Managing Change Enquiry and Action

The Australian Red Cross (ARC) is a leading humanitarian organisation that exists to empower and support vulnerable people, making them more resilient through the delivery of services and the promotion of humanitarian laws and values. The ARC has an annual turnover of more than $A500 million (2014–15) and is one the largest non-profits in Australia, with over 500 branches, 20 000 members, 22 000 volunteers and 2400 staff.

The ARC was established at the commencement of World War I in 1914 as a National Society of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The IFRC is the world's largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 187 member National Societies.

The global intent statement of the IFRC movement is ‘power through humanity’. The second positioning statement that communicates most succinctly what the IFRC is about is ‘saving lives, changing minds’. In other words, combining humanitarian aid with advocacy.

In the hundred years since then, the ARC has continued to mobilise volunteers to deliver services beyond the scope of its original mandate. By the end of the 20th century, however, it was clear that the organisation was not effectively addressing the emerging challenges and complexities faced by communities in Australia. The organisation was still mobilising thousands of volunteers and serving the community but had a convoluted structure and lack of discipline in the development and delivery of humanitarian services. In short, the ARC was no longer aligned with the IFRC values and mission.