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
Nick Backe-Hansen pictured centre as mission commander with wave 3 of Operation Elliot in NSW.
I first heard about DRA 3 years ago. Dean West and I worked together in the 5th/7th Battalion at Holsworthy in the 90’s. Opportunities for me at work had all but dried up and coincidentally I saw through Facebook that Westy was in the Virgin Islands, building a school in an area that had been devastated by some sort of disaster. Within 48 hours I had signed up to DRA.
Wave three Op Elliott is my 11th deployment and what makes me keep on coming back is connecting with like minded people, helping out those that are impacted by natural disasters and having the ability to make sure that the teams are having a good time and helping them achieve their goals.
My first few deployments were in the public relations role. Part of the role back then was to observe the psychological position of a resident to identify a potential mechanism of psychological assistance and referral. If I felt that one of our team needed support or someone to talk to, I would speak up and highlight the issue with the appropriate avenues. Being a PRO back then was a tough job, not in a physical sense but I was doing 18 hour days and you always had to be alert mentally, which can be draining.
I’ve come to really understand there exists a kind of nexus between us, as a small embedded team in a damaged area, and the community. There is a unique personal connection that we can bring to them as Blue Shirts that is more difficult for larger organisations to achieve.
After that I was offered the position of a Mission Commander (MC) on Operations and have stayed in that role since. I really like the MC role, it isn’t that I like being in charge or am power hungry, I don’t see the role that way. I just turn up and have a conversation, and people listen and follow me which is my way of getting things done.
Part of that is getting people to work with each other and get along together. I like to make sure that everyone has a good time, lots of laughter and that at all levels we can not only do the work, but walk away having enjoyed it at the same time.
Hopefully in five years time I will be doing the same thing within DRA, being out on Ops with the teams as MC. I like to think that people on my waves respond to my style of leadership, feeling relaxed, and I make sure everyone can feel included and laugh together.
I like to be the guy that people can count on, and to take them as far out of their pain that I can on their worst day. To be the person that when I turn up there is a feeling that everything is gonna be okay.
In these deployed environments our people are what it is all about. It is about them and their experiences, it isn’t about me.
I am seriously impressed with DRA and I loved my first deployment. We made such an impact to community resident…
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Read articleI first discovered Disaster Relief Australia thanks to a work colleague who had recently joined. I am a civilian, however…
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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.
