Maltese Welfare NSW conducted an Information Session at the Greystanes Support Group, facilitated by the Maltese Community Council of NSW. This important event was tailored for our senior community members and focused on the Red Cross.
The session was well received, with the audience actively engaging through questions and sharing their experiences of receiving Red Cross assistance while residing in Malta, as well as volunteering with the organisation in Australia. The group expressed appreciation for the presentation being delivered in Maltese. Following the success of this session, Maltese Welfare NSW plans to offer similar talks to other groups.
Australian Red Cross Volunteers Lawrence and Nathalie Gatt provided a comprehensive overview of the history of the Red Cross, its services within the Australian community, and the longstanding connection between Australian Red Cross and Malta, which dates back to the First World War. At that time, troops recovering from the Gallipoli campaign were cared for in Malta, where an Australian recreation hall—funded by the Red Cross—was constructed. Current efforts are underway to restore this historic building.
Today, Malta Red Cross is also firmly established and delivers a wide array of services. The importance of Australian Red Cross Social & Emotional Support Services—including Tele-Chat, Tele-Cross, and Home Visiting programs—was emphasised, particularly for the elderly community. These services, available to eligible recipients under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), were detailed during the session and are offered free of charge.
Maltese Welfare NSW continues to strengthen its partnership with the Red Cross by providing Maltese-speaking volunteers to assist Maltese clients when needed. Volunteering is essential to the effective delivery of these services, and we encourage all community members to consider the significant benefits of volunteering.
