General News
10 December, 2025
Volunteer recognised at Red Cross awards
Surprised members of the Horsham Red Cross were presented with service awards by Community Manager Nathan Brown at the November meeting.
Addressing the meeting, he reminded members that they were part of the largest humanitarian organisation worldwide, and that their contributions were something to be acknowledged and take pride in.
Jo Johns was recognised for decades of service at the Horsham branch with the silver medal for service.
"For more than three decades, Jo has served the community and been a guiding light through leading, mentoring with humility and heart," Mr Brown said.
Mrs Johns began volunteering with the Red Cross, working with junior members at the 298 Primary School, and spent 10 years there nurturing young minds with the values of compassion and service.
She continued that same passion at the Holy Trinity College for another 12 years, teaching the same values of compassion and service.
"Jo's leadership within the Horsham Branch has been exemplary," he said.
Ms Johns was president for 12 years and Vice President for the past 10 years.
She has worked tirelessly in fundraising by holding garage sales, catering, and knocking on doors for the Red Cross.
Division Council Chair of Victoria, Denis Dragovic, described her contribution as one of kindness and strength, and as a role model to the community, which she had continually strived to bring together.
Also receiving awards was Lorraine Clancy, who received the Victorian Service award and has been a member since 1973, serving at branches in Beulah, Hopetoun and Horsham.
Three awards for knitting trauma teddies were awarded to Trish Dent, Gail Zordan and Jen Doolan.
Children in wartorn Ukraine received Trauma Teddies lovingly knitted by Red Cross members Jen Doolan and Gail Zordan, who knit hundreds of the soft, cuddly teddies for children in need of comfort.
Ms Doolan said she first became aware of the trauma teddies when her grandson was given one at an appointment.
“That was more than 20 years ago, and I have been knitting them ever since,” she said.
“There is a specific pattern we have to use, and there are two sizes.
“We do them in a variety of colours depending on what wool we have.”
While saying she has probably knitted many hundreds of teddies in that time, she has not kept a tally and just does it for children who will benefit from having a teddy.
Ms Zordon said she has been knitting the trauma teddies for about six years. She knits the larger-size teddies and can complete a front in a night and the back the following night, so she has also knitted many since she began.
They are donated to hospitals, emergency wards, pathology, children’s wards, dentists, and the Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative.
“Last year we received a request for some to be sent to Ukraine, so we knitted them in the country’s national colours for the children there,” she said.
Once the teddies are knitted and filled with soft, cuddly stuffing, the important job of putting a smile on their face is in the hands of the project coordinator, Rhonda Hendon.
“I do the eyes and nose and the smiles, “ she said.”And then I deliver them or send them off wherever they are needed.”
Mr Brown also congratulated President Cheryl Linke on her valuable contribution, and all volunteers for their work at the Red Cross Op Shop, Meals on Wheels, and their local community work in times of need.
