As disasters increase across Australia, so does the demand on Australian Red Cross emergency services.
There are more than 500 Australian Red Cross emergency services volunteers across Victoria who are critical in providing vital support to communities when disaster strikes, but more are needed.
With Victorians’ experiencing several large-scale disasters over the last five years, Australian Red Cross is calling for more Victorians to put their hand up to help out.
Australian Red Cross state manager emergency services Victoria Fyowna Norton said becoming a volunteer is a wonderful way to make a positive impact on the lives of others, that also opens doors for personal growth and exciting opportunities.
“Our volunteers help people and communities to prepare for, cope with, and manage the psychosocial impacts of emergencies, before, during and after the event; they are a vital part of Australian Red Cross’ emergency response,” Ms Norton said.
“Not only do volunteers support people in their own communities but they also have the chance to deploy to other states and territories to be where they are needed most.
“Anyone can volunteer, and we always encourage people from diverse backgrounds and ages to join our volunteer community.
“We hear from many of our volunteers about the new skills they have learnt, and the new friends they make during their role with Australian Red Cross.
“It’s in trying times when communities band together to help one another and we see all Red Cross volunteers shine doing what they do best”.
Australian Red Cross volunteers gain access to internationally and nationally developed training to undertake their roles, including psychological first aid, community engagement and development, preparedness, and recovery.
Becoming an Australian Red Cross volunteers means joining a movement that has been responding to emergencies and providing humanitarian assistance across Australia since 1914.
For more information contact vicsesworkforce@redcross.org.au or see roles at www.redcross.org.au/volunteer
