Australian Red Cross

This Refugee Week and World Refugee Day, we celebrate the milestone of one million permanent humanitarian visas issued in Australia since World War II.

That’s one million stories of people who found safety here after being forced to flee their homes, and who over the years have helped shape the Australia we all call home today. Each story is unique. Each one is powerful.

These stories are tied to our culture and our possessions, as is evident in the Australian Red Cross Museum of Stories and Things: a collection of memorabilia from our staff, volunteers and members who began again in a new country, navigating the loss of what they’ve left behind while finding safety, stability and a sense of belonging here.

Swipe through to learn more.

🐻❤️ Nearly 100 handmade Trauma Teddies have been donated to the Wombat Ward at Launceston General Hospital!

This week, Australian Red Cross proudly delivered a bundle of knitted bears that will help bring comfort, reassurance and a smile to children receiving care at the Wombat Ward.

Each teddy has been lovingly handcrafted by talented volunteers from across Tasmania, with many hours of knitting going into every bear. The teddies were then stuffed by community members at AGFEST and by students from Riverside High School in Launceston, making this a truly community-powered effort.

A huge thank you to every volunteer, student and supporter who helped bring these special bears to life. Together, you're helping provide comfort to children and families when they need it most. ❤️🐻

From veteran to volunteer.

This week in Canberra, we announced our partnership with Soldier On Australia to deliver the Serving On volunteer program. This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for transitioning Australian Defence Force members and veterans to continue serving their communities.

Veterans bring valuable experience, resilience and leadership that strengthen community response efforts. The program supports transition by providing purpose, connection and the opportunity to apply military skills in a civilian context through volunteer opportunities with Australian Red Cross.

The event was marked by a formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by our Acting CEO, Penny Harrison and Soldier On’s CEO, Paul Singer CVO. Australian Red Cross ACT Director Jessi Claudianos and other Australian Red Cross representatives were also in attendance and supported the announcement.

State of Origin? No, State of Giving ❤️

Ahead of tomorrow's game, swipe through to find out which state is leading Australia's generosity this end of financial year.

State-based data tracking this year's end of financial year donations, highlight how generosity is spread across the country.

As of this month, Victoria (35%) and New South Wales (27%) together accounted for almost two thirds (63%) of all donations. Meanwhile, a less populated region is leading in generosity per donation, with the Northern Territory recording the highest average donation ($596), followed by Victoria ($349).

Help tip the scales in your state or territory's favour!

This tax time, your donation can help more communities get the support they need before, during and after disaster.

Donate today: https://www.redcross.org.au/donate/

After fleeing conflict in Gaza, Samar arrived in Australia with her four children, carrying the weight of loss, grief and displacement. Early support from Australian Red Cross helped her access essentials, while long-term assistance is helping her rebuild a
more stable future for her family.

This Refugee Week, we recognise the many in our community who have experiences of migration or are refugees themselves.

With the help volunteers, partner organisations and local communities, our Humanitarian Settlement Program offers refugees a safe and welcoming introduction to their new life in Australia. The program assists refugees to establish themselves in their first 12 months in the country and runs in NSW, WA and the ACT.

We work alongside refugees to:
- set up their new homes
- learn about their new communities
- connect to local services like Medicare, schools and other community networks
- improve their English
- learn new skills
- link with job and volunteering opportunities.

Find out more: https://www.redcross.org.au/migration/humanitarian-settlement/

ABC News' Sally Sara spoke with Australian Red Cross delegate and surgeon Dr Herwig Drobetz, following Drobetz's recent deployment at the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah.

The story reiterates the importance of the field hospital and how it provides medical support to those who need it most.

Listen to the interview in full:

Australian doctor describes 'heartbreaking' work after returning from Gaza - ABC listen Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Herwig Drobetz has spent the past six weeks at the Rafah Field Hospital — working for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

When emergencies hit, Australian Red Cross is there, delivering comfort, connection and care to communities when they need it most.

That’s why we’re proud to welcome The Mangum Ice Cream Company as a long‑term partner. Through its Streets ice cream brands including Magnum, Paddle Pop and Golden Gaytime just to name a few, they’re helping to bring small moments of joy to people facing the long road to recovery after an emergency.

From the first moments of response through the months and years of rebuilding, we stand beside communities every step of the way. That commitment continues in Victoria, where we’re supporting those affected by the devastating January 2026 bushfires - from immediate relief through to long-term recovery.

During the fires, 172 Australia Red Cross staff and volunteers contributed nearly 3,900 hours across 20 LGAs - providing Psychological First Aid to more than 2,750 people and connecting over 9,650 others with vital support.

And the work is far from over.

We can’t do this alone. With the support of our valued partners, we’ve been able to immediately support communities, remain on the ground and bring a little joy as they recover.

After losing her home in the Kangaroo Island bushfires, Sabrina turned her hard-earned experience into action - supporting her community’s recovery and helping build resilience for the future. ​

In 2023, she began volunteering as a Disaster Recovery Mentor with Australian Red Cross. Today, her journey has come full circle, as she works with the organisation that once supported her, helping others be ready for disaster before it strikes. ​

“It can happen to anyone, any day. Being prepared saves lives.” ​

Your tax‑deductible gift can help support the work of people like Sabrina.

Donate before 30 June: ​
https://www.redcross.org.au/donate/