Operation Corkhill Phase 1 March Update

Disaster Relief Australia | March 2021



Disaster Relief Australia relaunched bushfire recovery operations in the Eurobodalla Shire on the South coast of New South Wales, continuing the work in communities devastated by the 2019/2020 fire season.  DRA worked with the Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service to identify impacted residents.

After operations were halted in late March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, DRA has  been able to recommence operations within certain areas as a rolling operation featuring small targeted waves of approx 4 days duration (Thursday – Sunday).

Since 4th February, DRA has deployed 6 successful waves, bringing increased hope and healing to the Shire. We take this moment to look back and reflect on the success of Operation Corkhill so far.

3272
Volunteer Hours

129
Volunteer Deployed

31
Work Orders Completed

$166,056
Community Costs Saved

Good to share a story

Andy Frantz living alone on his property has been unable to move on after suffering significant damage to his property including several significant pine trees planted by his father in the 70’s.

“After DRA has been able to cut down the dead trees, I think I can now move on and start trying to get the property back to the way it was before.”

Read Andys reflection

Operation Highlights

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbot joined our strike teams for some hard yakka.

DRA appeared on Sunrise, sharing our valuable bushfire recovery work with the nation.

Corporate Volunteers Bankstown Sports Club experienced how their generous donations are used to help communities.

Department of Veterans Affairs’s Repatriation Commissioner Mr Don Spinks AM came to see our work in the field.

What is it like to volunteer with DRA?  New member David Nicolson reflects

In just a few days I’m back working side by side with other military and ex military and emergency services men and women. It feels similar and familiar. I’m already interested in exploring some things I can do with DRA. I like being on the tools but I also want to find out more about the IMT roles. Although I’ve never met any of the people that I’ve deployed with, we’re already feeling like old friends!

If you’re the type who wants to volunteer then you’re the type who wants to work and help others. I already feel that I belong to a great group of people that just want to get shit done!

Read David’s reflection