Australian Red Cross

Yesterday, our Deputy CEO Penny Harrison took the stage at SXSW Sydney with Samantha Selinger-Morris from SMH & The Age, and Michelle Klein from IAG and dove deep into how sectors collaborate, leverage trust, research, innovation, and tech solutions that tackle humanitarian problems.   Penny spoke about how fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation requires continuous engagement, collaboration, and learning from those we serve. For us at Australian Red Cross, curiosity means constantly asking how we can better serve communities, especially the most vulnerable. It’s about challenging the status quo and seeking new ways to make preparedness accessible and impactful.   Over the last decade Australian Red Cross has proudly collaborated with NRMA Insurance, sharing a common goal to help people and communities prepare for and recover from extreme weather and emergencies. We recognise that increasing emergencies, disasters and climate-related risks require collaborative solutions that draw from diverse perspectives and expertise across sector. Which is why in 2017, we worked with NRMA Insurance to develop the Get Prepared App to empower Australian households to take proactive steps to be better prepared for emergencies. Most recently we’ve scaled the Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi Workshops, helping individuals understand local risks and build emergency plans. This collaboration has been strengthened through our involvement in the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience, advocating for public policy changes that benefit communities across Australia.   The humanitarian sector has much to offer— bringing trust and credibility to ensure these innovations work where they’re needed most. But we can’t do it alone. Together, we can create effective and inclusive solutions that empower communities to thrive in the face of challenges. ❤   Thank you, SXSW Sydney for this opportunity and to everybody who attended the panel discussion. To find out more about our Get Prepared app head here: https://lnkd.in/gRxC7S8U

Today, Australian Red Cross is supporting Qantas and the Australian Government in providing comfort and support to Australians returning home on repatriation flights from Lebanon. Australian Red Cross volunteers will be on the ground at Sydney Airport, ready to provide psychological first aid and referrals for further support to those returning. To offer a token of comfort throughout the journey, we’ve made sure 100 of our Australian Red Cross Trauma Teddies will be onboard to give to passengers travelling home.  To find out how you can support those impacted in the region visit https://lnkd.in/gggKbBhy.  

Since October 2023, we have seen a devastating escalation in the armed conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, causing relentless human suffering and a dire humanitarian situation. All components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are responding to the crisis, extending support across all sides and affected communities, helping those who need help the most. Australian Red Cross has launched a Middle East Appeal to provide further support for immediate life-saving assistance as well as longer-term relief efforts for those impacted by the conflict. We are neutral, impartial and independent. We take no side other than the side of humanity, which is universal to all of us. Neutrality is not indifference and our confidentiality is not silence. We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war, ensuring the protection of civilians, critical infrastructure, healthcare and humanitarian workers and their facilities. Read more about how Australian Red Cross is supporting, or donate to our Middle East Appeal here, https://brnw.ch/21wNrkU

Did you know that 84 per cent of Australians have unused clothes sitting in their wardrobes? That’s $20 billion worth of clothing that could be given a new life while making a big difference in our communities.   If you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth, on Saturday 19th October our Uber x Australian Red Cross Clothing Drive is back to make it easier than ever to donate quality, pre-loved clothing to Australian Red Cross Shops with a free pick-up straight from your doorstep. Our shops need high-quality clothing and accessories to sell, helping fund humanitarian programs that support people facing vulnerability and hardship. To get involved, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 19th October, simply book a free Uber Package pickup via the Uber app to collect your pre-loved clothes. Together, we can declutter wardrobes and support those in need.   If you're looking for other ways to support, you can also donate your time. We're looking for volunteers on the day to help sort and prepare donations for our shops. To volunteer, visit https://lnkd.in/g_9wXnhW

Human connection is at the heart of our Aged Care services, building relationships like the one shared by volunteer Matt, and Di. Matt has been visiting Di on weekends for nine months and enjoys taking her out for coffee, cake, and a chat. Matt and Di have been out to the markets, for ice cream, scenic drives along the foreshore, and they always grab coffee and a sweet treat on their outings. Di looks forward to Matt taking her out and soon found her favourite spot for carrot cake! The number of people aged 65 years or older is projected to double by 2050, and as our population ages these support systems are more important than ever. This International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate the work of Australian Red Cross staff and volunteers supporting older people through our Aged Care services. To find out more visit, https://brnw.ch/21wNkAa.

A big thank you to MG Motor Australia for supporting Australian Red Cross during their annual Show and Shine initiative.

Australian Red Cross welcomes Foreign Minister Penny Wong's announcement of a new declaration to protect humanitarian personnel in conflict zones at the United Nations General Assembly today. This initiative is vital, as the alarming rise in aid worker fatalities underscores the urgent need for the global community to reaffirm its commitment to International Humanitarian Law. Australian Red Cross Executive Director of External Engagement Yvette Zegenhagen OAM joined the conversation as she spoke to media nationwide, highlighting the importance of respecting the laws that protect civilians and aid workers delivering humanitarian relief. As we continue to engage in these critical discussions, we look forward to supporting this initiative through continued collaboration with the Australian Government , our International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement colleagues, and humanitarian organisations worldwide. We hope this will drive forward global dialogue and action that enhances the safety of aid workers with the hope of ensuring they can operate as safely as possible in some of the world’s most dangerous areas. Listen to Yvette’s interview on ABC AM here: https://lnkd.in/gYpEAetZ

We’re proud to announce that our Australian Red Cross First Nations Recovery Group (FNRG) has been awarded the Queensland Resilient Australia Award!  This incredible recognition highlights their commitment to delivering culturally appropriate resilience and recovery programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Since 2020, FNRG has been walking alongside communities, working to strengthen capacity and support people in planning and implementing recovery efforts tailored to local needs. Together, we’re building resilience and empowering communities to thrive. For everyone, always. 

When it comes to getting emergency ready, if you’re not sure where to start, here are four simple steps to get your emergency plan off to a great start. 💡 Get in the know: About your risks, where to get information, and how to manage stress.    📍 Get connected: By identifying emergency contacts, meeting places, and people who can help.     📋 Get organised: With important documents, medical information, insurance and pet plans.     🎒 Get packing: With a list to help you survive and personal items that are important to you.    Download the Get Prepared app today to create your all-hazards emergency plan at https://brnw.ch/21wMLqP

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, making disaster preparedness a year-round necessity. Emergencies wait for nobody, that’s why it’s so important to take action now. Each September, during 'EmergencyRedi Week', Australian Red Cross reminds people across the country the importance of being prepared. Take action today and complete your emergency RediPlan to protect what matters most, https://brnw.ch/21wMGMY