The organisation was founded on a simple proposition which goes to the heart of our humanity - to provide relief from suffering from wherever it may come, and whoever it might strike and to make no distinction between nationalities, but rather give the same assistance to all people regardless of where they come from.

"That simple idea is the basis of our movement and international humanitarian law," secretary of Shellharbour Red Cross said.

"When Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, Australia too went to war.

"In the days that followed, Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, the wife of the Governor General who had been involved with Red Cross in Britain, founded Red Cross at Government House in Melbourne."

The idea was enthusiastically embraced and the rate of growth of Red Cross, as a result of the war, was phenomenal.

It quickly became the largest Australia-wide national voluntary organisation.

Over the course of two world wars and disasters and calamities in times of peace, Red Cross grew to become the nation's leading voluntary provider supporting emergency services, delivering social services, community development and overseas aid programs.

The 1970s completed the shift from wartime to peacetime operations and today Red Cross remains strong and is growing across a diverse range of national and local programs that help the most vulnerable people in need.

"Voluntary service is perhaps the strongest thread that runs through the 100-year history of Red Cross in Australia.

"We see this every day with the essential contributions of over 600 volunteers in our Southern Region," Mrs Pearson said.

"Locally our branches are all having their AGMS over the next few months including: Fairy Meadow, Dapto, Albion Park, Shellharbour, Oak Flats, Jamberoo, Gerringong and Kiama. People are most welcome to attend any meetings, or find out about becoming a member."

There will be many events to acknowledge the history and work of Red Cross and to ensure the organisation continues.

People can record their connection or stories related to Red Cross, no matter how small or at what point in time, on the centenary website.

The organisation wants to ensure this rich and personal history is not lost.

For more information about the events contact Sandra Pearson on 4296 2975.

Go to the website, check out the timeline and amazing stories that are already there and record your own at, centenary.redcross.org.au.