Volunteering Emergency Services
Volunteer with Australian Red Cross Emergency Services
Be there when it matters most
Whether it’s providing a listening ear, offering comfort during tough times, or helping communities prepare for the unexpected, Emergency Services volunteers play a vital role in supporting people before, during, and after disasters.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, united by a shared commitment to helping others when they need it most. Through simple acts of care and support, they make a real difference - offering reassurance in times of crisis and helping communities rebuild after emergencies.
By volunteering with us, you’ll find flexibility, a supportive team, and opportunities for personal growth and development. You’ll gain valuable experience in working with people from all backgrounds, while building new skills and making meaningful connections.
And now, more than ever, we need motivated people like you to lend a hand. Now’s the time to make a real difference in someone’s life when they need it most.
Australian Red Cross provides a range of support to communities at-risk of disaster or that have experienced an emergency. We work in communities before an emergency assisting with individual and community preparedness, during an emergency providing support in welfare and relief centres and through our emergency phone line, and after emergencies as communities move through the recovery process.
As an Australian Red Cross Emergency Services volunteer, you will have a direct impact with the members of your community. Whether you are providing personal support (Psychological First Aid) to people affected by emergencies, helping communities prepare for or recover from a disaster, or supporting training and operations, you will be making a real difference.
Got questions? Our team is here to help
Email us at volunteer@redcross.org.au
Give your time, flexibly
Every moment you give makes a difference. Whether it’s a few hours a week, a couple of days a month, or during times of emergency, your support is needed and valued.
You have a team to train and support you
Feel safe and supported with emergency response training, role-specific inductions, and ongoing resources to help you develop your skills. You’ll always have a team by your side, ready to guide you every step of the way.Everyone is welcome
All backgrounds, all life stages, one mission. Whether you’re retired, working, studying, or looking to give back, you can play a vital role in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Be part of a community
Join the Australian Red Cross Emergency Services team and connect with a network of dedicated volunteers who share your passion for helping others. Together, we bring care and comfort to people when they need it most.
Some of our existing volunteers
Volunteers heading to Far North Queensland as part of Australian Red Cross ongoing recovery support following Cyclone Jasper.
Kerry is an Australian Red Cross volunteer from Geelong, Victoria deployed to Queensland where she assisted in recovery centres across Far North Queensland.
Karyn and Joanna delivering a Pillowcase workshop to children in Kangarilla, South Australia.
Volunteers heading to Far North Queensland as part of Australian Red Cross ongoing recovery support following Cyclone Jasper.
Kerry is an Australian Red Cross volunteer from Geelong, Victoria deployed to Queensland where she assisted in recovery centres across Far North Queensland.
Karyn and Joanna delivering a Pillowcase workshop to children in Kangarilla, South Australia.
We're here to guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Apply online
Apply online by selecting your state/territory above.
Step 2: Connect with us
You'll be invited to an online session so we can learn more about you and share information. This will be an exciting part of your journey to become an Australian Red Cross Emergency Services Volunteer.
Step 3: Start your onboarding
We’ll prepare you for the role, assist you with compliance and guide you on starting your volunteering journey with us.
Become an Emergency Services volunteer
About volunteering with Australian Red Cross for Emergency Services
No experience is required, just a keen interest in supporting people in your community. We will provide you with all the necessary training and support.
You will be required to undertake a National Police Check, which will be organised through Australian Red Cross. The role will also require you to hold or apply for a Working With Children Check. Australian Red Cross can assist you to apply for this check.
Emergency Services require volunteers to be over 18 years old. There is no upper age limit to being a volunteer.
Volunteers positions are not paid, however if flights or accommodation are required Australian Red Cross will arrange and pay for your travel and accommodation. And if you are deployed in an emergency response you will also be reimbursed for your costs associated with meals, taxis and incidentals.
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The role of Australian Red Cross is to provide psychosocial support and meet immediate needs of those community members impacted by a disaster. As a Red Cross volunteer, you will meet community members at evacuation and recovery centres and use a check list to determine what levels of support they need. This might include temporary accommodation, food and water, cash assistance or nappies for a baby for example.
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Charity donations of $2 or more to Australian Red Cross may be tax deductible in Australia. Site protected by Google Invisible reCAPTCHA. © Australian Red Cross 2025. ABN 50 169 561 394
Karyn and Joanna delivering a Pillowcase workshop to children in Kangarilla, South Australia.