Wongala Junior Red Cross Home in Turramurra was established in 1947 as one of several children’s homes run by the Australian Red Cross. Wongala was described in The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser ‘as a holiday home for the delicate sons of service and ex-servicemen’. There were 10 boys already living at Wongala when it was officially opened on 25 October 1947. The Home could accommodate up to 26 boys. According to the Australian Red Cross, the Home closed in 1952.
The Turramurra property where Wongala was located was left to the New South Wales Division of the Red Cross Society in the will of Mr EA Clift. The Home was to be supported by the efforts of boys and girls of the Junior Red Cross. The Home was officially opened by Mr LG Kendall, Superintendent of Primary Education with the Department of Education on 25 October 1947.
The Home was a place for boys to convalesce and regain their full health. On Friday 31 October 1947 The Murrumbidgee Irrigator reported on the children that would visit Wongala.
‘Wongala.’ – The Junior Red Cross Home ‘Wongala’ is to be used in part for the purpose of giving long recuperative periods to asthmatic children, and also those liable to recurrence of respiratory infections. It is hoped that much benefit will result from this experimental program.
According to the Australian Red Cross website, Wongala Junior Red Cross Home closed in 1952.
From
25 October 1947
To
1952
1947 - 1952
Wongala was located at 27-29 Boomerang Street, Turramurra, New South Wales (Building Still standing)
