Australian Red Cross

When Cyclone Alfred neared, Australian Red Cross volunteers were there on the ground supporting evacuation centres. With anxiety gripping a community all too familiar with the devastation extreme weather brings, Australian Red Cross volunteers offered support and a friendly face. As families and strangers alike came together in evacuation centres, preparing for the worst, Australian Red Cross volunteers were there to greet and register people, and provide psychological first aid. Now, as the Cyclone passes, the rain falls, and as the damage is assessed, Australian Red Cross volunteers will be there to help transition from response to recovery. In this time of uncertainty, Australian Red Cross volunteers will continue to be there offering vital support and comfort to those in need, embodying the spirit of hope and resilience in the face of disaster. Thank you to our incredible volunteers, like Jenny, as well as our donors and partners who support us to be there for everyone, always. To learn more visit, https://lnkd.in/gywaFAKn

As we take a moment to reflect on International Women's Day yesterday, we celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped Australian Red Cross from the very beginning. Led by our founder, Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, who established the organisation in 1914, women have been at the heart of our mission to support people and communities in times of need. We honour the women who carry this legacy forward today — from our dedicated staff to our dedicated members and volunteers — whose compassion, strength, and commitment make a difference every day. Whether providing disaster relief on the ground in response to events such as the current Cyclone Alfred, supporting vulnerable communities, or advocating for those in need, their efforts are at the core of mobilising the power of humanity. ??

“One of the most remarkable things about Australian communities is how, in the face of disaster, people instinctively turn their attention to others — their neighbours, the elderly down the road, the children in their care. Time and again, we see people putting others first, lending a hand, and getting on with the job of recovery.” – Australian Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin AO APM. These words from Australian Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin’s opinion piece in The Mandarin reflect the spirit of Australian communities as they face ongoing crises. From the time of writing to the time of publication, we are seeing this once again as communities from Southeast QLD to Northern NSW brace for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, while those in North Queensland begin the long road to recovery after recent devastating floods. In these times of crisis, Australian Red Cross volunteers are there, providing critical support to help communities respond and rebuild. Right now, our teams are stretched across multiple parts of the country, offering help in Southeast QLD, Northern NSW, North Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. The road ahead is long, and we must continue focusing on what happens after the crisis subsides. Our work doesn’t end once the immediate response is over—long-term recovery and resilience are essential. Read more from Australian Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin about the vital role of volunteers in post-crisis recovery via the link below.

As Australian Red Cross volunteers are helping set up evacuation centres across the Southeast Queensland coast in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Australian Red Cross Director of Response, Collin Sivalingum speaks with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about the importance of also preparing communities emotionally and psychologically at this time. ?? Listen via the link below.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently tracking off the Queensland coast and expected to make landfall later this week. We know this could impact communities already hit hard by past disasters and those still recovering. Preparing before an emergency is critical. - Make a plan: Know where to go, who to contact, and have your emergency kit ready. - Pack essentials: Water, food, medications, first-aid supplies, important documents, and battery-powered devices. - Stay informed: Follow advice from emergency services and keep up with official warnings. - Prepare your home: Secure windows, doors, and outdoor items. Fuel your car and park it safely. Bring pets indoors. - Look out for each other: Check in with family, friends, and neighbours — make sure they’re prepared too. If you’re not in an at-risk area, you can still help. Your support helps us be there for communities before, during, and after emergencies: https://lnkd.in/gPuSKSPP

Today marks three years since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. More than 6.8 million people have fled the country, while another 3.7 million remain displaced within its borders. The humanitarian need continues to deepen. Access to essentials such as food, water, and healthcare remains a challenge, and the need for mental health support continues to grow as people face ongoing uncertainty. ? Since the crisis began, Red Cross teams in Ukraine and neighbouring countries have provided vital assistance to over 14.5 million people, delivering vital humanitarian aid. To find out more about our Movement efforts and how you can support, visit https://lnkd.in/eMSei2D9

Australian Red Cross volunteers alongside Services Australia, Recovery Support, Housing, The Salvation Army Australia and Lifeline Australia?at the Forrest Beach Recovery Hub, where they are providing much-needed support to communities affected by the North Queensland weather events. ??

As Australian Red Cross staff and volunteers work tirelessly to support communities in Queensland impacted by the devastating floods and extreme weather, we recognise the important support of our partners, like Qantas, in helping us mobilise and build our volunteer network so that we can continue to be there in times of disaster. For decades, Qantas and Australian Red Cross have worked together to support Australians in times of need.?Our national coordination ensures that resources and expertise are mobilised quickly, while our local response teams address immediate community needs with agility and care.???

Disasters can strike at any time, which is why being prepared is critical. Through partnerships with Amazon Australia, Foodbank Queensland, and Australian Red Cross, relief kits are pre-positioned in Queensland, ensuring essential supplies can be mobilised quickly when disasters hit. ? Right now, that preparation is in action in North Queensland, with Foodbank coordinating distribution of critical supplies to communities impacted by severe flooding - made possible through Amazon’s generous funding and logistics, and Australian Red Cross’ emergency coordination. ? Because when recovery starts sooner, communities can rebuild stronger. Preparedness makes all the difference. Learn more about how we plan ahead for times like this: https://lnkd.in/er2pHwX

Today, on our first-ever Extreme Heat Awareness Day in partnership with Sweltering Cities, we took our message to Parliament House, speaking with MPs about their plans to support communities facing extreme heat. Across Australia, our incredible volunteers came together to provide water, hydrolytes, and vital preparedness information to help people stay safe today and in the hotter days ahead. A huge thank you to everyone who spoke with us, shared our message, and took the time to learn more about extreme heat – and a special shout out to our partner, Zurich, Z Zurich Foundation, supporting this important initiative. Extreme heat awareness doesn’t end here. Learn how to prepare and stay safe during heatwaves: https://brnw.ch/21wQtKE