Red Cross Limestone Coast members, staff and volunteers have paid tribute following the passing of one of their stalwarts.

Claire Welch OAM dedicated more than three decades to Red Cross in Mount Gambier.

A Red Cross spokesperson said Ms Welch’s “long and sterling service to the community through the Australian Red Cross is legendary”.

“She contributed in excess of thirty years of service and held number of executive positions during that time,” the spokesperson said.

“Her Red Cross service is testimony to her personal belief and values. Claire embraced with a passion, the humanitarian tenets of the Australian Red Cross.

“As part of her involvement in Red Cross, Claire recognised the plight of housebound and frail aged residents who were potentially at risk, when living on their own.

“Claire could not countenance the thought that an elderly person could fall at home and not be able to summon help and suffer from an injury or illness as a result.”

Consequently, Ms Welch in 1991 pioneered the TeleCross service in Mount Gambier.

“Once again her leadership style influenced other caring residents to join her and provide a service 365 days a year, as a mantle of safety and security for our more senior residents,” the spokesperson said.

“The service founded by Claire continues to this day and is treasured by the client group.

“For her valuable service to Red Cross, Claire received the Distinguished Service award in 1993 and held a Red Cross Long Service Award.

“Claire was also the Regional Disaster Liaison Officer for the Lower South East for 17 years. The region ran from Robe to Nelson, including Mount Gambier, Penola, Kalangadoo and Millicent.

“Vale Claire, thank you for your service to the most vulnerable in your community.”