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 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.
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 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 moreWhether you give a day or commit for the long haul, every volunteer plays a vital role in helping communities recover, rebuild and strengthen their resilience. From supporting your local community to national recovery operations, Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) offers flexible volunteering options to suit your availability, skills and commitment level, creating a meaningful way for everyone to serve.
Whether you can give a day or are ready to step into ongoing service, there’s a meaningful way to stand alongside communities preparing for and recovering from disaster.
How you can get involved |
DRA volunteers | DRA community volunteers | DRA corporate volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provide hands-on support to disaster-affected communities | |||
| Assist in preparedness activities to reduce disaster impact | |||
| Choose when you’re available to help | |||
| Suitable for all backgrounds and skill levels | |||
| Join a one-day or short-term local recovery activity | |||
| Participate in long-term or interstate deployments | |||
| Perform various roles on the ground or help behind the scenes | |||
| Access to nationally recognised training e.g. chainsaw, first aid | |||
| Develop leadership, coordination and specialist skills | |||
| Intention to participate in ongoing volunteering opportunities |
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Read articleYes. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. No prior disaster recovery experience is required, however volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
The primary difference lies in the scope, commitment, and capacity of involvement.
Community and corporate volunteers are often spontaneous or community-based volunteers who support recovery or clean-up activities for short periods, usually one or two days. Involvement is typically limited to their local area (within a two-hour drive) and does not include interstate travel or extended deployments. Community and corporate volunteers join DRA as part of the NAB Foundation Recovery Crew.
Volunteers who have greater capacity for involvement can join DRA as part of a state-based Disaster Relief and Recovery Team (DRRT), of which there 10 DRRTs located across Australia. DRA volunteers support local short-term operations and preparedness activities and may also deploy to disaster-affected communities anywhere in Australia for multi-day operations, typically one week.
With more than 20 volunteer roles available, DRA volunteers can contribute either in the field or in behind-the-scenes support roles. They also have access to free training and professional development across a range of skill areas. This training enables them to provide leadership, coordination, and guidance during recovery operations, including overseeing and supporting local community and corporate volunteers as part of our NAB Foundation Recovery Crew, to ensure safe, efficient, and well-coordinated work.
Some disaster recovery roles can be physically demanding. Field-based tasks such as clearing homes and removing debris may involve bending, lifting, standing for extended periods, and working in challenging environments.
Volunteers are always encouraged to work within their own limits, take regular breaks, and avoid any activity that could aggravate an existing injury or medical condition.
DRA also offers a range of back-of-house roles that may be suitable for volunteers who prefer non-physical tasks, or those with physical limitations and mobility considerations.
Yes. While DRA is a veteran-led organisation, many of our volunteers come from civilian backgrounds.
No. You can choose when and how often you volunteer, based on your availability.
Yes. All DRA volunteers are covered by the Voluntary Workers’ Personal Accident Policy. Volunteers must have full Medicare eligibility to volunteer with us.
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.
