National Awards

Recognising Australian Red Cross People, aid workers and humanitarian partners for their contributions.

Australian Red Cross values the tremendous contributions our members, volunteers and staff make as champions of humanity in bringing aid to vulnerable people and advancing the organisation’s reputation and operations.

The Red Cross National Awards are a way to recognise special achievements by Red Cross people, with awards going to those who display exceptional leadership, service or performance through their contributions to Red Cross and the community.

Nominations

Nominations can be submitted twice annually. National nominations (staff members and National Board and Committee members) must be submitted directly to awards@redcross.org.au. All other nominations must be submitted to the State or Territory Awards Committee before going to the National Awards Committee. You can contact awards@redcross.org.au to be put in touch with your State or Territory Awards Coordinator.

Please ensure you submit the editable PDF nomination forms linked below. If you need to submit a non-editable PDF, please ensure you provide a copy of the citation in Word format.

Round 1 2025 opens on 17 February and closes on 16 May.
Round 2 2025 opens on 28 July and closes on 10 October.

Policy and procedure

Policy (PDF - 0.28 Mb)

Procedure (PDF - 0.21 Mb)

National Awards

Honorary Life Membership

Red Cross’ peak award for achievement, merit and service of the highest degree. It recognises long-term members who display devotion to Red Cross Principles, selfless humanitarian service, exceptional leadership and dedication to Red Cross.

Nomination form

Distinguished Service Award

Recognises members, volunteers or staff who display distinguished service to Red Cross and exceptional leadership over a period of at least six years at a local, regional, divisional or national level.

Nomination form

Outstanding Service Award

Recognises members, volunteers or staff who display outstanding service to Red Cross and dedication to Red Cross principles over a period of at least six years at a local, regional, divisional or national level.

Nomination form

Meritorious Service Award

Recognises members, volunteers or staff who display meritorious service of a definite, precise and outstanding nature to Red Cross – either in Australia or overseas, including during crises or disasters at a local, regional, divisional, national or international level.

Nomination form

Youth Meritorious Service Award

Recognises members, volunteers or staff aged 29 years or less who display exceptional service in pursuit of effective youth engagement at a local, regional, divisional or national level.

Nomination form

International Service Award

Recognised Aid Workers who represent Red Cross overseas and display exemplary service of a commendable nature or over a lengthy period of time – usually in conflict relief, natural disaster relief or within a development project.

Nomination form

Distinguished Staff Award 2

Recognises the dedication, service and leadership of Red Cross staff over a significant period of time (usually more than three years) at a local, regional, divisional or national level.

Nomination form

Distinguished Team Award

Recognises outstanding service to by a team of people (members, volunteers or staff) who display a close working relationship and exceptional service at a local, regional, divisional or national level, which enhances the work or reputation of Red Cross.

Nomination form

Humanitarian Partner Award

Recognises outstanding service by external humanitarian partners (individuals, corporations or institutions) who display a close relationship with Red Cross over a substantial period and exceptional service that greatly enhances the work or reputation of Red Cross.

Nomination form