Australian Red Cross Society:
Australian Red Cross Society

Australian Red Cross Society is a charity based in Melbourne, Victoria, delivering support during disasters and migration assistance for vulnerable people through Telecross and Telechat programs, and first aid training, supporting thousands annually.

Melbourne, VIC (view contact and location information)

ABN: 50169561394

Legally incorporated on ,
registered as a charity on the
ACNC Charity Register
since .

About Australian Red Cross Society – Humanitarian Aid Across Australia

The Australian Red Cross Society, a DGR-endorsed and ACNC-registered charity since 2012, delivers essential humanitarian support to vulnerable Australians nationwide. Established in 1914 in Melbourne as a branch of the British Red Cross, it became an autonomous national society incorporated by Royal Charter in 1941 (ABN 50 169 561 394). The organisation acts for humanity by providing disaster relief, migration support, first aid training, and social connection services to people affected by emergencies, extreme weather, isolation, and displacement, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, older Australians, and disaster-impacted communities.

Programs and Services

Australian Red Cross Society operates diverse programs including disaster response supporting people before, during, and after crises; Telecross and Telechat connecting volunteers with isolated individuals; migration assistance for people from 129 countries; and first aid education reaching schools and communities. It pioneered Australia’s blood transfusion service in 1929, now evolved into Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, and maintains a global role within the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Impact and Reach

  • 281,923 people received disaster support in the year to June 2025.
  • 139,168 volunteer hours via Telecross and Telechat programs.
  • 34,170 people from 129 countries aided through migration programs.
  • 70,000+ students completed first aid training.
  • 18,209 members and volunteers active across Australia.

These efforts demonstrate nationwide coverage from urban centres to remote areas.

Expertise and Partnerships

With over a century of experience, the Society employs evidence-based approaches in humanitarian aid, disaster management, and health services. It partners with government on asylum seeker schemes and maintains formal recognition as a key welfare provider.

Get Involved

Join as a volunteer, donate essentials, fundraise, or complete first aid training. Opportunities include community actions like knitting for kindness or supporting refugees with food and healthcare.

Take a Look at Their Work

Explore the Work of Australian Red Cross Society Through Images and Stories

Discover how Australian Red Cross Society creates safer communities through their work. Visit their social media channels to follow their daily efforts, updates, and inspiring stories making a real impact.

All photos and videos are © Australian Red Cross Society and have been sourced from their official website.

Get Involved & Make a Difference

See FAQs about donating to Australian Red Cross Society:

How can someone donate blood to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood?

To donate blood, individuals can start by checking the availability at their nearest donor centre. They can enter their suburb or postcode online to find a convenient location.

What types of blood donations are accepted by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood?

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood accepts donations of blood, plasma, platelets, milk, microbiome, and blood stem cells.

Why is plasma donation important in Australia?

Plasma is a powerful part of the blood that can be used in 18 different life-changing ways, and Australia needs more of it. Donating plasma can be a life-saving answer for many.

Can someone donate microbiota as well, and if so, where?

Yes, in Perth, the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood collects microbiota, which can be used to treat serious gut conditions.

What is the importance of O positive blood type donations?

O positive is Australia’s most common blood type and crucial in emergencies, as 84% of the population can receive it. Therefore, O positive donors are vital when every second counts.

How can someone find their nearest donor centre?

Individuals can enter their suburb or postcode on the Lifeblood website or app to find their nearest donor centre.

Who should they contact if they have more questions about donating?

For more questions about donating, they can contact the Australian Red Cross at contactus@redcross.org.au.

Looking to support a cause that truly matters?

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Empowering Humanity Through Volunteering

Volunteering with the Australian Red Cross offers an opportunity to step up for humanity, making a real difference in people’s lives. Volunteers can engage in various roles, from supporting disaster-stricken communities to assisting in aged care services. Each role contributes to empowering and connecting individuals, ensuring no one is left behind.

Volunteers gain new skills and join a network of like-minded individuals in Australia and beyond. With flexible commitments, every moment given leaves a lasting impact, making volunteering both accessible and rewarding.

The Australian Red Cross ensures that volunteers feel safe and supported with role-specific training and ongoing resources. Emphasising inclusivity, they welcome individuals from all backgrounds and life stages to contribute to this global humanitarian movement.

Visit Australian Red Cross Society’s official website to explore volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved.

Contact Australian Red Cross Society and Follow Their Work

Follow this charity on their social media channels. Stay updated with the latest news, events, and inspiring stories to see how they make a difference every day.


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Source of information and last update date:

The information on this profile has been sourced from the ACNC Registered Charities dataset and the organisation’s own website.
The last review was completed on .
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