Tackling Disasters Together – Charity Ball
On 15 November 2025, Disaster Relief Australia hosted its inaugural ‘Tackling Disasters Together’ Charity Ball at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
With the support of 12 partners, including the AFL and NAB Foundation as Platinum Sponsors, the event was a success with 166 guests gathered to launch and fundraise for the DRA Community Endowment Fund (CEF). Funds raised for the CEF will support DRA’s preparedness, relief and recovery efforts.
The evening featured presentations from DRA CEO Dave Smith, DRA Board Member Robert (Bob) Plath and representatives from our Platinum Sponsors. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring DRA volunteers Chloe, Aaron and Ray, alongside Taree community member Shaz. The group shared their experiences deploying on national DRA operations, while Shaz spoke to her personal experience of living through the devastating floods in Taree and the vital support provided by DRA.
Speed painter Brad Blaze also joined the occasion, captivating guests with his engaging live performance and auctioning off his on-stage paintings to raise additional funds for the CEF.
Disaster Relief Australia CEO Dave Smith said, “everything we have achieved — every home cleaned, every community restored, every life touched — is the result of one thing: people who care enough to act. I want to thank the partners and sponsors who have not only made this evening possible, but who continue to stand alongside and support us in so many ways. From helping us shape our governance strategy to building a successful corporate volunteering model, introducing us to partners like the AFL and, of course, providing essential funding. We could not have achieved so much without our alliance.”