Community & Business
15 May, 2026
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026
On Friday, May 8, members of the Gilgandra Branch of Australian Red Cross quietly celebrated, with people around the world, the birth of Henri Dunant.
By Shirley Marks
Henri Dunant founded the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement in 1863 and was also the first person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. The day highlights the work of millions of volunteers worldwide.
The 2026 theme for this special day is ‘United for Humanity,’ focusing on the power of collective action, compassion and service to humanity.
At our October meeting in 2025 members shared a cake to celebrate our 100th birthday and recalled how the branch commenced and some of the highlights throughout the years. The Gilgandra Branch of the Red Cross Society was formed in Gilgandra in 1914, lapsed in 1919 and was reformed in 1930 so last year we were able to claim 100 years of dedication.
In disasters big and small wherever the Red Cross works to prevent and relieve suffering, its emblem communicates that assistance is being provided in keeping with the fundamental principles of the global Red Cross Movement of humanity, independence, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Unfortunately, the need for our organisation over the years has increased not diminished in any way.
