Craig Barber Read their storyDisaster Relief Australia is a one-of-a-kind organisation that is extremely well run and has the community at the forefront of its mind at all times. I highly recommend becoming part of the tribe and volunteering through Disaster Relief Australia, for anyone who wants to help and feels like they just have more to give.
Want to make a real difference?
We need more veteran and non-veteran volunteers to bring help and hope to communities devastated by disaster in Australia and overseas.
Volunteer today to help disaster-impacted communities build resilience and readiness for tomorrow.
Apply to become a volunteer nowTypes of Volunteering
STRIKE TEAM
Join our hands-on team cleaning up debris or sifting for personal belongings. With relevant training, you’ll also have the option to assist with chainsawing tasks.
LOGISTICS
Manage inventory levels, coordinate equipment movements and maintain accurate records to ensure smooth logistics operations.
MEMBERSHIPS
Play a crucial role in onboarding new members by conducting vetting calls and providing ongoing support. Attend meetings and events to foster community within the organisation.
SAFETY
Contribute to safety procedures and support safety management during operations. Review post-action reports to enhance safety protocols.
TRAINING
Assist in planning and coordinating training events, draft documents to support training materials or provide essential information to members attending training sessions.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Be the face of DRA by liaising with the media, capturing impactful photography, and collecting stories and testimonials to promote our mission and impact.
Why volunteer with DRA?
Rapid response
Be part of the action and help people during their toughest times, by deploying on disaster relief operations across Australia and overseas.
In-depth training
We equip you with a range of cutting-edge general and specialist training, so that you’re always ready for action.
Career growth
Use and build your skills in a variety of volunteer and employment positions, explore pathways for professional development, and progress your career in disaster relief.
Problem solving
See a problem? Be part of the solution by proposing short-term projects to address a specific need – from helping war widows to entire communities.
Ready to become a Force for Good?
Join NowOur Impact
Since 2016, Disaster Relief Australia has proudly supported recovery operations making a positive impact across Australia and the world.
43 Disaster recovery operations and service projects
18 Fires
11 Floods
3 Cyclones
3 Severe weather events
2 Pandemics
2 Hurricanes
2 Droughts
1 Typhoon
1 Tsunami
1 Revitalisation
500k+
Volunteer hours logged
$10m+
In-kind value returned to communities
10k+
Work orders completed
112
Locations mapped
FAQs
On this page, you are applying to become a DRA volunteer. From time to time we have paid opportunities to join our team. In these instances, we provide relevant information in the job listing.
Military veterans, emergency responders and motivated civilians join and deploy with DRA on domestic and international operations, all with a commitment to serve those in need. Please note, our volunteer positions are unpaid. We are extremely grateful for our volunteers’ time, experience and commitment to this shared cause.
Volunteering with DRA is tough, dirty and rewarding beyond measure. But don’t take our word for it. Read reflections from our Volunteers directly by clicking here!
Deployments can be challenging work and emotionally confronting in disaster affected communities. Being physically and mentally fit for task is important, particularly if working for continuous days in austere conditions. We need to look after safety of self as we provide service to those in need.
If you are a new volunteer, you can sign up via our Expression of Interest form. If you are an existing DRA volunteer, check that your Muster profile is deployment ready, all skills and qualifications are up to date and your emergency contact details are correct. To streamline our processes a singular operational expression of interest will be current for all active operations. You will be able to select your preferred operation via this form, including length of deployment, and if you need help with your Muster profile you can let us know. To further prepare for deployment and know what to expect, all volunteers must complete the Online Core Operations Course prior via our online training portal. prior via our online training portal.
Check out our volunteer page for more information.
Our membership team are contactable to provide more information and assist with your enquiry.
Phil Warton Read their storyOne of the things I really enjoy about DRA is meeting and getting to work with fantastic fellow volunteers. DRA members come from all over Australia and have varied backgrounds…We all have one thing in common and that is a desire to help others in their hour of need. I find it immensely satisfying to walk amongst people like this.
Spot Swales Read their storyI was drawn to volunteer with Disaster Relief Australia due to its focus on supporting veterans. After service in the Royal Australian Navy, I wanted to put my skills to use in helping Australians, especially with the recent floods in New South Wales.
