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 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.
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 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 moreEstablished in 2016, Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) is a veteran-led not-for-profit that unites the skills and experience of veterans and other dedicated volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disaster.
DRA has steadily gained traction since its inaugural mission to Proserpine in 2017. We integrated veterans with emergency services specialists in a cyclone recovery effort and demonstrated a unique capability to help communities recover from disaster. Since then we have built an army of passionate volunteers that serve global communities before, during and after disasters.
DRA is proud to have been awarded the 2023 Australian Charity of the Year. The Award recognises DRA’s unique capability and capacity – through its Project Resilience initiative and Big Map exercises – to help communities prepare for future disaster events.
Since 2016, DRA has grown Australia-wide with more than 2,500 volunteers and 10 local Disaster Relief Teams. Our unique capability has seen us deploy globally to provide the greatest service, relief and impact to disaster affected communities.
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Mission To unite the skills and experience of veterans with those of other volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters.
Vision Australia’s partner of choice in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery.
Purpose We help build resilience in communities, deliver assistance and restore hope to those affected by disasters and, through this, enrich the lives of our veterans and volunteers through continued, meaningful service.
DRA’s culture and history is unique. We are dedicated to the service of communities in need and to each other. We are governed on values that place high worth on leadership, maturity, integrity, teamwork and determination. We believe veterans have unique skills and experience that can be harnessed to assist disaster affected communities. We also recognise veterans have an ongoing desire to serve others, and that through service they can grow beyond their time in the military.
We act without fear or favour in the best interests of the communities we serve and each other.
We assume the best about those with whom we serve. Stridently, we look after each other and the community – mate first, self-second – always.
We know that beyond the next hill is a river and beyond the river another hill. Yet we will march undaunted until we reach those who need us.
We serve without expectation of personal gain, recognition or reward.
We bring order to chaos with a fierce blend of determination, flexibility and grit.
We act with every possible kindness and humanity, and no matter what, hold ourselves to a higher standard. Be respectful. Be respected.
When disaster strikes, DRA works hard to help the most vulnerable in need alongside local agencies and governments. We look for grassroots initiatives where community members, particularly the poorest and most marginalised, have determined priorities and participate at every level of project implementation. By focusing on underserved or economically challenged communities we seek to make the largest impact possible.
Disasters carry substantial financial costs. By delivering relief efforts with no direct expense to the communities we are working with, we can support their journey towards recovery.
Disaster Relief Australia is governed by its Corporate Governance Framework and the Disaster Relief Australia Board. The Board comprises six members who jointly oversee the role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO has responsibility for daily management of the organisation and Executive Team who advise on key strategic and operational matters.
Discover a range of valuable Disaster Relief Australia resources, including annual reports, essential insights and policies that support our unique organisation.
View allAt Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) the health and safety of volunteers is as important as the health and safety of those impacted by disaster. Protection against harmful bacterial diseases, such […]
Read articleUnprecedented and unpredictable, the epitome of disasters: Keno supports Disaster Relief Australia for the fifth Year in a row with a $200,000 donation “Moving into our fifth year of […]
Read articleDisaster Relief Australia (DRA) has appointed David Smith AM, CSC, DSM, as its new Chief Executive Officer effective 1 July 2024. A respected military veteran, David will replace founding Chief […]
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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
