The paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Australian Historical Association at the University of Queensland in 2014 explored the role of Australian country women in supporting the Red Cross during the First World War. The paper focused on the Camden District Red Cross, emphasizing the conservative women’s empowerment in embracing the Red Cross, serving as ministering angels, and upholding patriotic values. Total words: 78
Category: Volunteerism
‘Guardian Angels’, the Red Cross on the wartime homefront
During the First World War, Australian women independently joined the Red Cross to support the war effort. The Red Cross provided a space for women to express agency and contribute to the war through practical activities and fundraising. The organization's local branches established a sense of community and played a significant role in the homefront war effort.
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‘Angels Of Mercy’, The Red Cross On the Homefront During the First World War
During World War I, the Australian Red Cross mobilized women as 'Angels of Mercy' and 'ministering angels' to provide aid with strong moral overtone. The organization used motherhood imagery to rally support, portraying itself as the 'Greatest Mother in the World'. This approach effectively garnered community backing and positioned Red Cross workers as soldiers' guardian angels.
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Red Cross humanitarianism and female volunteers in Australia
The Australian Red Cross has a long history of female volunteers providing aid to disaster victims. These women, often undervalued, found opportunities for social and political agency within the organization. Through fundraising and volunteering, they significantly contributed to the welfare of soldiers during the First and Second World Wars, yet their achievements have often been overlooked.
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New South Wales Women and the Red Cross: A Noble Cause
During the First World War in Australia, the Red Cross organization saw enthusiastic support from New South Wales women, spurred on by Lady Helen Munro Ferguson and the state's elite. The movement mobilized thousands for war support, with both urban and rural branches contributing countless hours and funds to provide comfort and aid to soldiers.
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Camden Rose Festival 1968: history and festivities
The Camden Rose Festival, founded by JW Hill, celebrated the 1960s' prosperity and optimism. The festival included a street parade, wheelbarrow derby, art exhibition, and a masked ball. The event attracted significant community participation and raised funds for Camden District Hospital. The festival reflected the spirit of the post-war years and local community engagement.
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Local historian talks at an international conference in Adelaide
Dr Ian Willis OAM challenges myths of WWI in his talk at the 2024 Australian Historical Association conference. He examines the Australian military's response to sick and wounded soldiers and the role of the British Red Cross. The conference aims to uncover home truths and dispel historical myths. Dr Willis's research focuses on the Red Cross's role in soldier recovery.
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Volunteer Expo, an exceptional networking event
The Volunteer Expo at Julia Reserve Community Centre, Oran Park, NSW, showcased local community organizations during National Volunteer Week. The event aimed to promote volunteering and featured 36 organizations. The expo provided networking opportunities and highlighted the importance of social capital and storytelling in building community resilience. The Camden Council played a vital role in organizing the successful event.
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Voluntary labour worth thousands of dollars to the Camden Museum
Small museums contribute a considerable amount of value to the economy through unpaid voluntary labour. According to the latest research, the value of unpaid voluntary labour to the Camden Museum is worth around A$580,000 a year. The Camden Museum and the Camden Historical Society are completely run by volunteers. They are some of many voluntary community organisations in the local area.
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Menangle School of Arts hall, the heart of a village, under redevelopment
The Menangle Community Association is leading a project to replace the former Menangle School of Arts with a modern community hall.
