Former NSW Governor to be guest speaker at Salvos Hunter Red Shield Appeal Official Opening

NSW’s first female Governor will be the keynote speaker at next month’s launch of The Salvation Army’s Hunter Red Shield Appeal. 
 
Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO will attend the corporate luncheon at Wests in Newcastle on May 7.
 
Major Gavin Watts, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Newcastle region said he was extremely appreciative that Dame Bashir had accepted the invitation and for her support of the Appeal.
 
“To have someone such as Dame Marie, who has given and continues to give so much to the people of NSW, attend our Appeal launch is a great honour and a special treat for our luncheon guests,” Major Watts said.  
 
Dame Marie grew up in the NSW regional town of Nerrandra. She attended Sydney Girls High before studying medicine and surgery at Sydney University. In 2001, she became the first female Governor of NSW, a position she held until October 2014. 
 
Newly appointed chairman of the Hunter Appeal, Don Magin, is urging Hunter business people to get behind the luncheon and Hunter people to get behind the doorknock. 
 
Mr Magin said the local business community always rallies to kick-start this great annual cause. Last year’s event was attended by more than 400 people and raised more than $200,000.
 
He said the Appeal, which is in its 50th year, is vital in funding essential Salvo’s services that give local people a helping hand. The Appeal goal is to make a significant contribution to the $10.5 million The Salvation Army spends in the region annually. 
 
“More than 55,000 people relied on the Salvos last year in Newcastle and the Hunter alone,“ Mr Magin said.
 
“In Australia, someone turns to the Salvation Army every 31 seconds, and that is only possible because of generous community support,” he said. 
 
“Every cent raised in the Hunter Red Shield Appeal is spent on services in the Hunter.”
 
“I am very grateful for the generous support from The Wests Group Australia in covering the cost of the luncheon.” 
 
Attendance at the luncheon is by donation. People wishing to attend the luncheon or to volunteer for the Doorknock Weekend on May 30 and 31 should visit www.salvos.org.au/get-involved/help-us-fundraise/red-shield-appeal/newcastle-hunter-appeal-launch/, contact Hunter Appeal Director Amber Dale on 4929 5273 or email amber.dale@aue.salvationarmy.org 
 
To donate to the Appeal visit www.salvos.org.au/rsanewcastle