I first heard about Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) while speaking with a mate. Two years later, I’m proud to say joining was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Before volunteering with DRA, I served in the Australian Army for 43 years and continue to serve as a reservist. I’m also a member of the ACT State Emergency Service. As I transition into retirement, I’ve been keen to stay active and give back to the community – DRA has been the perfect fit.
My first deployment was Operation Harris in South Australia, where we supported the cleanup of an algal bloom. It was a great introduction to DRA — the work was clear, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) was comfortable, and the operation ran like clockwork thanks to the outstanding planning and camp management. Beyond the tasks, what really stood out was the camaraderie and the chance to connect with people from all walks of life who share the same desire to help.
Since then, I’ve taken every opportunity to learn and contribute. I completed a CPR refresher course and joined a short-term operation in Cooma, where I helped build a 100-metre fence and assisted others practicing their chainsawing skills. I’d never done fencing before — barbed wire from my Army days doesn’t quite compare — but with patient instruction and teamwork, we produced something we could all be proud of. The veteran we helped was incredibly grateful, which made the effort even more rewarding.
Volunteering with DRA gives me a strong sense of purpose. The work isn’t always glamorous – whether it’s picking up debris or cleaning up after floods – but it’s meaningful. There’s immense satisfaction in helping communities rebuild after disaster and seeing firsthand the difference we make.
As climate change continues to intensify storms, floods and bushfires, there’s a growing need for more trained volunteers to step up. I’d encourage anyone considering it to give DRA a go – the experience is life-changing, and you’ll find a community that feels like family.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing new skills, take on more deployments, and one day step into a planning role. Every operation brings something new to learn and another opportunity to serve – and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
David.