Are you looking to make a real impact? Be it flood, bushfire, cyclone or storm, you can make a difference in helping people and communities affected by disaster.
About Disaster Relief Australia
Established in 2016, Disaster Relief Australia is a veteran-led not-for-profit that unites the skills and experience of veterans and other dedicated volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disaster.
Unlike emergency services which provide immediate disaster response, our focus is on either side of the emergency. We work with communities to identify risks, develop disaster management strategies, and build their capability to face future challenges.
When disaster strikes, we shift our focus to recovery. In the aftermath of a disaster, we provide essential cleanup and support to help communities pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. Together with our volunteers, we’re on the ground clearing out flood-damaged homes, recovering belongings from debris, removing fallen trees after storms, and so much more.
Join us to help communities recover
By uniting veterans with other dedicated and likeminded volunteers, we offer a distinct capability to participate in disaster recovery efforts structured like joint task force operations. No matter your experience or skill level, you’ll have the chance to contribute and be part of something meaningful.
Coming from diverse backgrounds, our volunteers are united in their purpose to serve others as part of a greater cause. For many, especially veterans, DRA provides an avenue to serve others and maintain a sense of wellbeing and purpose.
If you are driven to help others in need, challenge yourself, learn new skills and meet like-minded people, we invite you to apply to volunteer with DRA.
Types of volunteering
Various volunteering opportunities exist on the ground in our Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams (DRRTs) across local and national operations. You’ll dig deep, work hard, get dirty and bring help and relief to communities in need.
Strike Team (ST)
This is our most common new volunteer role. Join the hands-on team clearing debris, managing green waste, or salvaging personal belongings. With training, you can also use a chainsaw or progress to Strike Team Leader (STL).
Camp Manager (CAMPS)
Keep our volunteers nourished by preparing meals during operations and maintaining a clean, well-organised Forward Operating Base (FOB).
Damage Assessors
Be the first point of contact with community members, gathering key details to help plan the work such as job length, required tools, and the number of volunteers needed. You will hear people’s stories and let them know how we can help.
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Capture photos, stories and testimonials from volunteers and the community to help share our mission and impact. The PRO is also a Strike Team member.
Planning Officer (PLANS)
Help get jobs started by calling community members and scheduling in Damage Assessment Teams to visit. You will log information gathered ready for the Operations Officer to allocate it to a Strike Team.
Operations Officer (OPSO)
Allocate work teams to community requests for assistance and ensure all runs smoothly and efficiently. You will review incoming tasks, monitor job progress, and play a key role in keeping the operation productive and coordinated.
Logistics (LOGS)
LOGS keeps the operational side of a deployment organised and well-stocked. Manage inventory levels, coordinate equipment movements and maintain accurate records.
Safety Officer (SO)
The SO contributes to safety procedures and ensures risk awareness and safe work practices are embedded during operations. They review post-action reports to enhance safety protocols.
Wellbeing Officer (WB)
Offer practical and compassionate support to volunteers and community members who may be overwhelmed after a disaster. Ensure they feel heard, safe and connected.
What’s it like to volunteer with Disaster Relief Australia
Our impact
Since 2016, Disaster Relief Australia has grown to an Australia-wide movement. Our unique capability has deployed us globally to provide the greatest service, relief and impact to disaster affected communities.
Find out more
6,700
More than 6,700 volunteers are registered to assist
44K+
Our volunteers have spent more than 44,000 days in the field
10
Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams Nationwide
175+
Disaster recovery operations and community projects conducted
I am a professional firefighter in Melbourne, and former soldier of the Army reserve where I deployed on 2 operations.
I came across DRA one evening scrolling on Instagram when a DRA ad popped up. It struck me as a great way to contribute to society (give something back), while offering valuable experience, skills and adventure.
Ray
Local Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams
DRA has ten equipped and operational Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams (DRRTs) in all states and territories. Each DRRT is integrated into local, state and national disaster management plans and participate in forums, preparation activities and emergency management exercises.
Volunteering FAQs
After a disaster, government agencies, councils, or community organisations may request assistance from Disaster Relief Australia (DRA). Once authorised and coordinated, DRA launches a cleanup and recovery project in the affected area. This is called an operation.
Volunteers are then invited to participate through an Expression of Interest (EOI). If selected, they travel to the operation site to help the community recover, known as a deployment. Participation in deployments is entirely voluntary, and there is no obligation to join an operation.
Before deploying, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements, such as completing your induction training and having a current tetanus vaccination (within the past 10 years).
Most volunteers deploy in week-long intervals (8 days, 7 nights), which are called waves. If you can’t commit to a full wave, shorter deployments may be possible, especially if you live nearby and can drive yourself to the operation site.
Read inspiring stories from volunteers who’ve helped communities recover on past DRA operations.
DRA welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels to contribute to disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery efforts.
Most new volunteers start out on a Strike Team, helping to recover belongings, remove debris, or clean flood-damaged properties. You’ll be supported by an experienced Strike Team Leader and Incident Management Team every step of the way.
Many other roles are available, and DRA offers a variety of online and in-person training courses so you can learn new skills and take on different opportunities.
Deployments can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Field activities often include standing, walking, bending, cleaning, and clearing debris – sometimes in tough weather or challenging environments. Volunteers are encouraged to take breaks as needed and only take on tasks within their physical capabilities.
If you have an existing injury or health concern, deploying may not be suitable, but there are other volunteer roles you can explore that don’t involve field work. Your health and wellbeing should always come first.
DRA operations can take place anywhere in Australia where a disaster has occurred. If you deploy on an operation, DRA covers the costs of:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- A DRA work shirt
You’ll also be reimbursed for travel to and from airports, kilometre allowances for self-drivers, and parking fees (all with valid receipts).
Not covered: personal items on your packing list and safety boots.
Meals are prepared by DRA volunteers and usually include:
- Hot and cold breakfast options
- Morning and afternoon tea
- A packed lunch for the field
- Hot dinner
- All beverages
Dietary needs can all be accommodated – just let the Mobilisation Team know once your place on an operation is confirmed. If you enjoy cooking, you might consider volunteering as a Camp Manager.
Accommodation varies depending on the operation and local facilities. It always includes hot showers, toilets, and a kitchen. In line with DRA’s military heritage, sleeping is usually mixed-gender “barracks-style” with rows of stretchers set up in a community hall. Stretchers are provided, but you’ll bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Other times, accommodation may be in motels, scout halls, or similar facilities.
To qualify for deployment, you’ll need:
- A tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years (DRA recommends every 5 years).
- A National Police Check
- Completion of the Core Operations online induction training.
- Agreement to DRA’s policies.
- A completed volunteer profile on our online platform, Muster.
DRA also offers free training opportunities both online and in person to help you gain new skills and prepare for different volunteer roles. You can also start by volunteering on local one or two-day projects to gain experience before joining a national operation.
Yes. DRA volunteers are covered under our Voluntary Workers’ Personal Accident Policy. While your first source of cover for injury is Medicare or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (if applicable), additional expenses not covered may be eligible to claim through DRA’s Voluntary Workers’ Personal Accident Policy.
Because volunteers are not employees, workers compensation does not apply.
Apply to volunteer
Start your volunteer application today and our Volunteer Support Team will be in touch to guide you on the next steps. DRA welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds including veterans, motivated Australians, corporate teams, and local communities to join our disaster recovery efforts.
Contact us
If you would like more information about volunteering with DRA, please contact us. Our team is available to provide details about volunteering roles, organisational operations, and the ways you can contribute to making a meaningful impact.