Constant Push to Improve and Expand – Ben Abbott, Veteran, Fire Fighter
I found Disaster Relief Australia when I was searching for ways to get more involved with humanitarian aid. I had been involved with medical volunteering agencies, but when the focus shifted from international travel to domestic only, I thought DRA sounded great for...
Spirit Award Alex Drew
When recognising those members who continually go above and beyond for those needing a hand, the name of volunteer leader Alex Drew comes strongly to mind. Alex first came on our radar when he applied for a mobilisation role in 2020. He was initially assigned to MEL...
Spirit Award Chris Koedan
Chris Koedam has worked above and beyond to help people in the community over multiple operations. He has been outstanding within the IMT and also shows true grit on the tools. Chris always looks out for the best way to help his community and team, prioritising jobs...
Stephen and Luke Aspinal, Father and Son Veterans
Luke I was an Air Surveillance Operator (ASOP) in the RAAF for 9 years. My duties varied, ASOP’s were part of the intelligence branch so that can be broad. Some of the main tasks were: Operating radars in the air defence and border security roles; Tactical datalinks...
Spirit Award Rebecca Talbot
Bec lives and breathes DRA. Though she is a busy Mum with kids at school and an ice cream business, she never fails to put her hand up for any new task that the DRT in Perth needs to be done. It was that ethic that got her involved in DRA in the first place; she grew...News
We are excited to announce that Disaster Relief Australia has been recognised for an Outstanding Achievement in The Australian Charity Awards 2022. This is the third consecutive year that DRA has received an award in this category which recognises charitable organisations that have achieved outstanding results through initiatives that have significantly benefited charitable causes. The 2022 Outstanding Achievement was awarded to DRA for our plans to build our veteran-led volunteer base to create a fit-for-purpose model of continued service to the nation, while at the same time, establishing veterans as a much-needed national asset in disaster resilience and recovery. Our plans to build our volunteer workforce over the next three years will address a whole-of-nation resilience-based approach to disaster management, which recognises that a national, coordinated, and cooperative effort is needed to enhance Australia’s capacity to withstand and recover from emergencies and disasters. In partnership with the Australian Government’s announced funding, we will be significantly building our organisation, infrastructure and capability to always provide optimal support and relief for vulnerable communities affected by natural and #humanitarian disasters. We will further develop systems to connect with other emergency response and relief agencies and increase interoperability as well as to recruit more volunteers into DRA. Volunteering with DRA is a great way for anyone wishing to expand their skills set and either deploy into communities impacted by disaster to aid in their recovery or other #opportunities volunteering behind the scenes to support our recovery operations and daily non-profit activities. To learn more about our award submission visit: Australian Charity Awards – 2022 Winners
With lessons learned from 2017, Debra thought the upstairs of her store was well protected against rising waters. She was wrong. The 2022 Northern Rivers flood hit hard. Her premises, stock and irreplaceable collectables were significantly damaged. Under pressure and devastated, Debra attempted to repair the damage, run her business and manage the loss of her home in South Lismore. With overwhelming tasks piled high, DRA stepped in. They relocated damp and mouldy records, cleaned stock and cleared areas for use again. Debra said of the team: “I just couldn’t stop saying oh my god, oh my god because it had such a huge impact. To really see the progress is psychologically uplifting and amazing. For example, there was a team member who fixed my roller door. It had been damaged after the flood and was covered in mud. Just to see the blue paint on the door rather than the mud was phenomenally uplifting. I don’t know why I keep using the word uplifting, but it was just amazing.”
