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.
Disaster Relief Australia has welcomed an announcement they will receive $478,669 under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program. The funding will enable DRA to continue vital work supporting communities in the Bega Valley after the destruction of the 19/20 Black Summer Bushfires fires which burned 24 million hectares of land, destroyed 3000 homes and wiped out three billion animals.
Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program recipients
The Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program is a government initiative that aims to assist medium and long-term recovery for communities. The Program was designed to assist those affected by the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires in the local government areas of Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. The Australian Government contributed an additional $111 million towards the Program in order to ensure that all recommended projects might be funded. You can find out more about how these grants will support communities with their long-term recovery at recovery.gov.au/black-summer-bushfire-recovery-grants-program.
Disaster Relief Returns to Bega Valley
Disaster Relief Australia has been forced to cease operations in Bega Valley twice due to Covid-19 causing severe interruptions and reduced volunteer time, firstly in March 2020 and then again in June 2021. DRA is stoic in its resolve to provide long-overdue support to the Bega Valley communities and is grateful for the means to do so.
Working in conjunction with New South Wales University students
DRA will seek to strengthen partnerships with the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales to complement these recovery efforts.
Students will be afforded the opportunity to directly participate in practical assistance to bushfire-affected communities, and to apply their developing knowledge and skillsets in disaster recovery and resilience.
CEO Geoff Evans is resolute in his determination to bring much-needed bushfire recovery back to Bega. “Last year alone, Disaster Relief Australia contributed an estimated $1.4M in expert man-hours across 9 service projects and operations. We are looking forward to the opportunity to utilise again, the specific skill sets of our volunteers who have military and first-responder experience to assist.”
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.
Disaster Relief Australia relaunched bushfire recovery operations in the Eurobodalla Shire on the South coast of New South Wales, continuing the work in communities devastated by the 2019/2020 fire season. DRA worked with the Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service to identify impacted residents.
After operations were halted in late March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, DRA has been able to recommence operations within certain areas as a rolling operation featuring small targeted waves of approx 4 days duration (Thursday – Sunday).
Since 4th February, DRA has deployed 6 successful waves, bringing increased hope and healing to the Shire. We take this moment to look back and reflect on the success of Operation Corkhill so far.
3272
Volunteer Hours
129
Volunteer Deployed
31
Work Orders Completed
$166,056
Community Costs Saved
Good to share a story
Andy Frantz living alone on his property has been unable to move on after suffering significant damage to his property including several significant pine trees planted by his father in the 70’s.
“After DRA has been able to cut down the dead trees, I think I can now move on and start trying to get the property back to the way it was before.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbot joined our strike teams for some hard yakka.
DRA appeared on Sunrise, sharing our valuable bushfire recovery work with the nation.
Corporate Volunteers Bankstown Sports Club experienced how their generous donations are used to help communities.
Department of Veterans Affairs’s Repatriation Commissioner Mr Don Spinks AM came to see our work in the field.
What is it like to volunteer with DRA? New member David Nicolson reflects
In just a few days I’m back working side by side with other military and ex military and emergency services men and women. It feels similar and familiar. I’m already interested in exploring some things I can do with DRA. I like being on the tools but I also want to find out more about the IMT roles. Although I’ve never met any of the people that I’ve deployed with, we’re already feeling like old friends!
If you’re the type who wants to volunteer then you’re the type who wants to work and help others. I already feel that I belong to a great group of people that just want to get shit done!
Disaster Relief Australia, (DRA) is launching our first major operation for 2021, returning to bring urgent recovery to 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire survivors in Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and East Gippsland.
DRA will conduct a rolling bushfire recovery operation in the Eurobodalla Shire area on the New South Wales south coast commencing Thursday, 4 February 2021, and continuing as four-day weekend long stints over six weeks.
Covid restrictions lifting
With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restriction of movement, DRA was forced to demobilise their 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire response operations nationwide and implement a tactical pause in line with government advice.
Many bushfire affected areas, including Eurobodalla Shire, Bega Valley Shire and East Gippsland Shire have received little to no assistance due to ongoing restrictions and continue to request help from DRA with bushfire relief operations.
Subsequent alterations to travel restrictions and increased freedom of movement have allowed DRA to recommence operations and forward planning for multiple bushfire relief operations to provide assistance to those communities that remain in need.
104 requests for assistance
Ongoing liaison with Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Councils have resulted in the provision of an initial 104 requests for assistance and damages assessments have commenced. Work provided to the local community will include chainsaw operations, debris management and removal, fence line and small civil works.
”2020 was a challenging year, 2021 is about rebuilding and DRA is keen to get back into communities still recovering from the Black Summer bushfires to assist in any way we can,” Geoff said.
Any community members in these areas who need assistance are encouraged to contact their local council or DRA directly via (02) 8072 9130 or info@disasterreliefaus.org so that a damage assessment can be done to confirm how DRA can assist.
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