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.
This MUSTER – Mindaroo Volunteer User Guide is designed to introduce you to the basic functions of MUSTER and provide you with a general insight into how to set up, access, and edit your personal profile.
By following these instructions you will be able to prepare your profile to reach the ‘Deployment Ready’ stage.
For all issues, questions and improvement recommendations on the content of this document, please email support@disasterreliefaus.org
Minderoo Foundation Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
To complete the process to become a Minderoo Foundation Volunteer for DRA, you will need to complete the expression of interest and then wait for a screening call from one of our friendly DRA membership coordinators.
You will receive an email after your screening call, confirming acceptance into our volunteer database – Muster. To gain full volunteer status you must complete your Muster Volunteer Profile. Muster is Disaster Relief Australia’s (DRA’s) Volunteer Management System. To access Muster, you’ll need to be an approved volunteer of DRA. Ultimately, the system will be the go-to for all Volunteers to find information relevant to their involvement with DRA. Before you can commence your volunteer journey with DRA, each area of your Muster volunteer profile will need to be completed diligently. The status of this profile is used to determine your eligibility for involvement in certain activities. To assist you with this process we have included a Volunteer Profile setup guide. Once your profile is complete, as a Minderoo Foundation Volunteer, you will have access to express your interest in DRA operations. For each project you want to deploy on, an individual EOI must be completed prior to any opportunity to help and will be subject to a strict vetting process.
2020 continues to throw curveballs our way. With the six-day lockdown now in effect in South Australia we unfortunately will have to postpone our upcoming Black Summer bushfire relief and recovery efforts in the Adelaide Hills as part of Operation Mason.
We will look to recommence our work assisting South Australians in the Adelaide Hills and also on Kangaroo Island as the situation becomes viable. We will keep the community and our members updated as circumstances unfold. To the South Australian community, stay strong, stay safe and we will see you again soon.
Members and friends, Nothing is more important to us than your safety. Following recent announcements by the State and Federal Governments aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and upon feedback from disaster affected communities, we here at Disaster Relief Australia have temporarily suspended the deployment of volunteers to disaster affected areas. Whilst we understand this news may come as a disappointment, it is the right decision. By minimising travel and social contact in accordance with expert advice targeted at reducing the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19, we will avoid introducing Coronavirus the virus into disaster-affected communities that are already vulnerable. It is vital that you, our amazing volunteers, know that this suspension is only temporary and that our resolve to help our mates in need has never been stronger. Our job is not done, and we are continuing to help affected communities in other ways. We also recognise that it will take communities years to recover from the bushfires, and the support of volunteers will be needed for a long time to come. We will return. Deployments will recommence as soon as it is safe to do so. Please continue to register your interest. In the meantime, we urge you to follow the expert advice of Government and health authorities. Practice good hygiene and social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. You can learn more from the Government’s national campaign here. We will be in touch to keep you updated throughout the coming weeks and months. Stay safe, Your team at Disaster Relief Australia
Mission: On Friday 8th November, a bushfire started in the NSW Central Coast Hinterland.
Disaster Relief Australia planned and conduct a bushfire recovery response to the Kempsey Shire Council Region of NSW, to assist in ongoing bushfire recovery efforts. The Operation is continued for 22 days. Dependent on damage assessments and community need, Disaster Relief Australia may extend into neighboring council areas.
Disaster Relief Australia’s task force will provide: Liaison to Kempsey Shire Disaster Recovery Centre, damage assessments, debris removal, chainsaw, sifting & recovery, and other clean up efforts as required to affected communities in coordination with local and state authorities. Operations will continue until all tasks within mission scope are complete; the assigned mission duration lapses; or available personnel, resources, and incident management assets are no longer adequate to support safe and effective operations.
Operation Overview:
As at 25 Nov 19, more than 660 homes have been confirmed destroyed following the bush fires which have affected large parts of NSW since September 2019.
On 25th November, Disaster Relief Australia deployed a 3 person reconnaissance team to Willawarrin, NSW. DRA is conducting a Bushfire Recovery Operation, which includes debris removal, chainsawing, sift and sort, and others as needed efforts to affected communities in collaboration with local and state authorities.
Disaster Relief Australia hosted counterparts on Operation Partridge from their global network including the UK, US and Norway. These personnel deployed from their home countries to assist the community in their time of need.
Disaster Relief Australia deployed to Casino/Rappsville, Northern NSW to assist local communities in the wake of devastating bushfires in September and October this year. On Thursday 17th October 2019, DRA dispatched a 3 person reconnaissance team to Casino and the surrounding area. Casino and Rappsville were identified as areas with significant needs.
Damage reports were estimated as:
64 homes destroyed, 23 damaged
7 facilities destroyed, 9 damaged 153 outbuildings destroyed, 70 damaged
DRA conducted a Type 4 Operation included: debris removal, tree felling, chainsaw operations, UAV damage assessments, sifting ops and ‘as required’ clean up efforts, and spontaneous volunteer management to affected communities in coordination with local and state authorities.
Greyshirts were on the ground from 26 OCT 19 – 10 NOV 2019
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2020 continues to throw curveballs our way. With the six-day lockdown now in effect in South Australia we unfortunately will have to postpone our upcoming Black Summer bushfire relief and recovery efforts in the Adelaide Hills as part of Operation Mason.