Central Jamberoo is festooned with red wreaths and Australian Red Cross memorabilia as the local branch puts their best foot forward to mark the 110th anniversary of the organisation’s work. 

On Tuesday 13 August, Jamberoo Branch is celebrating by asking locals to wear red as a thank you to the volunteers who have been, and always will be here to help. 

Formed after the outbreak of World War One in 1914, the Australian Red Cross Jamberoo Branch has played a pivotal role in connecting older or vulnerable community members and raising funds for life changing Australian Red Cross programs. 

Jamberoo Branch President, Barbara Adams, says turning 110 is a milestone worth celebrating. “We are proud of our long history serving this community and of the volunteers and members who continue to deliver what’s needed to those who are most vulnerable. In celebration of this milestone, we’re encouraging the Jamberoo community to wear red to acknowledge those we have stood beside, and those who continue to make our important work possible,” she said. 

In celebration of the 110th anniversary, from Sunday 4 August, Red Cross memorabilia will be on show in the vacant shop next to Kings Patisserie in Allowrie St, Jamberoo, and local businesses will display an exhibition of images by well-known Jamberoo photographer Linda Faiers, showing past and current Jamberoo Red Cross volunteers in action. 

Branch members skilled in knitting and crochet will also be yarnbombing and garlanding the village to “paint the town red”. 

From 10 till 2 on Thursday 8 August, Ms Adams will host the regional Red Cross Zone Conference at Club Jamberoo, with around 50 delegates expected including members from neighbouring Red Cross branches in Kiama, Gerringong, Albion Park, Dapto and Fairy Meadow as well as dignitaries from Head Office. 

On Tuesday 13 August, Jamberoo Branch is putting on a free community morning tea from 10am till midday in the RSL hall on Allowrie St, with all welcome to join in the celebrations. From 10am that morning, there will also be a drive-by of classic cars through Jamberoo courtesy of members of the Jamberoo Valley Classic Vehicles Club – look out for red and white vehicles in particular.