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.
DRA 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.
Volunteers 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.
News 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.
Deploying 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.
There 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.
Richard Lucas has been nominated as an extremely encouraging and welcoming personality, inspiring confidence and mutual respect in those around him.
He is described as “the sort of bloke that makes you feel included and at ease from the moment you meet him”. Another nominee says “He is a quiet achiever who gets the job done, takes care of the team, does it safely and competently”.
Aside from his confidence in leading teams and commitment to assisting the community, as a long-term firefighter and Station Commander within Fire and Rescue NSW, Richard has vast experience in responding to emergencies, trauma and the confronting nature of that work.
He joined DRA to further extend his service to disaster-affected communities, and does so in a way that is truly aligned with the spirit of DRA. The level of technical and leadership skills that the Chief demonstrates sets a high standard in field leadership, and serves as a role model to others in respectful, calm and confident conduct.
When recognising those members who continually go above and beyond for those needing a hand, the name of volunteer leader Alex Drew comes strongly to mind.
Alex first came on our radar when he applied for a mobilisation role in 2020. He was initially assigned to MEL DRT though he resides in WA, and there he immediately got active in the DRT. An ADF veteran, Alex has a background in sports physiotherapy and humanitarian aid, Alex very quickly grasped the responsibilities of the back of house aspects of mobilisation, and when Op Woods spun up in Perth in his home turf earlier this year, Alex was there to assist in the set up from the ORT forward, acting in IMT roles of logs, ops, plans and also mentoring new members into the various tasks of running a full-scale reactive operation in the field.
With the launch of WA DRT off the back of the Op, Alex moved into the WA Mob Coordinator role, and was pivotal in the set up of the membership cell in WA, recruiting and training new leaders into roles within the wider DRT. This ability to adapt to changing needs in leadership roles, saw him working as a National Ops associate and more recently taking point on a community project in the field during Op Thorpe, all while balancing IMT mentoring and bringing new team members along as they found their feet on first-time deployments.
Tenacity, Mateship, and Service are all values Alex shows, and with his clarity of focus, he strives to find ways to keep members engaged, active and leaning forward, bringing those with him along to assist those in need.
Chris Koedam has worked above and beyond to help people in the community over multiple operations. He has been outstanding within the IMT and also shows true grit on the tools. Chris always looks out for the best way to help his community and team, prioritising jobs and workloads to achieve the best outcomes.
When things don’t go to plan, Chris is flexible, calm and undaunted. He will stay positive, working towards an end goal. He is observant of the group and also each individual and will manage and organise his team/tasks around any challenges to make the best of any situation.
Chris will put his hand up to help where ever it is needed. He has mentored others and has gained respect amongst his peers who will look for his advice and opinion knowing it will be honest and untainted. Chris shows respect to every member he works with and will go out of his way to make people feel welcome and included. In return, he is also respected.
Excellence in all regards
Both in my personal dealings with Chris and through widely observing his continued and significant involvement within DRA, he has consistently conveyed ‘Excellence’ in all regards thanks to his vision, dedication and determination to the mission and to helping those in need.
Service is the lifeblood of any organisation, and Chris has embodied this DRA value to its core by showing up, continuing to show up, and acting without expectation of personal gain, recognition or reward.
A member of the team who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of himself, it’s a pleasure to see Chris well-deservingly receive this month’s DRA Spirit Award.
– Cade Cooper – Deputy National Director of Disaster Relief Teams
Luke
I was an Air Surveillance Operator (ASOP) in the RAAF for 9 years. My duties varied, ASOP’s were part of the intelligence branch so that can be broad. Some of the main tasks were:
Operating radars in the air defence and border security roles;
Tactical datalinks supporting patrol aircraft and other surface units;
Airspace control in support of major events like CHOGM, commonwealth games etc;
Operation of electronic warfare and intelligence gathering systems;
Air traffic control, flight data and simulator support; and
operating with other branches like the army (air defence) and navy (we shared land/sea postings with the Combat System Operator branch).
I was lucky in that I was able to separate my service and personal life at my own volition, not something that some of the ex-service members get to do and that made the transition a bit more deliberate and easier as there was a bit more control than some are afforded. I was able to settle in my posting location in WA and secured a high tempo role in mining exploration aviation and was able to put my skill set to use, we were too busy to consider much else that looking back may have been a blessing in disguise. There was a bit of a transition getting used to the lack of a support network (and depth of support) that had always been available being severed suddenly – very much a sink or swim moment for me. I was lucky, the experience and mentors I had in defence prepared me well to adapt and make it work.
I was involved in the early days of remotely piloted aircraft in Australia and disaster response with the world bank in Vanuatu in 2015, shortly after at an industry conference Rich Adams and Dean West presented capability and deployment to Indonesia. That resonated with me as facing the same operational and cultural challenges our much smaller team faced in HADR deployments and after talking to the guys signed up to the tribe to make good use of my skill set and experience to help where I could.
OP Wood was my first DRA deployment on the ground, being local to the area as well made it that much more meaningful. Being able to engage with the affected people and being able to help them when its needed the most. Meeting with people who had lost so much and just completely overwhelmed with the job ahead of them – being able to show them the extent of the damage through the ADAT capabilities and then discuss the capabilities of the strike teams and put them in touch with Plans and the relief that there was help out there – especially after the media attention had moved on was rewarding.
I got my father, Stephen Aspinall, involved with Perth DRT during Op Wood. Having experience in that HADR type role and wanting to do some good (as he was local to OP Wood as well) – I encouraged him to get into contact and give it a go. It was more noticing a need for the Perth DRT requiring experienced people with available time – he fit that bill and was motivated to do some good with his free time, no brainer really.
My advice to anyone thinking about volunteering would be without a doubt – give it a go. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you think you can do it will add value in the team, whether at the FOB, in the IMT or at the end of a chainsaw, it will make a real difference to the community who have been affected.
Stephen
My background is Air Force, I was a navigator. I did 20 years of service all up. The highlight on the flying side was four years and the right side of the F 111. And it was sort of, it was a staggered career. I did 15 years. First off, and then I got out. For 15 years 10 years was in flight training and then five years in the aerospace industry. I re-joined in 2000, just before 911 And I was actually, I was running the, the operations room at headquarters Air Command, where we did all the aircraft tasking for the Air Force daily basis.
I joined DRA back in February this year. I have enjoyed going out, meeting the people, you know, and seeing, seeing how people just what you’re doing, it’s quite rewarding. I am comfortable getting out in the field, getting my hands dirty. I really have not had a single disappointment, since I’ve been working with the team.
I unfortunately missed out on Operation Woods because I hadn’t been quite fully on boarded. I live in Waterloo, so I could see the fire about 500 yards away and was given an evacuation text message, but I didn’t go because I could see where the fire was. I guess since then I’ve contributed about three days, locally, and quite often, some of the people affected really don’t ask for help. So, we’re still cleaning up in the area here.
We did a Service Project up here, we helped the RSL guys rebuild the Gallipoli Trench. We had a team of about 11 up there. I reckon we probably had about 600 sandbags to repair.
I have been allocated to support DRT SA (South Australia), I’m looking forward to working with the Incident Management Team. The IMT are always looking to refine operations. The training is a large component, moving forward, as we’re still quite a young organisation. One of my responsibilities will be to make sure DRT SA memebrs are trained up for the roles that they’re expected to execute.
If you are looking to volunteer for an organisation like DRA I would say if you had the time, certainly do it, because it’s so rewarding.
Bec lives and breathes DRA. Though she is a busy Mum with kids at school and an ice cream business, she never fails to put her hand up for any new task that the DRT in Perth needs to be done.
It was that ethic that got her involved in DRA in the first place; she grew up in the Perth hills, so when Op Woods started after the fires in Wooroloo and Gidgegannup, she quickly found ways to support the affected communities, which led to her donning DRA blue.
Since then, she has relentlessly pushed for DRA’s advancement, being the first friendly voice for all new members as the Membership Coordinator for DRT WA, all the way up to developing relationships with key stakeholders in the Emergency Services. With her easy to talk to character and genuine interest in everyone’s life and wellbeing, I have always felt comfortable talking through any of the dramas I have going on. She listens carefully, responds thoughtfully, shares valuable insights and offers unique perspectives, I think we could all learn a lot from her “soft skills” excellence.
Those skills were perhaps honed over Bec’s career as an Occupational Therapist, with which, again, she has offered to help out with that subject matter expertise for the benefit of DRA and its volunteers to keep us all safer. As I write this Bec is away on another DRA activity, imparting her positivity for our organisation on new and seasoned members alike, for the… well at this point, I am can no longer keep track of how many days Bec has spent on working on current and future projects, essentially all of them, all the time. The Service, Mateship and Tenacity that Bec demonstrates are second to none and are nothing short of inspiring to be around.
– Warwick Lugton, National Training Manager
Sean demonstrates the best in all of us with his passion and integrity in all of his services to DRA and the communities we support. He’s a real hard charger and a good all-around mate with a heart of gold. He exemplifies this in his service.
Sean has been integrally involved with the 42 for 42 memorial project. He has turned up every weekend for the past 3 months and is on some weekends the only DRA member. From his leadership, he has encouraged close to 60 DRA members to help.
Sean is a terrific bloke who is always active within the DRT. He has an easy and fun way about him which makes him very well liked. He is quick with a laugh and a joke but as anyone who has seen him work, especially at the 42 for 42 memorial project, he knows when to roll up his sleeves to work. He is a machine. I wish I had 10 more Sean Gorman’s; this award is a fantastic way to recognise his contribution.
– Aaron O’Toole QLD South DRT
I’m constantly amazed by the fortitude and resilience of our members. An enduring seemingly never-ending situation reduced our ability to get out on the field in mass numbers but we’ve adapted and found new pathways to serve our communities. We will arrive at the other side stronger and bonded together through grit, determination and respect.
A special mention of Thomas Howell (Howey) who is handing over the role of NDFO to Mark Reilly (Pacey). Under his guidance, we undertook more operations in 18 months than the 3 years prior. He bore the weight of command humbly and pushed us to ‘do better’. I want to acknowledge his work and the responsibility he carried during the most intense operational period in our history as well as the impressive overall development of our operational capability that has occurred under his leadership.
I would also like to touch on the overwhelming feedback I received regarding the check-in call initiative. I commend the wonderful individuals who made the calls and hope you can understand the positive impact you have made.
With our 5 year anniversary upon us, I’m taking time to reflect on where we started and how far we’ve grown, standing upon the shoulders of all before us. I look forward to seeing you all on the 28th of October, 2021 for the DRA 5th Anniversary Awards night. Before you know it, we’ll be ten. I hope you can join me. – Geoff Evans, Chief Executive Officer
Member Shop is now open
The long-awaited members merchandise shop is now open! We can’t wait for you to kit yourselves out with high quality DRA branded gear. 5.11 Tactical have partnered with us to offer you clothing and accessories truly built to serve. Each piece has been carefully selected and road tested to ensure innovative features, toughness and durability. All at 20% off the RRP!
The important stuff before you shop. We want you to be satisfied and proud of your purchases. We’ve tried to think of everything, but being a new venture, we expect there to be the occasional teething issue. Please log any issues through the contact page.
All active Muster members have an account on the new member’s website.
How to login details are on the FAQ’s page, we are using your Muster email as the username.
If you buy something with the DRA logo, it can’t be returned (unless defective) so please check the sizing very carefully. We’ve chosen to leave the pants unbranded as this is the most commonly returned item.
All sizing is in US. Check the sizing dimensions carefully. It’s a good idea to measure something that fits you well and then compare it to the size charts.
If you buy something with the DRA brand but want to swap it with another member, we’ve started a closed Facebook group.
All the details about returns, sizing and the Facebook group are on the new member website under FAQ’s.
We look forward to expanding the range further. Keep a lookout for member offers and rewards for your service!
Awards Night
The 2021 DRA Awards night marks an important milestone. This year we celebrate and reflect on 5 years of service to the community and each other. It’s a chance to come together and salute the efforts of members past and present and appreciate how far we have come.
We’re planning a sensational event. Where possible, DRT’s will meet up in person. To help us plan a wonderful night, please indicate your availability. Lookout for further announcements from your DRT on your local event.
Nominate DRA Awards
It’s time to nominate your fellow DRA team member for a DRA Award. You can nominate in the following three categories:
Mateship Award – looks out for their fellow teammates first
True Grit Award – brings order to chaos with a fierce blend of determination, flexibility and grit
Leadership Award – displaying outstanding leadership skills
Other awards announced on the night
DRT SA Champion Award
DRT QLD SOUTH Champion Award
DRT ACT Champion Award
DRT VIC/TAS Champion Award
DRT NSW Champion Award
DRT QLD NORTH/NT Champion Award
CEO Award – CEO’s member of the year
Nominations close Sunday 10 October, 5.00pm AEST. Nominations will cover the period 2020-2021. Members must be current members in Muster.
Go forth and nominate!
DRT Patch Competition
As part of the DRA annual member awards night on Thursday 28 October, we will celebrate 5 amazing years assisting communities across Australia and overseas. To commemorate how far we have come over the past 5 years, and to acknowledge each of our amazing DRTs, we are launching a ‘Design Your DRT Patch’ competition.
Be creative and design a patch that really defines who your DRT Tribe is!
See below for the specifications as a couple of common design items will need to be incorporated, design away and submit your patch design with a short descriptor as to how it embodies your DRT by COB on Thursday 21 October.
Patch specifications: 7cm (70mm) wide x 5cm (50mm) high Required: DRA icon & DRT name (see example)
The winning designs will be shared at our awards/anniversary celebrations the following week. Submit your patch design to the team with the subject header DRT Patch Design.
Step Challenge
Veterans Week ‘Get Moving’ 16th-24th October 2021
As we head into Spring and the weather begins to change, we’ve decided it’s time for some healthy competition. To celebrate Veteran Health Week, DRA members are going head-to-head in a ‘Get Moving’ Step Challenge. This friendly (yet competitive) challenge allows for those both in and out of lockdown to play their part in showing support for veterans in a fun, energetic and positive way.
Feel free to send in photos or videos of your progress as you go so we can share the good spirit and importance of the cause. So put on those running shoes, whack on your DRA t-shirt and show us what you’ve got. Let the competition begin!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Participating is easy, everyone can join in and have some fun. All you need is a tracker of some sort: Fitbit, Misfit, Garmin, Google Fit and Strava. We will use count.it as our platform to track progress on a leaderboard. All DRA members are eligible to participate.
Each DRT member will compete for their DRT as well as individually. At the end of the week, the total weekly number of steps will be calculated for each DRT. The DRT with the most recorded number of steps wins the challenge. Look out for more info coming soon on how to join!
Quiz Off 7th October
Get ready to assert your trivia prowess at our inaugural Quiz Off. The topic is “the 90’s” and we’re looking to salute the best and good naturedly mock the rest. All you need is a computer, a beverage of your choice and 60 hours prior research on Wikipedia. All members are invited! Its capped at 300 so get your EOI in quickly.
September Spirit Award Winner Sean Gorman
Sean demonstrates the best in all of us with his passion and integrity in all of his services to DRA and the communities we support. He’s a real hard charger and a good all-around mate with a heart of gold. He exemplifies this in his service.
Sean has been integrally involved with the 42 for 42 memorial project. He has turned up every weekend for the past 3 months and is on some weekends the only DRA member. From his leadership, he has encouraged close to 60 DRA members to help.
Sean is a terrific bloke who is always active within the DRT. He has an easy and fun way about him which makes him very well liked. He is quick with a laugh and a joke but as anyone who has seen him work, especially at the 42 for 42 memorial project, he knows when to roll up his sleeves to work. He is a machine. I wish I had 10 more Sean Gorman’s; this award is a fantastic way to recognise his contribution.
– Aaron O’Toole QLD South DRT
Training
Training Metrics this FY so far:
DRA Members course participants – 256
Courses run – 27
I want to draw attention to the incredible work of the National and DRT Training teams, even with COVID lockdowns causing more than 10 courses to be cancelled, and three DRT’s being unable to engage in face-to-face training of any kind, they have adapted and still had 256 members involved in training via 27 courses in the last 3 months.
Many of these courses were online and supported other novel capability developments like the “Member Check Ins” team training, and thus were able to be completed around member’s busy schedules in all DRT’s, ultimately for the benefit of others, now and into the future.
As many of you may be aware from some hiccups in the development process in our Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) platform is underway and making progress. The development stage has now overcome many challenges. We will soon be ready for hosting our e-Learning courses, of which there is an interesting development.
PRO Course
The PRO course is now ready for members with previous experience as PRO’s to complete the pilot course (eLearning package). We greatly appreciate participants relaying their experiences by providing feedback on the course as to how they feel it addresses the skills they needed in performing the PRO role. Once that is captured and the course has the last refinements finished, we will begin running courses on a regular schedule and compete the face-to-face module to consolidate the skills of the eLearning package.
Further Learning
For those of you (especially those in lockdowns) there are a number of learning resources that have been curated that have either direct or partial applicability to DRA engagement activities. These learning resources cover many areas, they are free (nil cost), of varying length and widely varying subject matter from providers such as Resilience NSW and DisasterReady.
I will only add two examples here which are for the logistically minded and/or member of DRT Logistics or National Logistics (or want to be). If you are interested in a more extensive list of learning resources please send an email to training@disasterreliefaus.org for a list of other courses.
To engage with these and many more courses, create a profile at disasterready and the world is at your finger tips.Keep an eye out for all other course opportunities in the usual spots.
As a last point, the training team is growing and gaining momentum and looking for new team members to get involved. If you have skills in eLearning development, administration, soft skills or RTO based training or want to learn how the training team supports DRA with a view to contributing reach out via the DRT EOI. – Warwick Lugton, National Training Manager
ADAT
With COVID impacting our ability to deploy teams into the field, our ADAT have been busy conducting remote GIS analysis for our Secondary Assessment Project. This project has been brought about through funding from Minderoo Foundation and aims to create a snapshot of the current recovery progress of the most heavily impacted communities from the 2019/2020 Black Summer Fires. Imagery gaps are being identified as analysts work through the data, in preparation for deploying drone teams into the field once it is safe to do so.
Our ADAT members have also been heavily involved in the initial phase of Project Resilience – Alice River. Drone mapping has been completed to the west of Townville in North Queensland and GIS analysis is currently underway.
From a training perspective, online training for pilot inductions and GIS analysis is being rolled out to grow DRA’s ADAT capability whilst border restrictions remain in place.
Our Aerial Damage Assessment Team is always looking to engage new members, so if anyone is interested in getting involved, please check the Careers page or contact our National Aerial Damage Assessment Team Manager. – Brent Hoade, National Aerial Damage Assessment Team Manager
Disaster Relief Teams
DRA continues to be challenged by border and movement restrictions affecting the conduct of activities across Australia. Nonetheless, our Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) continue to do their best to assist their communities and support one another through these difficult times.
Ensuring focus on members’ wellbeing, DRA has raised a dedicated Call-Out Team, doing some excellent work reaching out to our members to ensure their welfare. Backed by training from Phoenix Australia and supported by membership, welfare, training and medical teams, calls have focused first on NSW and Victoria, expanding across other states soon.
As you are aware, the DRT structure recently adopted a new naming structure, based on states. While we may be restricted in our ability to cross borders right now, DRA remains committed to running service projects within borders.
DRT ACT for example, has been doing an outstanding job delivering food packages to families at need across Canberra. Our teams continue to plan and organise, while considering means to adapt to this emerging landscape.
Strong progress is being made on establishing DRT NT up in the top end, under guidance of our launch manager, Ben Watson. Ben comes from an interesting background with both the Police (NT & Tasmania), and the Australian Army. We’re really looking forward to seeing the DRT up and moving before the end of this year, excited to see new members, ideas and projects coming online.
Otherwise, we have some really exciting background developments under advanced planning and opportunities continue to grow across our DRTS. Please keep your chin up, look after each other and continue to look toward a bright future! – Sam Reed, National Director – Disaster Relief Teams
Mobilisation
Since DRA first kicked off, our teams have deployed on 19 domestic operations and been involved in 14 international operations. Pretty awesome for a not-quite-five-year-old organisation. Here’s the breakdown:
Operations – 642 individual DRA members have deployed on Operations 1593 times, for a total of 11,958 days in the field
Service Projects – 325 individual DRA members have deployed on SP’s 633 times, for a total of 1,545 days in the field
Collectively our members have served 13,503 days of field work to help people and communities repair and recover after disaster strikes. To put that in perspective, that is the equivalent to one person serving for nearly 37 years (without holidays). The power of team work is illustrated right there. What we do in the field collectively makes such an impact on those we assist. You giving up your time to work on a Service Project or an Operation, may not seem much individually, but as a team, that is a massive contribution.
The mobilisation team is proud to do their bit in the huge machine getting our teams on the ground. We have some new faces joining us to expand our capability in the DRT Mobilisation Crews as we lean forward into the next 6-12 months.
Welcome to:
Mandy Ferreira in NQLD DRT joining Jules Marshall and Karen ‘Piggy’ Piggott
David Moon in SQLD DRT joining Mick Richards and Mark Hipworth
Danie Anderson in WA DRT joining Alex Drew
Madi Fox in TAS/VIC DRT joining Tania Keeble and Vaughan Edgar
We have places left across most of the DRT’s and are recruiting for associates to join the ever-growing team of mobilisation leaders around Australia. If you are keen to throw your hat in the ring to help us keep boots on the ground, please go to the website or contact us at mobilisation@disasterreliefaus.org. – Leasa Stephen, National Mobilisation Manager
Safety
DRA welcomes our new State Safety Coordinators and Associates. These members have joined the National Safety Team and will provide direct support to their local DRT as well as supporting the broader efforts in developing and updating DRA’s Safety Management System. Collectively they bring very significant expertise and experience from industry and the commercial world. They will become your local go-to person and should be involved in the planning and conduct of all activities.
Qld Nth
Jason O’Brien
Safety Coordinator
Gerad Corkhill
Safety Associate
Qld Sth
Brett Velthhuizen-Weston
Safety Coordinator
James Zacharioudakis
Safety Associate
NSW
Marcus Punch
Safety Coordinator
ACT
Glenn Nelson
Safety Coordinator
VIC
Graeme Crouch
Safety Coordinator
WA
Dixon Lowe
Safety Coordinator
There are still vacancies for a Coordinator in SA as well as associates in all locations except Qld. So, if you have some time and the passion to lead our safety program forward, please submit an EOI.
The safety team continues to develop DRA’s Safety Management System as well as supporting the planning and conduct of our projects and operations. We have commenced a review of our safe work methods statements and other safety tools to consider member’s feedback as well as advances in the wider community. As we did last year, these will be circulated for consultation before they are finally approved for use. If you have an idea or comment on safety-related matters please get in touch using feedback@disasterreliefaus.org.
National Safe Work Month in October is a time to commit to a safe and healthy workplace. Disaster Relief Australia supports Safe Work Australia’s think safe. work safe. be safe. campaign.
“At DRA, we believe that our people are our most valued asset. Their health and safety is our top priority. National Safe Work Month in October is an important event each year for DRA. It is a great mechanism for raising awareness about important work health and safety issues and helps us highlight, understand and investigate potential WHS issues in our own workplace. I encourage all members to remember our safety responsibilities to each other and to be mindful we may be working in hazardous environments where considered application of our skills and experience will help ensure the safety of workplaces.” – Geoff Evans, CEO
During the last couple of years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces have been presented with complex and dynamic challenges and have had to change the way they conduct their business and, in turn, manage work health and safety. DRA is no exception.
This year’s National Safe Work Month campaign highlights a range of work health and safety topics, including COVID-19, occupational lung disease, sexual harassment, mental health, and working in extreme weather. National Safe Work Month also serves as a reminder for workplaces to continue the development and review of their work health and safety policies and processes.
The think safe. work safe. be safe. campaign is led by Safe Work Australia and is supported by Safe Work Australia Members and other stakeholders, including Disaster Relief Australia. For more information about National Safe Work Month, or to download resources, go to the campaign website: safeworkmonth.swa.gov.au. – Tony Griffiths, National Safety Manager
It’s time to announce this month’s Spirit Award winner. This award is presented to members continuously going above and beyond. Those who best embody our core values of courage, mateship, endurance, service, tenacity, and respect. This month’s spirit award goes to Stephen Hull. After reading through many nominations, it’s obvious that Stephen embodies the values of DRA and demonstrates them regularly.
After completing 5 waves at Batlow, Steve dedicated over 40 days to Operation Corkhill. Aside from deploying, he undertook many tasks before the Op commenced such as damage assessments, liaison visits and relocating vehicles and equipment.
Steve has dedicated countless weeks to the NSW south coast community. His contribution is extraordinary and selfless. Aside from deploying in various roles (MC, OPSO, Strike Team Leader and worker), Steve spent numerous hours behind the scenes, planning jobs and liaising with stakeholders and suppliers such as Coates Hire, accommodation and local cafes. His ability to consider the needs of an Op and provide detailed advice to the Theatre Commander about numerous random and unpredictable aspects is unmeasurable. He regularly puts his life on hold in the interests of serving his community.
Recently, Steve heard a DRA member had written off his mums’ car (the only car in the family). This DRA member is the sole carer for his mother and having a car to run errands and attend healthcare appointments is crucial. Steve donated a second-hand car to his fellow DRA member without hesitation.
Service to others is part of Steve’s DNA
Since Steve Hull joined DRA, he has played a vital role not only in ACT DRT and in doing so has made a significant contribution to the community in Southern NSW.
As Training Coordinator for ACT DRT, Steve has worked tirelessly to ensure our members have the skills needed to help the community when they are in their greatest need. He has often put up people at his house when they have travelled into Canberra for training from around the region.
Steve has also made a substantial contribution in the field as a strike team member, team leader, Operations Officer and Mission Commander, as well as spending weeks undertaking damage assessments throughout the South Coast of NSW. His attention to detail in operational planning ensures that no stone is left unturned and that the Op runs smoothly. Steve played a critical role in the bushfire recovery work in Batlow NSW, Eurobodalla Shire and most recently in Bega Valley Shire.
Service to others is part of Steve’s DNA. He is the first to volunteer to lead the team and do whatever it takes – either as MC or on the end of a chainsaw – to help members of the community to move forward with their recovery after the worst bushfires in history.
– Michael Young – Disaster Relief Team Manager ACT
A new Ritchies Card loyalty program allows you to fundraise for DRA whilst you shop at participating Ritchie’s IGAs found in NSW, VIC and QLD. Since the Ritchies program began in 1993, over 150,000 people have signed up and $51 million has been raised for community groups, clubs and organisations.
How does the Community Benefit program work?
When joining the Ritchies Card program you are given the option to nominate your favourite club school or charity (known as Recipients). Each time you scan your card (either physical card or electronic card in the App) when making a purchase at any of our participating stores, the total is recorded to your chosen club, school or charity. At the end of each month, Ritchies will pay your chosen club, school or charity .5% of the total accrued directly into the Recipient’s nominated bank account* You can choose Disaster Relief Australia on the Ritchies App as your favourite recipient!
Every month, our organisation will receive 0.5%* of our members’ spend in Ritchies Stores PLUS our members will receive special offers and member-only specials via the App.
We need your assistance! Many of the ‘bulk emails’ sent by DRA such as newsletters and deployment opportunities, can often be blocked or filtered into the spam folder of your personal email providers (especially now that email filters are focusing more strongly on “grey mail” or commercial mail).
As a result of these changes you may be finding you are seemingly not receiving updates or are unable to read certain email communications, even if you have subscribed to receive them.
To avoid these situations, please add our email addresses to your ‘Safe Senders List’.
We’ve put together a list of the most commonly used email programs with easy to follow instructions on how to add email addresses to your Safe Senders List, this is attached.
Emails to include as safe senders include but are not limited to:
How to Add an Email Address to Your Safe Senders List? Email Account Providers AOL 8.0+
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Click Add Address icon
• Step 3 Verify the sender’s contact information
AOL Webmail
• Step 1 Click on the Addresses tab in the upper right corner of the Mailbox window
• Step 2 Click on the New drop-down menu and select New Contact.
• Step 3 Type the email address of the new contact in the Screen Name field and click the Save button.
Earthlink
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Click Add Sender
• Step 3 Verify that our contact information is correct
• Step 4 Click “Yes”
Entourage
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Right-click the sender’s email address
• Step 3 Select Add to Address Book in the short-cut menu
• Step 4 Verify the sender’s contact details
Gmail
• Step 1 Open the email.
• Step 2 Click on More Options in the upper right hand corner of the message.
• Step 3 Click on Add Sender to Contacts List in the header of the email.
• Step 4 A confirmation message will be displayed above the email.
Juno
• Step 1 From the mail screen, click on the Address Book tab.
• Step 2 Insert the email address you would like to add.
• Step 3 Click Quick Add
Mac Mail
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Right-click the sender’s email address
• Step 3 Click Add to contacts in the short-cut menu
• Step 4 Click Save and Close
Microsoft Outlook Express 6+
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Left-click the sender icon, or right click the sender’s name
• Step 3 Click Add to contact
• Step 4 Click Save and close
Microsoft Outlook 2003
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Select Actions on the toolbar
• Step 3 Select Junk Email from the drop-down menu
• Step 4 Select Add sender to Safe Senders List
• Step 5 Verify that our contact information is correct and click Ok
Microsoft Outlook 2007
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Click Options on the Tools menu
• Step 3 On the Preferences tab, under Email, click Junk E-mail
• Step 4 Select Safe Senders or Safe Recipients tab and click add
• Step 5 Enter the email address of the contact and click Ok
Mozilla Thunderbird
• Step 1 Click the Address book button
• Step 2 Make sure the Personal Address Book is highlighted
• Step 3 Click the New Card button
• Step 4 Under the Contact tab, copy and paste our address and click ok
MSN Hotmail (Classic)
• Step 1 Open the email.
• Step 2 Click Save Address in the menu bar.
• Step 3 Verify that our contact information is correct
• Step 3 Click OK on the next screen.
Window Live Hotmail Adding to the Address Book doesn’t automatically add you to the Safe Sender list; you must mark the sender as Safe.
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Click on the Mark as Safe link
Yahoo! Mail
• Step 1 Open the email
• Step 2 Select the Add to Address Book link.
• Step 3 Enter the email address of the contact and click on Save Contact.
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I’m constantly amazed by the fortitude and resilience of our members. An enduring seemingly never-ending situation reduced our ability to get out on the field in mass numbers but we’ve adapted and found new pathways to serve our communities. We will arrive at the other side stronger and bonded together through grit, determination and respect.
