Maximising Impact: How the Australian Red Cross Stretches Every Dollar for Greater Good

In this interview, Jean-Baptiste Naudet, Chief Financial Officer at the Australian Red Cross, reveals the organisation’s lesser-known complexities and wide-ranging services that extend far beyond its well-known humanitarian mission. The Red Cross generates revenue not only through donations but also via160 retail shops across Australia and a first aid and mental health training business. These diversified income sources require expertise in multiple fields, including retail and training, while supporting essential services.

The core focus of the Red Cross includes emergency relief for natural disasters, programs for community resilience, and unique initiatives like the Ready app and the Pillowcase Project, which prepares children for potential emergencies. To sustain this wide array of services, the organisation must prioritise its initiatives carefully, particularly in tough economic times. Ensuring that donor funds have maximum impact is paramount, and the finance team plays a critical role in efficiently allocating resources.

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