Length of term: Three years (with eligibility to be re-elected for two further three-year terms)
Remuneration: Non remunerated volunteer role, other than reimbursement of reasonable expenses
Location: Anywhere within Australia
How to apply?
Nominations for up to three Special Councillors (to be elected at the National Council Annual General Meeting on 26 November 2026) can be submitted through this page on or before 7pm AEDT on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
Instead of submitting a CV, you must submit a completed Nomination Form and Nominee Statement, which is accessible here.
What is a Special Councillor?
Special Councillors are eminent Members of Australian Red Cross who have made a significant contribution to Australian Red Cross. They are elected to provide input and undertake special functions from time to time. Special Councillors are members of the National Council, which is the peak representative body for Members of Australian Red Cross whose role is to act in the interests of Australian Red Cross Society.
Eligibility to be a Special Councillor?
To be eligible to be a Special Councillor, you must meet the requirements in Rule 11.3 [Eligibility to be a National Councillor] and Governance Regulation 4.3 [Special Councillor nominations]. In summary, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be a current Member of Australian Red Cross.
Have been a Member of Australian Red Cross for at least five years.
Have made an outstanding contribution to Australian Red Cross Society.
Not be disqualified from being a responsible entity under the ACNC Act.
Not be disqualified from involvement in the management of a corporation under the Corporations Act.
Not be a Board Member, or be in the paid employment (currently or within the last 12 months) of Australian Red Cross Society (including Australian Red Cross Lifeblood).
Not be barred from holding any governance or leadership role at Australian Red Cross Society.
Have experience on a board or a committee (or similar).
Other role requirements?
Special Councillors must also:
Hold an acceptable National Criminal History Check.
Hold, or be able to obtain, a Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check in their home State/Territory.
Undertake Australian Red Cross’ volunteer induction and other ongoing learning and development opportunities (as required by Australian Red Cross).
Always act in accordance with the Australian Red Cross’ Code of Conduct, Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct.
Comply with the Australian Red Cross’ Workplace Health and Safety management system.
Organisational culture and code of conduct
As a Special Councillor, you are expected to be a leader of positive culture for Australian Red Cross. This includes:
Promoting the tone of Australian Red Cross’ culture as set by the Board.
Fostering a culture of open communication, trust, and respect.
Being guided by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement:Humanity | Impartiality | Neutrality | Independence | Voluntary Service | Unity | Universality
See redcross.org.au/about/our-code/ for more details on Australian Red Cross’ Code of Conduct.
Need more information?
To find out more about this opportunity please contact the Governance Team by email to AGM@redcross.org.au or on 03 9345 1841.
