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.
Learn moreDRA 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.
Learn moreVolunteers 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.
Learn moreNews 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.
Learn moreDeploying 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.
Find out moreThere 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.
Find out moreDisaster Relief Australia | May 2021
Disaster Relief Australia deployed a six week bushfire recovery operation to the Bega Valley Shire on 29th May, 2021. The veteran led volunteer organisation will bring vital bushfire recovery to Bega residents still suffering the destructive effects of the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020. Real hands on help will include tree felling, fence clearing/repairs and debris removal.
The Black Summer Bushfires are collectively known by Australians as the worst fire season ever. The Bega Valley Shire was decimated with fires scorching 58% of the Shire during the mega fire that blazed uncontrollably from NYE 2019 for 65 days. The destruction included 4 lives lost, 465 homes destroyed and countless damages sustained to buildings, properties and livelihood.
The widespread emergence of COVID-19 occurred just days after the fires were contained. DRA was forced to withdraw critical bushfire recovery services from multiple locations around the country including Cobargo. The Bega Valley Shire has not been able to receive necessary assistance due to the pandemics ongoing restrictions.
Disaster Relief Australia CEO Geoff Evans says “Disasters are more frequent and more intense and for those affected deeply personal. We’re determined to bring help where it’s needed most in spite of the challenges of deploying our volunteer workforce nationally during COVID restrictions.”
The effects of the fires continue to linger on many months after. Many residents are still living in rough conditions. Caravans are the norm. The Shire was the worst hit economically (both directly and indirectly) in the region. Ongoing assistance is required to restore livelihoods and bring much needed support and hope.
DRA has received and managed requests for assistance from agencies including National Bushfire Recovery Agency, Service NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Cobargo Bushfire Recovery Centre. Residents will be aided throughout the entire Bega Valley Shire with work to be undertaken in Bega, Eden and Kiah in the south of the Shire and then Yowrie, Cobargo, Quaama, in the north of the Shire.
Following a wave of destruction left by a storm front across the state of Victoria, both regional and metropolitan areas…
Read articleDisaster Relief Australia will launch flood recovery Operation Riordan on 13th August 2022 to help Northern Rivers residents recover from…
Read articleWith ACT in lockdown until at least October 15th, the need to distribute food and hygiene boxes to ACT…
Read articleThis 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 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.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
