Some stories of service begin with a sense of duty. Others begin with a moment of grace. For St Aidan's alumna Rosslyn Baynes (1989), her remarkable journey with the Australian Red Cross began with both.

Just nine days after the birth of her firstborn son Finn, Rosslyn experienced a life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage. In those critical moments, it was the gift of eight units of blood made possible by the generosity of strangers and the quiet dedication of the Red Cross that saved her life. It is a debt she has never forgotten, and one she has spent over a decade repaying in the most meaningful way possible. Finn is now joined by his younger brother Lewis, and it is safe to say their mother has shown them exactly what it looks like to live a life of purpose. 

Since 2011, Rosslyn has given countless hours as a Red Cross volunteer  and since 2024, she has also taken on a staff role as part of the Preparedness and Recovery Program within Australian Red Cross Emergency Services. In this role, Rosslyn delivers workshops that educate children on how to prepare and cope in emergencies equipping the next generation with the tools and confidence to face the unexpected. It is important, meaningful work, and Rosslyn brings to it a depth of compassion that only lived experience can provide. 

  At the heart of her work is a deep understanding of psychological first aid and psychosocial communication, the human skills that sit quietly behind every emergency response. Rosslyn has taken this expertise across Queensland, working or deployed as a volunteer in communities in some of the state's most challenging moments.     

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Rosslyn has been honoured with the National Emergency Medal, awarded for her service between 2017 and 2020, a recognition presented in the name of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She has also received the Long Service Medal, awarded by nomination in recognition of a milestone over 1,000 hours of volunteering service. A truly humbling achievement that speaks volumes about the kind of person Rosslyn is. 

In July 2024, Rosslyn had the privilege of visiting the International Red Cross Museum in Geneva, Switzerland  an experience she describes as truly moving. Walking through the history of international humanitarian law and witnessing the global story of the Red Cross movement, she was reminded more powerfully than ever of why this work matters  and how urgently the world needs it today. 

But ask Rosslyn, and she will likely tell you that the real reward is far simpler than any medal or any museum. It is the knowledge that somewhere out there,  her contribution supports and assists those affected and feeling most vulnerable. 

From the halls of St Aidan's to supporting in the field of emergency response, from Queensland communities to the corridors of Geneva Rosslyn Baynes is a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, gratitude, and service. We are so proud to call her one of our own. 

"We can all make a difference  sometimes it just takes remembering when someone made a difference for us."