Judith Newnham OAM

Mrs Judith Newnham joined the Mordialloc Unit of Australian Red Cross Victoria (ARCV) in 1968 and was its secretary from 1971-74. She attained First Aid Certificates in 1969-71, a Home Nursing Certificate in 1972 and qualified for her First Aid Medallion in 1972.

Judy left the State of Victoria to live in New South Wales in 1974 and while there joined Hills Detachment NSW in 1975, regularly attending meetings and working voluntarily at the Psychiatric Hospital, Paramatta, FESPIC Games and Marathon Runs. Judy taught first aid in numerous elementary schools, senior classes and for the Girl Guides, helped with the Army Training Company and taught CPR. Judy also assisted at first aid posts for the annual Castle Hill Show and local sporting events.

On her return to Victoria in 1980 Judy re-joined the Mordialloc Unit. She obtained her instructor's certificate with special mention of the high standard she attained in her first aid training. In 1981, after leaving Mordialloc, and moving to South Melbourne, she was instrumental in forming the Southport Red Cross unit after seeing a need in the area. After becoming secretary of this unit Judy was elected as Regional Chairman to the newly formed City Metropolitan Region.

In 1983, following the Ash Wednesday bushfires Judy received a Letter of Commendation for her work during this disaster. In 1983, Judy became ARCV's first full-time paid First Aid Instructor. With the completion of these courses she joined the Training Department and in 1988 became Assistant Manager of the Health and Safety Education Department, ARCV. As a First Aid instructor, Judy was chosen to travel to Papua New Guinea in 1991 to teach local government and community groups first aid.

In 1994, Judy's reputation as an authority on first aid once again made her the obvious choice to work with a team of three on the new First Aid Manual. Having completed the manual she then worked on writing a guide to accompany the manual.

After completing these projects, Judy moved back to voluntary work. From 1987-94 Judy was a member of the Australian Resuscitation Team. Judy was elected Regional Chairperson in 1997 and currently still holds this position. Judy is currently on the First Aid Advisory Committee, a member of both Divisional Council and Divisional Executive of ARCV and Chairman of Working Party for Commonwealth Games 2006 First Aid. In November 2000 and February 2001 Judy represented the Red Cross in Canberra at the National Council and the National Executive.

Judy's knowledge and expertise in first aid, her dedication and commitment to the Australian Red Cross, and her untiring efforts in the community make her a truly deserving candidate for this recognition of her service.