FUNDRAISING Event: 25 March 2023

THIS year the Nambucca Red Cross Branch are holding a High-Tea on Saturday 25 March between 2 and 4 pm.

Tickets are $15.00 per head and can be purchased at the Red Cross Gift Shop in Bowra Street, next to the Teahouse.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to Red Cross Calling this year.

RSVP to Lesley Smith on 0421 593 323 by 21 March 2023.

Probus Club: 16 February 2023

The Nambucca Branch were invited by Nambucca Valley Probus Club to present a talk on ‘Preparedness’.

Presenters from the Emergency Services Team provided the audience with a range of resources to assist individuals in the event of an emergency which included: a Redi Plan, Get Packing, Mobile Apps, How to Prepare your Mind and your Companion Animal.

The audience were very interactive and participated during the presentation, raising relevant questions directed towards ‘preparedness’ for the individual and their particular circumstances.

If your organisation is interested in such a presentation, please contact Lesley Smith who can provide further details.

Valla Beach Community-led Resilience Team (CRT): Defibrillator Project

Red Cross have been active in supporting the formation of Valla Beach CRT in the early stages of this community-led team.

It has been a pleasure to work with this strong group of community members whose heart and direction focus on improving facilities for residents and ensuring a clear flow of information regarding how to respond to any emergency event.

Congratulations must be extended to the original steering committee, Pat Greenwood, Wendy Bagust, Sue Collins and to Julie Collins, the Project Launch Manager.

The launch on Sunday 12 February showcased the strength this community has within itself to achieve their outcomes and it is a clear testimony to the resilience and networking within a small community.

Türkiye and Syria

A recent series of earthquakes that have occurred in Türkiye and Syria have left thousands dead and injured and has caused significant damage across the region.

Australian Red Cross has now launched the Türkiye-Syria Earthquakes Appeal and donations can be made at www.redcross.org.au/earthquakes/#donate.

Your donation will help deliver immediate and long-term humanitarian support including search and rescue services, first aid, shelter, food, and non-food items, family relocation and the deployment of specialist aid workers.

Pillowcase Program

Since Covid restrictions, delivery of this popular program to primary school students has been hindered. However, this year we are delighted to deliver our first Pillowcase program to Medlow Primary school next month.

Principal Sarah Landers has been supportive of Pillowcase and we hope this is the start of many more presentations to primary schools in our valley

CRN – Community Resilience Network

Our first meeting for 2023 occurred at the RSL Nambucca Heads on Wednesday 15 February.

This group was developed as a result of the fires/floods in our area and the need for a larger community network to be formed that would share information/knowledge and be a united force.

The aim of the network is to involve Nambucca Community Members in emergency community preparedness and awareness.

Our second meeting will be held next month at the CWA Rooms at Macksville on Wednesday 29 March starting at 5:30 pm, followed by a light supper.

For further details please email NC.region@resilience.nsw.gov.au.

The Anniversary

February/March 2022 was a time of floods for many parts of our area including the Northern Rivers.

Even now many people haven’t returned to their homes or their normal life, as they once knew it.

Around anniversary time people may compare their situation or feel the weight of the expectations of others.

They may also have their own expectations of how recovery may feel and may become frustrated about their situation.

Milestones such as anniversaries can be challenging and everyone recovers differently and there is no one thing or time that marks the end.

As we move forward in 2023 it is important to understand that each person will move on in their own way and in their own time.

By Adele MCCOLLOM, Nambucca Valley, Red Cross Emergency Services