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.
Operation Riordan is named for Ellen Agnes Meline Riordan, a courageous nurse who won seven medals during both World Wars.
ANZAC Nursing Corps member Ellen Riordan, known as ‘Nell’, won seven medals during both World Wars, born in 1889 to John and Elizabeth Riordan of ‘Bella Vista’ in Steve Kings Plain, Wyrallah.
Nurse Riordan enlisted on June 16, 1915 as a staff nurse after training at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
During the ANZAC campaign, Nell served aboard the hospital ship, HMAT Kanowna, which transported injured soldiers from Gallipoli.
A few years later, she became Matron-in-Chief at Choubra Infections Hospital in Cairo, Egypt after relocating to Greece. She stayed until the armistice. As a result of her nursing services to Greece, she received the Greek Medal of Military Merit from King Alexander in 1919.
After World War One, Nell worked in military and civilian hospitals in Kenya and Ethiopia. In 1968 she was accepted into the Gallipoli Legion of ANZACs.
She finished her military service before continuing her nursing career in Australia, eventually retiring to Coraki. She died in on March 24 1978. She was buried at Tucki cemetery, her citation and medals on display at Richmond River Historical Society, Lismore.
I was drawn to volunteer with Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) due to its focus on supporting veterans. After service in the Royal Australian Navy in the 1960s and 1970s, I wanted to put my skills to use in helping Australians, especially with the recent floods in New South Wales.
Currently deployed to Corakai, New South Wales in response to the floods of February 2022, I got to work assisting residents in mucking out houses, removing flood damaged items and restoring the environment. I have volunteered for years as a veteran’s wellness advocate in Coff’s Harbour and I wanted to bring that expertise to Corakai, in addition to doing the more physical work.
While working at a home along the river at Woodburn, I met a fellow veteran. This 82 year old veteran had served in the Australian Army in Vietnam, Malaya and Borneo. We quickly bonded over shared experiences; we had many similar stories from our time in service. While DRA worked to repair his home, I made sure I took the time to talk with this veteran and understand his needs.
The local Vietnam veteran had been devastated by the recent floods and and required physical, emotional and financial assistance. With my experience as a wellbeing advocate at a veterans centre, I quickly understood the need for assistance. Working with this local resident, I was able to reach out to Coff’s Harbour and confirmed that RSL Defence Care was available for to assist.
It was great to see that we could get more support for this veteran than was intially available. I like to know that veterans are going to get the assistance they need for the repairs of their house and that their safety is guaranteed. It is important to see that at their age, in vulnerable circumstances, they get the support they deserve.
I’m heading home to Bellingen as Wave 8 of DRA’s Operation Kelliher winds down, but I will never forget this Corakai veteran. I’m working with veterans services, and will be able to follow up on this case to ensure that this local resident gets the support he needs as the area moves to the next phase of recovery.
I’ve lived here for 12 months but I’ve never seen anything like this ever. About a metre of water came barrelling down the stairs and ramps. The water pressure has blown the heavy fire doors off their hinges and ripped them in half. It’s come through the carpark and through all the storage cages full of personal belongings, mattresses, cupboards etc. I lost a lot of camping equipment and antique cameras and old negatives and slides. I’ve been trying to clean them up but not sure if they’ve survived.
We’ve been working for a couple of days trying to move all this rubbish up from 2 floors underground up to the street level. It’s been hectic here since the weekend. As we started to pump the water out you could see where it got to and the amount of damage that was done. We couldn’t have done all this without you.
Having the extra hands here today has made such a difference and we can’t thank you enough for all the help.
Richard Kelliher (1910-1963)
Served: 1941-1946
Unit: 2/25th Second Australian Imperial Force
Rank: Private
Enlistment: New Farm, Queensland [electorate of Brisbane]
Awarded: Victoria Cross
Operation Kelliher is named for Richard Kelliher, a courageous soldier awarded the Victoria Cross.
A labourer from New Farm, Queensland
Private Kelliher (1910-1963) was a labourer from New Farm, Queensland enlisted in 1941. Initially sent to the Middle East, he later transferred to the 25th Australian Infantry Battalion. The battalion took part in the fighting in the Owen Stanley Range and at Gona.
Private Richard Kelliher’s bravery continues to reverberate with importance as a symbol of our Australian identity of mateship and an insistence to help others. In the face of disaster for many, his two perilous acts on 13th September 1943 meant those who endured did not die that day.
Kelliher (centre) meets George VI at Victory Parade June 1946
Victoria Cross Awarded
On 13th September 1943, during the Battle of Lae, Private Richard Kelliher’s platoon came under heavy machine-gun fire from a concealed Japanese machine gun positioned a mere 50 yards away.
With five men killed and three wounded, it appeared impossible to advance without further losses. After months of terrible fighting, they believed they would fail.
In the face of heavy enemy fire, Private Kelliher’s bravery and devotion to duty resulted in the capture of the enemy’s position.
When several of his platoon, including his section leader, became casualties. Not to be stopped, Private Kelliher of his own volition, dashed toward the enemy hurling two grenades killing significant numbers.
Heavy fire, from another enemy position, continued unabated as Kelliher returned to his platoon’s position. Securing a Bren, he once again returned to the enemy post to silence it forever. This final act meant the rescue of his wounded corporal—saving his life.
These acts of exceptional bravery warranted Private Kelliher to be awarded the Victoria Cross.
Operation Traill is named for a family of Coolah dedicated to service.
The name Traill has great meaning in the town of Coolah, with the infamous Dr Rowland John Traill settling down in 1852 at Collaroy Station where he served as a well trusted pastoralist until his last day, he died in 1873. His beautiful wife Elizabeth Hannah (nee Windeyer) gave him 8 sons, and of these the pair had many grandchildren, four of which went on to serve in World War 1.
These three brave men and one brave woman made history, representing their area and their country with valour.
Cecil Raymond Traill, fourth son of Mark Windeyer Traill, was in the Royal Flying Corps in England and flew the Sopwith Camel fighter aircraft. He represented the Australian Division of the Flying Corps in a tennis match against King George V and his team, later he was presented with a memento inscribed by the King.
Arthur Cecil Traill, second son of Arthur Irby Traill, enlisted on the 16th October 1916, and lost his life on 26th May, 1918. He died in Flanders, as a Seargent within the Machine Gun Section with the A.I. F. He and his wife wed in 1915, however, due to complications Florence passed away during childbirth and their daughter was adopted by her aunt.
Dorothy Maud Traill, second daughter of Arthur Irby Traill was a nursing sister with the 14th General Hospital A.I.F. in Egypt, after having trained as a general nurse at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, at a time when it was unusual for women to have such a career. She did private nursing after the war and was a dedicated worker for the Mission to Seamen and the Red Cross. Her fiancé was an English officer who died in Flanders and is buried in France.
James Hamilton Traill, youngest child of Arthur Irby Traill was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1918 for gallantry in flying operations against the enemy. On 24th August Lieutenant Peters with Lieutenant Traill as observer in company with another machine attacked 7 hostile aeroplanes; they succeeded in crashing 2 and drove down a third out of control.
This is only one instance out of many in which these officers have displayed marked skill and gallantry in attacking and destroying enemy aircraft. Their keenness and devotion to duty in aerial combats and in attacking ground targets sets a fine example to others. He initially enlisted in the 1st Light Horse Regiment, was at Gallipoli, and later transferred to the 4th Australian Camel Corps, and then attached to the Australian Flying Corps.
Harry Thorpe
(1886-1918)
Harry was a Brabuwoloong man of the Gunaikrnai nation and a courageous soldier enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Sale on 12 February 1916.
In 1916 Harry was one of an estimated 800 to 1000 Aboriginal people who volunteered to enlist during World War 1.
Today, the name Uncle Harry Thorpe is inscribed on a memorial in Lakes Entrance, where a street called Thorpe’s Lane is also named in his honour. For his family, Uncle Harry’s is a story of courage that will never be forgotten.
Operation Thorpe is named for Brabuwoloong man, a courageous soldier enlisted in World War 1.
Harry Thorpe was born at Lake Tyers Mission and lived on a 15-acre farm. The farm was owned by his parents and as a young boy he leant a hand with growing crops and tending to the livestock. Harry and his father secured contracts to dig graves, build fences and strip wattle bark for sale to local tanneries.
Service
Harry embarked for overseas service in April, 1916, and in July he joined the 7th Battalion in France. He was wounded in action at Pozières on 19 August and did not rejoin his unit until November later that year.
Promoted Lance Corporal in January 1917, he was again wounded at Bullecourt on 29 April, but a month later returned to duty. Well regarded in his unit as a footballer and athlete at brigade or divisional sports, he was also noted as a scout.
Courage and leadership
In October 1917, during operations to capture Broodseinde Ridge during the third battle of Ypres in Belgium, Harry displayed tremendous courage and leadership while clearing the dugouts and concrete guard posts, known as pillboxes, of remaining enemy resistance. He was promoted to corporal and awarded the Military Medal, although he was originally recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The military citation commended Harry’s “disregard of all danger” and described him as an inspiration to his men.
During an advance on 9 August 1918 at Lihons Wood, south-west of Vauvillers, France, a stretcher-bearer found Thorpe shot in the stomach. He died shortly after being taken to a dressing station near Bayonvillers and was buried in Heath military cemetery, Harbonnières.
Last Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
War service: Western Front
Medals: Victoria Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Operation Joynt is named for Melbourne born William Donovan Joynt.
Service
Joynt enlisted in 1915 and arrived in France 1916. Shot during a raid on the German trenches, he was evacuated to England and promoted to lietenant. He rejoined his battalion and served on the Western Front until August 1918.
Victoria Cross
On 23 August 1918, when an attack near Herleville was pinned down, with heavy losses, by intense fire from Plateau Wood, Joynt rallied the attackers and led an advance which cleared the wood’s approaches, then in a bayonet charge captured it and over eighty prisoners.
For his ‘most conspicuous bravery’ he won the Victoria Cross.
‘For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the attack on Herleville Wood, near Chuignes, Peronne, on 23rd August, 1918. His company commander, having been killed early in the advance, he immediately took charrge of the company, which he led with courage and skill. On approaching Herleville Wood, the troops of the leading battalion which his battalion was supporting, suffered very heavy casualties and were much shaken.
Lieutenant Joynt, grasping the situation, rushed forward underr very heavy machine gun and artillery fire, collected and reorganized the remnant of the battalion, and kept them under cover pending the arrival of his own company. He then made a personal rreconnaissance and found that the fire from the wood was checking the whole advance and causing heavy casualties to troops on his flanks. Dashing out in font of his men, he inspired and led a magnificent frontal bayonet attack on the wood. The enemy were staggered by this sudden onslaught, and a very critical situation was saved.
Later at Plateau Wood, this very gallant officer again, with a small party of volunteerrs, rendered invaluable service, and after severe hand to hand fighting turned a stubborn defence into an abject surrender. His valour and determination was conspicuous throughout, and he continued to do magnificent work until badly wounded by a shall.’
Source: ‘Commonwealth Gazette’ No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919
Soldier settler printer
Joynt went on to become a soldier settler, dairy farming near Berwick. He became a pioneer of colour printing in Melbourne. Though his business failed during the depression he remained a printer and publisher for over 60 years. He married Edith Amy Garrett a nurse in 1932 on his 43rd birthday.
As an inaugural member of Melbourne Legacy he helped to campaign for Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance to be built in its present form on its present site. Joynt wrote three autobiographical books: To Russia and Back Through Communist Countries (1971), Saving the Channel Ports, 1918 (1975) and Breaking the Road for the Rest (1979).
Life of service
Promoted to major in February 1930 and mobilised on 26 September 1939, he commanded the 3rd Garrison Battalion at Queenscliff and then, from March 1941, Puckapunyal camp. From June 1942 he was camp staff officer then quartermaster at Seymour camp. He was placed on the Retired List as an honorary lieutenant colonel on 10 October 1944.
The last surviving of Australia’s World War I VC winners, he died on 5 May 1986 at Windsor and was buried with full military honours in Brighton cemetery.
Following a wave of destruction left by a storm front across the state of Victoria, both regional and metropolitan areas have suffered extensive damage. The Dandenong Ranges have been the subject of disastrous weather causing extensive treefall resulting in property damage, significant impact on power supply and multiple road closures.
Fallen trees and collapsed power lines have restricted mobility and services providing impediment to freedom of movement while cutting off basic communication platforms and hampering the overall recovery effort.
Veteran led volunteer organisation, Disaster Relief Australia has announced an initiative to provide crucial assistance to devastated Dandenong residents. Operation Joynt (named for Lieutenant Colonel William Donovan Joynt), will commence 3rd July and roll over a series of weekends in July. DRA frequently deploys a nationwide volunteer workforce to aid disaster impacted Australian communities. COVID-19 continues to roadblock the organisation’s desire to help Australian’s when they need it most.
Melbourne Disaster Relief Team Manager, Kyran Byrne says his team is determined to bring real hands-on help where it’s needed most. “Our teammates in the Melbourne DRT (disaster relief team) have endured a tough 18 months with COVID-19 lockdowns. We have been separated from friends, families and the communities we assist by virtue of the fact of where we live.
All of us in DRA are motivated by helping others, putting others before self, and demonstrating the true Australian virtue of mateship. When others are doing it tough – we come to help. That internal passion to help burns deep in our members, they are always willing to go that bit further for others. It is hard to extinguish the flame once it’s lit and in the Melbourne DRT, we have taken all that adversity and used it as fuel to motivate ourselves and our teammates.
We have an opportunity to get out and do what we do best, tough it out, give of ourselves, and show what Disaster Relief Australia, Victorians and Australians are made of… time to get amongst it.”
As disaster seasons intensify and overlap, DRA can only deploy crucial recovery services like Operation Joynt with strong links from the local community. For Operation Joynt, DRA will collaborate with Rotary – Emerald & District and their Dandenong Ranges task force called “Help the Hills”.
Due to the recent COVID-19 complications in NSW, we are unfortunately required to put Operation Corkhill Phase 2 on hold until further notice.
This is the second pause we have been forced to endure in the region due to COVID-19. Our commitment to providing help and hope to Bega Valley Shire LGA residents has not wavered and we remain committed to returning as soon as possible to pick up where we left off.
I joined DRA after the floods in NSW. I saw on LinkedIn what DRA was doing after the immediate fanfare and the media had left. I found the cleanup and how DRA aids in that recovery process really interesting. Seeing the little snapshots of what’s happening and what’s really going on motivated me.
You don’t realise, or you forget, that there’s still a lot of people out there doing really good work, doing the hard work. There are people there just to help in long-term recovery. I thought it was really amazing that DRA were still out there when the spotlight’s gone. That’s a true sign of giving these people the help they really need.
This is my first operation and it’s been fantastic! The hospitality has been second to none and I’ve got to say, it’s not what I expected at all. I thought it would be camp beds or blankets on the floor, everyone lining up for dinner – that type of camp feel, which is fine, I was prepared for that. I guess what drove that thought was the military aspect, which really interested me. But to come here and see how it’s been organised is great.
I’m in construction but I’ve now learned new skills and used tools I’ve never come across in my life. I’ve seen brush cutters and chain saws. It’s been amazing, to be honest.
I’ve been moved by witnessing the impact on owners, 18 months after the disaster has taken place. It’s been a hell of a long ride for them financially, emotionally and God knows what else. To actually see that in the flesh is pretty confronting but at the same time, super important and super rewarding.
Everyone’s been really nice to me, it’s been awesome. It’s great to see people of varying ages just really getting stuck in, I mean really stuck in, not shying away from crappy jobs. Everyone helping each other just do what they can, that’s just great. The highlight for me has been the cathartic aspect of seeing these people in their natural environment, how resilient they are, how resourceful. This is what the media should be focusing on. This is the real stuff.
Yesterday we cleared some grass and black wattle from between posts along a fence line so the homeowner can put her fence back up. She was overwhelmed at the fact we had done that for her. These people don’t want handouts, they just want a bit of a hand and DRA giving that little bit of help is just huge.
If you want to see the real effect, you can have on people’s lives become a member of DRA because it’s that true experience. This is where it’s at, where you can affect the most change.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
