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.
Having recently retired I wanted to volunteer my time and skills to help others. I joined DRA following a suggestion from my sister, also a DRA member and Navy and VicPolice veteran.
My first deployment was to the Adelaide Hills 3rd Wave. Everything was run like a well-oiled machine (or chainsaw!). I was one of the worker bees who, without chainsaw qualifications, was able to assist in cleaning up at two properties devastated by last year’s fires. We worked in teams up and down the steep terrain each day. I expected to work hard and it was tough going. But it was nothing compared to how tough and resilient the property owners are.
The DRA members I met were very welcoming and had a wide array of expertise and experiences. Each day began with a briefing, checking equipment required for the job and a safety rundown. When we arrived at our job site, the property owners were asked what the priorities were and we got to work.
We had regular breaks, water, morning tea and fantastic lunches (thanks to local café owners). I found the whole experience very enjoyable and rewarding.
There is still a lot to do and I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that is committed to helping communities in need. I am looking forward to my next deployment as there is still plenty to do to assist our Hills neighbours.
I am seriously impressed with DRA and I loved my first deployment. We made such an impact to community resident Janet. We made her cry in a way that “I haven’t cried in over 11 years.”
From their good humour and easy organisation, DRA have everything possibly sorted, that you could think of. The team work shirts are the best I have ever worn, and what impressed me the most, was the care and maintenance of the chainsaws each afternoon.
After every day, the chainsaws are taken apart completely, scrubbed down, blown out, repaired, sharpened, cleaned and stored for the next day. I have never seen such an organised operation. 4 chainsaws being stripped and cleaned in unison on custom made workbenches while chatting about the day with friends.
The associated kits have literally ever single thing you could ever possibly need, and more!
I joined because it was something nice to do and time to bond with my mum, but being able to do some decent, organised, safe, well communicated work with a team of awesome professionals, there is nothing like it.
You will gain so much from helping with DRA, and I couldn’t suggest it more!
I can’t wait for my next deployment!
Disaster Relief Australia is launching a Service Project in the Cudlee Creek bushfire area to continue assisting with bushfire relief and recovery from the Black Summer 2019/2020 bushfires.
In 2019/2020 DRA completed 7 domestic operations, 1 international operation, deployed 741 volunteer members and delivered 2.4m in value to communities in the wake of disaster. DRA rapidly scaled up from conducting one operation at a time, to conducting five operations across three states concurrently.
Unfortunately, DRA’s efforts were paused while the world began to deal with the global COVID emergency. During the lockdown period DRA redirected their focus to the development of service projects. These are smaller DRT (disaster relief team) led projects designed to help local communities, whilst also providing opportunities for our members to remain engaged between national operations. DRA is able to adapt and continue to serve in the evolving COVID situation.
The upcoming service project in the Adelaide Hills will provide much needed assistance to Adelaide Hills property owners. A recent bushfire recovery effort utilising a national member base had to be postponed in mid November due to recent COVID lockdown/restrictions in South Australia.
Disaster Relief Australia will liaise closely with the Lobethal Recovery Centre to help identify the community members who are in most need of their assistance.
Alex Zimmermann, Local Recovery Coordinator, Cudlee Creek Fires, Adelaide Hills says, “The local community is waiting with anticipation for the return of DRA volunteers to assist them in their recovery. Notwithstanding the limitations brought about by COVID I anticipate there will be some great progress made over the coming weeks once the volunteers are able to commence their operations in the Adelaide Hills.”
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