After a 30 year career working in event operations, I recently found myself with a lot more spare time and decided to put it to good use. Disaster Relief Australia was something that appealed to me, and I felt it was something I could genuinely contribute to. With a background in events and venue management, I knew I could contribute skills in Logistics Operations, and Management level tasks. But I also wanted hands-on work, and DRA gives me plenty of chances to get involved on the ground.
One of the most satisfying aspects of volunteering has been getting out on site with the team. While the training experiences have been excellent, it’s the short-term and national operations that truly stand out. Being in the field, focused on the task at hand, and getting the opportunity to meet people with a whole range of different experiences. It’s both a great leveler with people of all ranks getting into the mix, and it’s a very rewarding thing to do.
I first came across DRA at an Army Open Day at Gallipoli Barracks, which I attended with my son. We visited the DRA tent and asked for more information. They spoke to us about the organisation’s core values of Service, Respect, Courage and Tenacity, and I found each one of them resonated with me. It really was the right place at the right time, and I didn’t hesitate to jump on board.
A highlight has been completing training through Emergency Australia, DRA’s partner and registered training organisation, alongside fellow members of the local Queensland Disaster Relief and Recovery Team (DRRT). It’s all part of preparing for national deployments and making sure we have a capable, confident volunteer force that’s ready to respond when the community needs us. Since joining, I’ve been fortunate to undertake advanced first aid, 4WD recovery, and chainsaw training. I’m currently at a Level 1 qualification and hope to build on that in the future.
But ultimately, it’s not just about the tasks, it’s about the bigger picture. When people from the communities we’re deployed to come up to us for a chat, offer us a cuppa, or just say thank you, it really hits home how important this work is and how much it means to those affected.
I would highly recommend anyone to get involved with DRA. For every part you put in, you get ten parts back. Even after an operation, when the dust settles and you reflect on everything that’s happened, it brings a fresh perspective to your life back home. It’s a positive reminder of what really matters.
Thank you to DRA for giving us the opportunity to do what we do. I hope the organisation continues to grow and expand its capacity so we can keep making a difference wherever we’re needed.
Jason.