Red Cross volunteer missed

Ettalong Beach resident Ms Frankie Oates will be dearly missed by the Peninsula community, according to Red Cross publicity coordinator Ms Amber Edwards.

Ms Oates passed away at the age of 87 on November 17 last year at Gosford Hospital.

"Frankie was involved in a number of charities, contributing her time and efforts to Red Cross, Samaritans, Anglicare, Lifeline, VIEW Club, the Fred Hollows' Appeal, Overseas Missions, as a pastoral carer for her church and a volunteer for other churches," Ms Edwards said.

"We will all miss her enthusiasm, kindness and caring nature."

After raising her family in Sydney and working for various charity groups she moved to the Peninsula in 1983 with her husband Walter.

Ms Oates joined the Wagstaffe Branch of Red Cross, becoming the honorary secretary not long afterwards and held the position until the branch closed in July 2000.

In 1992, Ms Oates received an OAM for her commitment and contribution to charity work in Sydney and on the Central Coast.

Her husband passed away in 1993 and she moved into an Ettalong Beach unit with a double garage so that would be able to continue her charity work and Red Cross Shop from her house.

In 1996, she was awarded a Red Cross Service Award for her work in the community.

After Wagstaffe branch closed, Ms Oates joined the Umina Beach branch, where she was a member until the time of her passing.

Ms Oates was an active member of the Umina Beach branch, helping with donations, trading tables, street stalls and fundraising ideas.

She promoted Red Cross merchandise for many years, particularly at Christmas time.

Ms Oates retired from the service in 2006 due to health problems.

"Her memorial service was attended by nearly 100, with people coming from as far as Padstow to remember the life of a wonderful member of their community and ours," Ms Edwards said.

Press release, 11 March 2008 Amber Edwards, Australian Red Cross