Mel Read their storyI would highly recommend joining DRA, even if you can only volunteer a couple of hours a month. Whether you are deploying out in the field or helping with back of house tasks like stocktake or making phone calls, every little bit counts.
Volunteering with Disaster Relief Australia is a chance to serve again, using your skills to support communities when they need it most.
About Disaster Relief Australia
Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) is a veteran-led not-for-profit that unites the skills and experience of veterans and other dedicated volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters.
When the immediate disaster has passed and emergency services have moved out, our volunteers move in. Structured like joint task force operations, our coordinated recovery efforts get us on the ground clearing out flood-damaged homes, recovering belongings from debris, removing fallen trees after storms, and so much more. We support communities on some of their toughest days, helping them take the first steps on the road to recovery.
Continue serving, continue making a difference
As a veteran-led organisation, DRA honours the experience and skills of those who served. The training and leadership acquired through your previous service are critical in disaster recovery. By volunteering with DRA, you can apply your expertise where it’s needed most, from boots on the ground, to team coordination and field operations.
Volunteering with DRA is more than just helping others. It’s a chance to find purpose, build new connections, and contribute to a mission larger than yourself in a supportive environment.
We welcome you to join our community of veterans and other motivated Australians making an impact.
Why volunteer with DRA?
Make an impact
Since 2016, DRA has grown Australia-wide with more than 5,000 volunteers and 10 local Disaster Relief & Recovery Teams. Our unique capability has seen us deploy globally to provide the greatest service, relief and impact to disaster affected communities.
Sense of purpose
Disaster relief has proven to be a powerful tool to help veterans transition back into society and their local communities. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals that you’ll meet over again to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Serve others
Veterans have unique skills and experience that can be harnessed to assist disaster affected communities. We also recognise veterans have an ongoing desire to serve others.
What’s it like to volunteer?
Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds but are unified with a common purpose – to serve others in need. Watch this short video to find out what it’s like to deploy on an operation.
Our impact
Since 2016, Disaster Relief Australia has proudly supported recovery operations making a positive impact across Australia and the world.
View operations
10
Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams Nationwide
175+
Disaster recovery operations and community projects conducted
6,700
More than 6,700 volunteers are registered to assist
44k+
Our volunteers have spent more than 44,000 days in the field
The importance of wellbeing
At DRA, ensuring our volunteers are mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges of disaster recovery work is crucial. This support is essential to ensure that our volunteers can perform at their best, maintain their wellbeing, and continue to serve those in need. Our Wellbeing Team plays a central role in this process by providing vital support that enhances volunteer resilience and retention, promotes mental health, and fosters a supportive community.
Learn moreTypes of volunteering
Strike Team (ST)
This is our most common new volunteer role. Join the hands-on team clearing debris, managing green waste, or salvaging personal belongings. With training, you can also use a chainsaw or progress to Strike Team Leader (STL).
Camp Manager (CAMPS)
Keep our volunteers nourished by preparing meals during operations and maintaining a clean, well-organised Forward Operating Base (FOB).
Damage Assessors
Be the first point of contact with community members, gathering key details to help plan the work such as job length, required tools, and the number of volunteers needed. You will hear people’s stories and let them know how we can help.
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Capture photos, stories and testimonials from volunteers and the community to help share our mission and impact. The PRO is also a Strike Team member.
Planning Officer (PLANS)
Help get jobs started by calling community members and scheduling in Damage Assessment Teams to visit. You will log information gathered ready for the Operations Officer to allocate it to a Strike Team.
Operations Officer (OPSO)
Allocate work teams to community requests for assistance and ensure all runs smoothly and efficiently. You will review incoming tasks, monitor job progress, and play a key role in keeping the operation productive and coordinated.
Logistics (LOGS)
LOGS keeps the operational side of a deployment organised and well-stocked. Manage inventory levels, coordinate equipment movements and maintain accurate records.
Safety Officer (SO)
The SO contributes to safety procedures and ensures risk awareness and safe work practices are embedded during operations. They review post-action reports to enhance safety protocols.
Wellbeing Officer (WB)
Offer practical and compassionate support to volunteers and community members who may be overwhelmed after a disaster. Ensure they feel heard, safe and connected.
Apply to volunteer
From challenging field activities to support and specialist roles, there are many ways to help disaster affected communities. Supported by select hands-on training and professional development programs, there are a range of options to expand your skills, enhance future employment opportunities and serve those in need.
Apply nowVolunteering FAQs
After a disaster, government agencies, councils, or community organisations may request assistance from Disaster Relief Australia (DRA). Once authorised and coordinated, DRA launches a cleanup and recovery project in the affected area. This is called an operation.
Volunteers are then invited to participate through an Expression of Interest (EOI). If selected, they travel to the operation site to help the community recover, known as a deployment. Participation in deployments is entirely voluntary, and there is no obligation to join an operation.
Before deploying, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements, such as completing your induction training and having a current tetanus vaccination (within the past 10 years).
Most volunteers deploy in week-long intervals (8 days, 7 nights), which are called waves. If you can’t commit to a full wave, shorter deployments may be possible, especially if you live nearby and can drive yourself to the operation site.
Read inspiring stories from volunteers who’ve helped communities recover on past DRA operations.
DRA welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels to contribute to disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery efforts.
Most new volunteers start out on a Strike Team, helping to recover belongings, remove debris, or clean flood-damaged properties. You’ll be supported by an experienced Strike Team Leader and Incident Management Team every step of the way.
DRA offers a variety of online and in-person training courses so you can learn new skills and take on different opportunities.
Deployments can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Field activities often include standing, walking, bending, cleaning, and clearing debris – sometimes in tough weather or challenging environments. Volunteers are encouraged to take breaks as needed and only take on tasks within their physical capabilities.
If you have an existing injury or health concern, deploying may not be suitable, but there are other volunteer roles you can explore that don’t involve field work. Your health and wellbeing should always come first.
DRA operations can take place anywhere in Australia where a disaster has occurred. If you deploy on an operation, DRA covers the costs of:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- A DRA work shirt
You’ll also be reimbursed for travel to and from airports, kilometre allowances for self-drivers, and parking fees (all with valid receipts).
Not covered: personal items on your packing list and safety boots.
Meals are prepared by DRA volunteers and usually include:
- Hot and cold breakfast options
- Morning and afternoon tea
- A packed lunch for the field
- Hot dinner
- All beverages
Dietary needs can all be accommodated – just let the Mobilisation Team know once your place on an operation is confirmed. If you enjoy cooking, you might consider volunteering as a Camp Manager.
Accommodation varies depending on the operation and local facilities. It always includes hot showers, toilets, and a kitchen. In line with DRA’s military heritage, sleeping is usually mixed-gender “barracks-style” with rows of stretchers set up in a community hall. Stretchers are provided, but you’ll bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Other times, accommodation may be in motels, scout halls, or similar facilities.
To qualify for deployment, you’ll need:
- A tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years (DRA recommends every 5 years).
- A National Police Check
- Completion of the Core Operations online induction training.
- Agreement to DRA’s policies.
- A completed volunteer profile on our online platform, Muster.
DRA also offers free training opportunities both online and in person to help you gain new skills and prepare for different volunteer roles. You can also start by volunteering on local one or two-day projects to gain experience before joining a national operation.
Yes. DRA volunteers are covered under our Voluntary Workers’ Personal Accident Policy. While your first source of cover for injury is Medicare or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (if applicable), additional expenses not covered may be eligible to claim through DRA’s Voluntary Workers’ Personal Accident Policy.
Because volunteers are not employees, workers compensation does not apply.
Due to medical insurance limitations, if you are in Australia on a student or working holiday visa, you are not eligible to apply to volunteer with Disaster Relief Australia.
Deploying to an operation as part of a Strike Team is our most common and most needed volunteer role. It is hands-on work that can be physically demanding. If you have an existing injury or health concern, deploying may not be suitable. If you want to help in other ways, you are welcome to apply however please note there are very limited roles that don’t involve field work.
Mitch Read their storyLike many veterans and first responders, I felt a bit lost after leaving the service. I was looking for a way to stay connected and desired to give back.
Apply to volunteer
Start your volunteer application today and our Volunteer Support Team will be in touch to guide you on the next steps. DRA welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds including veterans, motivated Australians, corporate teams, and local communities to join our disaster recovery efforts.
Volunteer Information Session
New and prospective Volunteers are invited to attend Disaster Relief Australia’s (DRA) national online Volunteer Information Session to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved.