The Australian Red Cross was founded on 13 August 1914 in response to the start of World War I, and was originally known as the Australian branch of the British Red Cross Society. Before the end of World War I it was being called the Australian Red Cross Society, although it was still considered to be a branch of the British Red Cross Society. In 1927, the Australian Red Cross Society gained recognition as an independent National Red Cross Society and ceased being a branch of the British Red Cross Society. In 1941 the Australian Red Cross Society was incorporated by Royal Charter, and in 1992 the Australian Red Cross Society decided to shorten its name for external audiences to Australian Red Cross, by which name it is known today (however, its legal name remains Australian Red Cross Society).

The Australian Red Cross was founded by Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, the wife of Australia's Governor-General, and she became the first President of the Australian Red Cross. In 1914, the Australian Red Cross immediately formed Divisions in each of the six States. The Divisional Presidents, who were the wives of the State Governors, were instrumental in the creation of the Australian Red Cross State Divisions. As these Presidents traversed the country, and launched appeals through local organisations and the press, the Divisions soon had a vast number of rural and metropolitan branches. Directly appealed to, women became the great majority of members, several high-ranking women were appointed to governing committees, and Australian women took leading positions throughout the organisation.

In 1914, the Australian Red Cross was largely involved with providing relief services to the Australian Defence Force, with Headquarters located in Melbourne which coordinated the international relief services. In later years, Australian Red Cross Divisions opened in the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory, as well as other Australian territories such as Norfolk Island and Papua New Guinea.

As at 2004, the Australian Red Cross has a national office based in Melbourne and has offices in each of the six states and two territories. The Australian Red Cross State and Territory Offices manage all activities run within their own state or territory. The national office coordinates international activities with which the Australian Red Cross is involved, as well as coordinating Australian Red Cross activities that are managed on a national basis.

Today, the many and varied activities of the Australian Red Cross include International Tracing and Refugee Services, Youth and Education Services, First Aid, Health and Safety Services, Disaster and Emergency Services, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Community Care Programs, Aged and Home Care Services, International Humanitarian Law, and international development programs and aid.

Sources used to compile this entry: Series NO13, publications - Annual Reports of the Australian Red Cross, National Office and Series NO26, publications - annual Reports of the Australian Red Cross Divisions and Blood Service.