And last week, after all the preparations, the 100th birthday celebrations were underway, running proud and true throughout the Valley.

They began with a flag raising ceremony at Macksville council chambers. 

“Council promised to fly the Red Cross flag for the month of August,” Nambucca branch president Lesley Smith told the Guardian.

“We’ve been the envy of neighbouring branches - as we’re the only one whose council has flown the flag.”

A number of local businesses decked out their front windows to show their support  - the red and white balloons, streamers, posters and banner couldn’t be missed as you walked along Bowra St in Nambucca Heads and through the Macksville and Bowraville town centres.

“We would like to thank everyone who decorated their windows, it’s wonderful to see both businesses and the wider community get behind us to celebrate,” Lesley said.

“Everything was great, but the birthday was definitely the highlight.”

Last Wednesday, August 13, Marion’s Tea House came alive with an enthusiastic crowd of some 20 people, keen to be part of the cake cutting ceremony.

This week, the rose planting at Nambucca’s Riverside Gardens and Macksville’s Autumn Lodge “went off well”.

“The roses were specially grown in SA for this centenary - our thanks to Nambucca Valley Care staff for helping us wrap up the celebrations.”