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 | January 2021
Update: 25th January: 2020
On 24th January, 2021, bushfires started in Cherry Gardens and Clarendon in the Adelaide Hills. More than 500 firefighters mobilised in an attempt to control the fire which ripped through 2,500 hectares of bushland in the area.
As rain begins to fall in South Australia, hopefully providing some reprieve to emergency services, we urge everyone in the Adelaide Hills to stay safe and tune into ABC 891 and check the CFS Warning and Incidents webpage for the most up to date information.
We will link in with this community as soon as appropriate to offer our assistance in any way we can.
The 2019-20 Australian bushfire season, also known as Black Summer, saw an extended period of multiple large-scale and intense fires. Australia’s Black Summer megafires were a severe blow, with hundreds of homes lost, millions of hectares of lands burned and parts of the ecosystem destroyed.
Covid-19 hampered our efforts to provide bushfire recovery to the area. An ongoing service project in the Cudlee Creek bushfire area continues to assist with relief and recovery.
When the fires are out and the emergency response subsides, that’s when communities affected by disaster need the next wave of help. Disaster Relief Australia is prepared and ready to answer the call.
In response to the Black Summer bushfires, Disaster Relief Australia coordinated over 15,300 volunteer hours within South Australia. DRA provided debris clearance, route clearance, logistics support, air and ground damage assessments, welfare checks, home repairs and spontaneous volunteer management.
DRA regularly witnesses a profound effect resulting from providing cleanup after catastrophic events. We are always heartened to see residents able to begin the long road to recovery and get back on their feet.
Your donation dollar does double time. Not only are you able to help communities devastated by disaster, you are also supporting Australian Veterans find purpose through service. Your generosity in supporting Disaster Relief Australia will aid us in continuing our bushfire recovery efforts from Black Summer and also to assist property owners losing their homes and buildings right now.
What will your donation contribute to?
Your donation will support Disaster Relief Australia volunteers in real and practical ways. DRA uses your donated funds to train volunteers, manage the deployment of disaster relief teams and to supply the equipment required.
Do you think you have what it takes to help communities devastated by disaster?
More than 3000 people have signed up to offer their services since DRA launched in Australia in 2016. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted our ability to rapidly mobilise a nationwide volunteer network. This significant impact on our recovery operations across the country has forced us to focus on building our state based disaster relief teams. We are actively seeking new motivated volunteers. Not only will you be able to help communities devastated by disaster, you will become part of a nationwide tribe of committed members.
What is it like to volunteer with DRA?
Working in a DRA team can be hard yakka but infinitely rewarding. Volunteers and property owners work together to assess what needs to be done, from clean-up operations to clearing burnt grounds of tree stumps and the charred remains of properties and fencing.
Military veterans, emergency responders and motivated civilians can join and deploy with Disaster Relief Australia on disaster operations. If you’re committed to serving those in need, there’s a spot for you on the Team.
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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.
