Red Cross helps communities better prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies. In New South Wales (NSW), Red Cross plays an important role under the State emergency management arrangements and the work of Red Cross is carried out primarily by volunteers.

Personal Support

Red Cross Personal Support volunteers provide information, care and comfort to people affected by an emergency or disaster and refer them to appropriate sources of assistance. Volunteers work in their local area at evacuation centres, recovery centres, or through outreach (door-knocking) in affected areas following an event. Personal Support volunteers are caring, practical people who have good listening skills, demonstrate empathy for others and work effectively in a team during an emergency.

National Registration and Inquiry System (NRIS)

Red Cross, in conjunction with the NSW Police, registers people affected by emergencies and disasters in New South Wales and manages subsequent enquiries through the NRIS. Trained volunteers register people affected by a disaster, enter data into NRIS, respond to telephone calls to provide relatives and friends with basic details of the whereabouts of people affected by an emergency or disaster.

REDiSupport

Red Cross REDiSupport volunteers are experienced and highly trained volunteers who respond to emergencies and disasters outside their local area to support and build the capacity of local teams to respond.

Becoming an Emergency Services volunteer

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Red Cross Emergency Services you will need to attend Personal Support training which is held in various locations throughout the year. If you have any questions about volunteering with Emergency Services please contact us via nswemergency@redcross.org.au or call 1800 812 028.