Help shape the future of life-giving donations in Australia

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is establishing a new Community Advisory Council (CAC) and we are looking for community members from across Australia to join us.
This is an opportunity to share your perspectives and lived experience, and help shape how Lifeblood engages with people across Australia, including what currently works well and what could be improved.
Your input will help ensure Lifeblood’s services are trusted, inclusive and meet the needs of communities across Australia.

What is the Community Advisory Council?

The Community Advisory Council brings together people from across Australia to provide advice on:

  • community needs, experiences and expectations
  • barriers, enablers and experiences relating to participation and engagement with Lifeblood
  • how we design inclusive and accessible services
  • how we communicate and build trust with communities

The Council is not a decision-making body. Its role is to bring community perspectives into discussions that inform planning, design, evaluation and continuous improvement across Lifeblood.

What is involved?

Community Advisory Council members are appointed on a voluntary basis for a two-year term.

As a member, you will:

  • share your perspectives and experiences, and provide feedback on Lifeblood initiatives, plans and ideas
  • share insights from your own experience and, where relevant, perspectives gathered through your communities and networks
  • consider issues from a broad community perspective, not only areas of personal interest or experience
  • attend online meetings (approximately 4 meetings per year, each around 90 minutes)
  • actively participate in discussions and come prepared for meetings
  • be open to discussing a range of topics, not just areas of personal interest

There may also be occasional opportunities to provide feedback between meetings.

How we work together

We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their views and experiences.

We ask members to:

  • treat others with respect
  • listen to and consider different perspectives
  • contribute constructively to discussions
  • support a safe and inclusive environment
  • act in line with the Lifeblood Code of Conduct

Who can apply?

We welcome expressions of interest from people with a broad range of experiences and perspectives. You do not need to be a donor to apply.

For our Community Advisory Council to be successful, we are looking for a mix of:

  • people with experience of donating blood or plasma
  • people who do not currently donate, but are interested in supporting Lifeblood’s work
  • people from and connected to diverse communities across Australia.

We are particularly interested in hearing from:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
  • young people
  • people with disability
  • people from rural and remote communities
  • members of LGBTIQA+ communities

You do not need prior committee or board experience.

You are not expected to formally represent a particular group, organisation or interest. We value the diversity of perspectives, experiences and insights that each member brings.

What we offer

By joining the Community Advisory Council, you will have the opportunity to:

  • contribute to national initiatives, discussions and priorities to help create life-changing outcomes
  • build connections with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives
  • apply and further develop your advisory and leadership skills
  • participate in a supportive and inclusive environment where your lived experience and community knowledge are valued
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Accessibility and support

We want this opportunity to be accessible to everyone.

If you need support to:

  • understand this information
  • complete the application form
  • apply in a different format

please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

We also welcome information about any accessibility requirements that would support your participation if selected.

Contact us

For more information about the Community Advisory Council, please send us an email.