efforts to make the use of nuclear weapons illegal, but to this day, not enough has been done. Red Cross wants to help ensure the world never again faces a similar tragedy.

1. Go to www.targetnuclearweapons.org.au 2. Vote to support a ban on the use of nuclear weapons. 3. Enter your name and email address to get updates about the coming ‘social explosion’. 4. Encourage your friends and families to vote – use the Share button to post a link to your Facebook wall, post an update to your Google+ circles, send a tweet or pass on by email.

Doing it Tough Appeal success Red Cross supports people doing it tough in Australia and around the world. We are currently active in an unprecedented number of disaster areas worldwide, while also maintaining our regular local and overseas programs. To coincide with World Red Cross Red Crescent Day on 8 May, Red Cross launched the Doing it Tough Appeal, with a national television commercial supported by BHP Billiton. The campaign allowed

us to reach the greatest number of people than ever before and encourage them to donate and support our everyday work. The Doing it Tough Appeal raised more than one million dollars. These funds will support vulnerable people in Australia and around the world. Thank you to everyone who donated. Watch the commercial on YouTube at www.youtube.com/redcrossaust.

AROUND AUSTRALIA

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Baking the world Learn with Red a better place Cross College

Want to pick up skills for life? Red Cross has always been known for First Aid training. A Registered Training Organisation, Red Cross College offers more than 43 courses nationwide, equipping Australians with training to help them save lives, gain employment or further their expertise.

Big Cake Bake Ambassador Megan Gale. Photo: Australian Red Cross.

The Australian Red Cross Big Cake Bake is the sweetest fundraising event of the year, allowing Australians to show off their baking skills while supporting the work of Red Cross. During October, people of all ages are hosting events in their homes, workplaces or communities. They’re having cake sales, baking competitions and themed dinner parties with dessert

as the focus. The aim is to raise as much money as possible so Red Cross can continue its work improving the lives of vulnerable people. From petite cupcakes to towering sponges, all kinds of baked treats will help support the everyday work of Red Cross in Australia and around the world. For more information about this unique fundraising opportunity and recipes from Australia’s favourite celebrities, visit www.bigcakebake.org.au.

Red Cross College also offers employment and business services in Queensland. The services are offered to disabled or vulnerable people who have struggled to find sustainable employment opportunities. Red Cross College is always looking for competent and qualified trainers to deliver new and existing courses in every state. If you are a qualified trainer, and want to make a difference to people’s lives please visit www.redcross.edu.au and contact the College office in your state. For available courses and details about how to enrol, please visit www.redcross.edu.au.

Homeless Persons’ Week Tonight, nearly one in every 200 people in Australia will spend the night homeless. This means around 105,000 men, women and children will be without a safe, secure and affordable home. For Homeless Persons’ Week in August, we spoke to three people who have been helped by Red Cross programs including the Red Cross Night Cafe in Brisbane. Hear their stories and more at www.youtube.com/redcrossaust. Newsletter for members and volunteers

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A new life in Solomon Islands Melissa Bencik has just arrived in Solomon Islands as an Australian volunteer supported by Australian Red Cross. She will spend the next 12 months helping increase youth engagement with Solomon Islands Red Cross, especially as blood donors. Melissa took the time to write about her new surroundings: coconuts, postcard-perfect beaches and reggae. I expected intense heat to hit me in the face when I disembarked the plane, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. The 2am arrival may have had something to do with it, although even at that hour the air smelled damp and moist and my jeans clung to my legs, feeling three times their weight. Two weeks on, I can’t say I’ve fully acclimatised to the hot weather of Solomon Islands, but it trumps a Melbourne winter. The city of Honiara consists of one main road which can be walked in about 30 minutes. Rubbish covers the streets and fills rivers. Footpaths must be navigated carefully, as people chew and spit betel-nut everywhere. But take a short drive out of Honiara and the scenery changes into luscious greenery and beautiful clean beaches, dotted with shipwrecks from World War II to snorkel and dive around. The local buses, considered minivans by Australian standards, pump out island reggae music that makes me smile. Coconuts are readily available for drinking (living the Pacific cliché) and the bush lime is tasty and refreshing. You can buy coconut bread at the bakery and fresh fish and produce at the local market. I’m yet to learn local recipes for all this local food.

Australian Volunteer Melissa Bencik with staff from Australian and Solomon Islands Red Cross Societies. Photo: Julian Troth.

I’m finding my colleagues at Solomon Islands Red Cross to be very friendly and helpful, and are dedicated to their work. I already feel like I’ve known them for far longer than I actually have. My role to help engage young people as blood donors comes with its own challenges. Generally, awareness of the need for blood donation is quite basic and the majority of donations come from people whose families are sick and in hospital. Given that a large percentage of the population is under 25, there’s a clear need to engage this audience, and so my work is cut out for me. I look forward to embracing this opportunity with open arms over the coming year, hopefully with many more coconuts and reggae-filled bus rides along the way.

Australian Volunteers for International Development is a new program from the Australian Government, managed by AusAID and implemented by Australian Red Cross. There are many opportunities for Australians to volunteer in Asia, Africa and the Pacific. The program covers airfares, accommodation, living allowances, insurance and other costs. Visit www.ausaid.gov.au/ volunteer and search for Red Cross assignments, or call us on (03) 9345 1834.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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Red Cross aid worker wins international award Australian nurse and Red Cross aid worker Noela Davies has received a prestigious humanitarian medal, the highest international honour for her profession. The Florence Nightingale Medal is awarded by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and recognises exceptional courage and devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disaster. ‘Can you imagine a woman who does not read or write, not even the Koran, having to learn how to recognise and treat signs of anaemia?’ says Noela as she recalls one of her most rewarding missions, furthering basic medical skills among women in Ethiopia’s Gode region. ‘The main illnesses identified in that area were malaria, diarrhoea, eye infections, and wounds,’ she says. ‘The women were great – they were interested and committed and they picked up information quickly.’ This is one example of the ten challenging Red Cross missions that Noela has completed. She has worked

in war-torn Kenya and South Sudan performing triage and treating the wounded. She established a primary health care facility in Kenya’s floodaffected coastal towns. In Australia, she has worked to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. For Noela, there is still work to be done and she will continue to volunteer for overseas missions. Australian Red Cross Head of International Programs Donna McSkimming said, ‘Noela is a credit to Australian nursing – an ordinary Australian who has made an extraordinary contribution.’ Noela humbly accepted the award in front of fellow delegates and Australian Red Cross staff in June. ‘I accept this award on behalf of delegates, past and present, from International Committee of the Red Cross and other aid organisations.’ Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Australian Red Cross CEO Robert Tickner described the Medal as, ‘the mother of all awards. It embodies the wonderful values that we all work for here at Red Cross.’ Noela is one of 39 recipients from 19 countries of the Florence Nightingale

Noela Davies. Photo: Louise Cooper.

Medal in 2011. The awards also recognise exemplary service or a pioneering spirit in areas of public health or nursing education. Recipients were nominated by their local national Red Cross or Red Crescent Society and selected by a commission comprised of the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Council of Nurses.

Humanitarian crisis in East Africa More than a million displaced people in Somalia are searching for shelter and food, and people living in the Eastern Horn of Africa are facing the worst drought conditions in 60 years. Red Cross is there to help. Red Cross is setting up feeding programs for malnourished children and providing safe drinking water. In Somalia, Red Cross has distributed more than 300 tonnes of assorted seeds along with farm tools like

shovels, hoes and rakes to enable farmers to cultivate crops.

How you can help More than 12 million people in East Africa are in need of urgent humanitarian aid according to the United Nations. You can help by donating to the East Africa Drought Appeal 2011 through visiting www.redcross.org.au or calling 1800 811 700. Newsletter for members and volunteers

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AROUND AUSTRALIA

Centenary Year of Red Cross in Australia 2014 – get involved!

The Centenary and Member Engagement Committee is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of Red Cross in Australia in 2014 – and we want to hear from you! The Committee is calling for expressions of interest, ideas and initiatives to mark this significant milestone. We invite you to look to our history and to our future, inside the organisation and out, as together we reach out to potential new members, supporters of all ages and backgrounds, and vulnerable people in our community. You can focus on one or more of the goals endorsed by the Red Cross Board to:

• celebrate the achievements and contributions of 100 years of Red Cross in Australia • energise the Australian community to support the work of Red Cross • strengthen Red Cross for the future to reduce vulnerability and improve lives. More information about these goals as well as the guiding principles that underpin them can also be found via the website at www.redcross.org.au/ heritage. In order to consider ideas from as many Red Cross people as possible, the Centenary and Member Engagement Committee asks you to complete and submit an expression of

interest form no later than 31 January 2012. Download the form at www.redcross.org.au/heritage. The Committee will ensure that no matter who you are, no matter where you live, and no matter how you contribute to Red Cross, you can play a role in celebrating the Centenary of Red Cross in Australia in 2014. Some of the best ideas, including those that take into account many of the goals and guiding principles, may also be invited to develop more substantial proposals. If you are unable to access the internet, call your state/territory’s Membership Coordinator through the contact details on page 12 of this newsletter.

Trusts and foundations at Red Cross Following this year’s unprecedented summer of natural disasters, Red Cross engaged philanthropic organisations to support our emergency services work. As a result, philanthropic partners offered the national recovery program significant support. The Community Enterprise Foundation, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Collier Charitable

Fund are to be commended for their unique and collaborative funding approach, supporting a suite of recovery programs in flood-affected communities across Queensland. Red Cross has established strong relationships with trusts and foundations within Australia and overseas. The trusts and foundations team at the Red Cross national office manages all philanthropic

funding opportunities for national, state and locally based programs for each of the service areas. Local networks can strengthen this area of work and Red Cross members are invited to share local funding opportunities with the National Trusts and Foundations Manager. Contact [email protected] or call (03) 9341 7523.

AROUND AUSTRALIA

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Face-to-face: the best way to fundraise Many of the regular giving fundraisers are young people, so it’s an effective way to reach out to other young people who are unaware of the many services Red Cross offers.

‘We’re raising awaremess of the many services Red Cross provides,’ says Liz Atkinson. Photo: Louise Cooper

You may have seen them in shopping centres, on city street corners or outside your local cafe, talking with people about the work of Red Cross. They are the fundraisers who connect Red Cross with the Australian public. They work to secure donors who give on a regular basis – our valuable ‘regular givers’. Regular giving is one of the most effective methods of raising muchneeded donations, so that we can continue helping vulnerable people. Our ongoing work is not possible without regular donations from the Australian public, which is why Red Cross has worked in partnership with cause-driven fundraising agency Cornucopia for ten years. Cornucopia has a team of fundraisers who specialise in engaging the public in conversation to raise awareness of non profit organisations and to recruit ongoing, regular donors.

Liz Atkinson has made a career out of regular giving fundraising. She started work as a fundraiser when she was backpacking in Australia from the UK. She loved the work so much she stuck around, and now, eight years later, Liz is training and managing fundraising teams. Liz feels it’s so important that charities like Red Cross are conducting this method of fundraising. ‘Every single day we have people out there on the street, we secure a certain number of regular donors for Red Cross,’ she says. ‘But, apart from that, we’re raising awareness of the many services Red Cross provides to the thousands of people who pass us every day. So we’re helping to educate the public, too.’ Regular Giving Manager Mike Nixon was once a street fundraiser before joining Red Cross in Sydney. ‘We can’t always rely on people going to the website and making donations,’ he says. ‘It’s important we directly reach out to people. The number of people who know about our emergency services work, but don’t know about our other services, is remarkable.’

Cornucopia recently gave Liz the opportunity to see first-hand how water and sanitation programs improve lives in Cambodia. ‘It really changed my life. There’s a very big difference between understanding the work of Red Cross, and then seeing for yourself how that work makes a difference to the lives of people living in remote communities,’ she says. ‘I use that experience when I train our fundraisers. They can see the emotion behind my experience and that makes a massive difference to the way they communicate with people on the street. We make sure that everyone working for Red Cross has a real emotional attachment to the work we do.’ Liz explains that many of the regular giving fundraisers are donors themselves. Next time you see a Red Cross regular giving fundraiser in your community, stop and say hello. To find out how you can become a regular giver visit www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700.

Regular giving is one of the most effective fundraising methods. Photo: Louise Cooper.

Newsletter for members and volunteers

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WA NEWS

Homeless Persons’ Week: the power of social media harm minimisation education was provided from our save-a-mate program; qualified First Aid trainers provided training and education on First Aid essentials on a one-to-one basis; retail services provided warm clothing; Red Cross units provided nutritious food; information and guided referrals were provided from our Private Tenancy Support program and our IT department provided crucial technical support.

Red Cross provides services to people facing homelessness across the country. Photo: Australian Red Cross.

On any given night, almost 14,000 people are homeless in Western Australia, as recorded in the 2006 Census. For the thousands of people experiencing homelessness, finding a roof over their head and a safe place to spend the night is a challenge. Kendal Head, Project Manager for Reconnect Through Facebook reports on local events for Homeless Persons’ Week. This year, events centred around the theme of ‘diversity’, engaging diverse people, from diverse addresses for diverse reasons. In Western Australia, Reconnect Through Facebook was a social networking event providing homeless people with the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends they may have lost contact with. The concept behind Reconnect Through Facebook came about when I found myself thinking about the degree of social isolation that someone living without a fixed address might experience. By providing access to Facebook (and the internet) along with the support of volunteers, homeless people came

along to set up a Facebook account, in a safe and friendly environment, and begin making contact and reconnecting with lost family and friends. This journey was enhanced by the social, emotional and technical support of various staff, volunteers and external agencies. The five-day event meant people could come back again and again and each time access food, Facebook, information, support and a chat. Each night the numbers grew, with six people on our first night to more than 30 by the final night. Regulars came back bringing along friends to enjoy some warm soup, home-cooked baked goods, freshly made sandwiches and a warm cup of tea or coffee in their very own mug, which they could keep. We also provided warm clothing, Red Cross beanies, toiletry packs, fruit, tinned food and even shoes for visitors to take with them. This event showcased the depth and value of the many services Red Cross offers in providing a hollistic approach to addressing homelessness. Soup was provided by the Red Cross Soup Patrol service; drug and alcohol

In addition, a number of local community businesses made donations, including Coles Northbridge, Food Bank, Priceline and Hollywood Hospital. St Vincent’s Passages Resource Centre, YMCA and Nyoongar Patrol provided face-toface information and referrals to a range of ongoing support services. Throughout the week, we saw a diverse range of age groups, cultural backgrounds, living conditions, social skills, computer skills and health conditions. The attendees shared their stories and experiences about being homeless, out of work, the difficulty in maintaining a job, their struggles with mental illness, legal complications, and most of all the lack of affordable housing. The beauty of social media is that no matter where in the world someone might be or what their life might be like, through Facebook, you are able to keep in contact and meet people from all over the world. Combining this with the dedication and invaluable support of Red Cross’ staff and volunteers, it was an event that brought hope and joy to all involved. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this event to life.

Join Red Cross on Facebook www.facebook.com/ AustralianRedCross

WA NEWS

Peace of mind

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SAM Our Way Workshop in Broome The SAM Our Way program aims to improve social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people between ages 16 and 25. Program activities address depression, anxiety, violence and problematic substance use and work to reduce harms associated with these issues through prevention education and capacity building.

Sarina Cinquegrana spending some time out with her mother Maria Anfuso. Photo: Frances Andrijich

Sarina is the primary carer for both her mother, Maria, who lives with her, and her father, Giuseppe, who lives alone. In 2005, Maria suffered a severe stroke which left her with multiple mental and physical disabilities. Now living with Sarina, Maria requires around-theclock support, leaving little time for Sarina to help her dad. Concerned about her father’s wellbeing, Sarina contacted Red Cross for support. Giuseppe now receives a short daily call from a friendly Red Cross

Telecross volunteer, providing peace of mind to his devoted daughter and allowing Giuseppe to continue to live on his own. ‘Being a full time carer for my mum takes all my time, which makes it difficult to keep checking on my dad,’ says Sarina. ‘The daily phone calls have enabled Dad to have some independence and quality of life in his own home. We don’t have to worry about him as much and it gives us reassurance to know he’s OK.’

Telecross volunteers needed Telecross is a free service which provides reassurance to people who may be disabled, frail, medically at risk or people who live alone in their own homes. The program allows older people to maintain their independence for as long as possible, reducing

the instance of premature or inappropriate admission into residential aged care. To find out about receiving a daily phone call, or becoming a volunteer, call Red Cross on 1300 885 698.

In July 2011, Western Australia hosted the national SAM Our Way workshop in Broome. Representatives from the program in South Australia and Northern Territory attended the workshop, along with key national office staff. The three-day forum commenced with a ‘Welcome to Country’ at the Kimberley Regional Office in Broome, followed by a series of interactive workshops, presentations and discussions. Local staff from other community programs joined the workshop to learn and share their experiences. In Western Australia, SAM Our Way sites operate in Kwinana and the West Kimberley, where program activities include cultural activities aimed to enhance young people’s connection to country and culture including bush trips, learning about language, music development, sport and social networking.

Newsletter for members and volunteers

WA NEWS

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Western Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week Broome, representing Red Cross at an event in the shady gardens of Broome Court House. There was a showcase of local artwork, children’s activities, live music and local food. Later in the week, the team enjoyed lunch together, to celebrate the achievements of our many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in the Kimberley. At the Goldfields regional office, NAIDOC celebrations were combined with the official launch of the Red Cross Outdoor Learning Centre. This alternative space for the delivery of local programs provides a comfortable, welcoming and therapeutic space for program participants to learn healthy lifestyle and social skills, and take part in cultural, art and healing activities.

Photo: Australian Red Cross

Red Cross was involved in a wide range of events and activities across Western Australia to celebrate NAIDOC Week. It was a fantastic week of diverse events to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Celebrations commenced in Kwinana, where the local team held a garden

and art workshop at Medina Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Despite an unexpected storm driving the planned activities indoors, the day was a great success. Members of the local community, staff from local agencies, program participants and their families enjoyed painting, learning about and planting vegetable and herb seedlings, making mosaic tiles and other art and craft activities. The Kimberley regional office took part in NAIDOC celebrations in

Western Australia 110 Goderich Street East Perth WA 6004 GPO Box P1239, Perth WA 6844 Telephone: (08) 9225 8888 Facsimile: (08) 9325 5112 Email: [email protected]

At Western Australia’s Red Cross headquarters in East Perth, a big celebration was held with staff, volunteers, program participants and community members. The celebration started with a ‘Welcome to Country’ and an inspiring performance by the Kwinana-based dance group, the Yonga Boys. This was followed by a Noongar language lesson and bush tucker tasting. Community Services teams also represented Red Cross at the NAIDOC Week opening ceremony held in Wellington Square. The week was a fantastic celebration of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Western Australia.

National Office 155 Pelham Street Carlton South VIC 3053 PO Box 196 Carlton South VIC 3053 Telephone: (03) 9345 1800 Facsimile: (03) 9348 2513 Email: [email protected]