Disaster recovery is rewarding work. Be it flood, bushfire, cyclone or pandemic, Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) is here to help. With our army of dedicated volunteers, we respond to disasters and deliver support to those in need.
Learn moreDRA brings hope to communities devastated by disaster. We unite the skills and experience of military veterans, emergency responders and motivated civilians to deploy Disaster Relief Teams around Australia and the world. We help people during some of their worst days.
Learn moreVolunteers are the cornerstone of Disaster Relief Australia’s operations. With more than 3,000 members nationwide, our veteran-led tribe serves communities before, during and after natural disasters strike to strengthen resilience and deliver much needed relief and recovery services.
Learn moreNews and stories are the heartbeat of our mission. Discover the inspiring narratives of our dedicated volunteers and resilient communities we stand by. These stories vividly depict the impact of our work, showcase the power of compassion and unity and remind us that we can make a difference together.
Learn moreDeploying with DRA and supporting disaster affected communities is rewarding beyond measure. Through volunteering, corporate partnerships, financial donations or working with us, there are many ways to make a positive contribution and become a force for good.
Find out moreThere are many ways to make a positive contribution and bring hope to others. As a not-for-profit community cause, Disaster Relief Australia exists through the combined generosity of volunteers, donors, corporate partners and fundraisers.
Find out moreDisaster Relief Australia | August 2021
CAPT Hoovey joined us on 26th August, 2021 as a DRA guest speaker. He is self-proclaimed “One Nut, Half a Gut,”. He founded 25 STAY ALIVE to encourage young people to be proactive with their health. He says “Yes, you can face multiple life-threatening diseases and still share your story with grace and humour in order to help others.”
CAPT Toovey is a 29 year-old Army Captain, Founder of 25 STAY ALIVE, and a survivor. If you didn’t know CAPT Toovey, you would assume that he was your typical everyday young Australian. And yes, from the outside, he appears to be exactly that. However, the last 7 years of his life has been everything but normal. He is missing a testicle, part of his reproductive system, all of his abdominal lymph nodes, his appendix, his large bowel and his rectum. He also lives with a j-pouch, has had over 10 abdominal surgeries, 4 months of chemotherapy, 6 months of immunotherapy, and has had ongoing battles with mental illness.
When CAPT Toovey is not working as the Command Welfare Officer at Headquarters Forces Command in Sydney, he spends his time travelling around Australia sharing his story. CAPT Toovey is also an Ambassador for multiple charities, and he hosts a mental health podcast called Behind The Uniform.
“Life is precious, so don’t take it for granted.” – CAPT Toovey
View the entire DRA guest speaker series
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