Coffs Harbour branch members gathered on-site at dusk as the icon beamed out its birthday message.

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Local branches founded in 1914 included Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Coramba and Upper Orara.

“These branches raised money and provided goods such as clothing, produce, tobacco, stationery and blankets for our soldiers’ wellbeing”, Secretary of the Coffs Harbour Branch Trish Mill told the News Of The Area.

Money was also sent to assist hospitals in the UK and France.

The Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga branches closed after WW1 but soon re-formed as needs arose.

Both branches, along with Coramba, were active during WW2 raising funds and goods to support their local communities and the troops.

In 1939, the Australian Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment (No. 832) was formed in Coffs Harbour.

Volunteers were required to pass First Aid and/or Home Nursing Certificates.

During WW2 they worked six-hour shifts at the hospital, tending to patients.

“A member of the detachment, Nancy King, remembered travelling up to Lowanna by army ambulance to practice nursing skills in a mock battle staged by the army,” Ms Mill said.

Volunteers also provided meals to the troops passing through Coffs Harbour railway station on their way to Brisbane or Sydney.

The VADs disbanded after the war, however reformed in 1964 to begin community service.

They volunteered at the blood bank, ran first aid courses and assisted in the rehabilitation of stroke victims.

They also helped set up the Red Cross Telecross service in 1990.

Over the years, the region’s various branches, including two at Sawtell, went through periods of amalgamations, closures and refreshes.

Both Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga branches re-formed in 1991 and have now been operating for 33 years.

As well as conducting various fundraising appeals, they have assisted the Refugee/Migrant program and the Learner Driver program.

They have also instigated Playscheme at the hospital’s children’s ward and the Hands On program, which provides care and companionship to aged care residents.

“Their main Emergency Services emphasis now is on helping people prepare themselves, their families and their pets for a disaster,” Ms Mill said.

“And to provide ongoing support, long after the event.

“We have a dedicated band of volunteers who knit little trauma teddies to be given to kids and adults who are in stressful situations, for whatever reason.

“We proudly wear our uniforms and march every Anzac Day, emphasising the strong ties that the Red Cross has in supporting our servicemen and women.”

By Andrea FERRARI