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 moreEffective disaster response comes from effective training and preparedness. As a Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) volunteer, you are offered a range of nationally recognised training courses to equip you with valuable skills needed for disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. From chainsaw operations, first aid and fencing, to drone and 4WD courses, our training keeps us at the cutting edge.
These courses are optional and best suited to volunteers who want to be actively involved on the ground in field operations. If you would rather support DRA in a different capacity, there are many other ways to volunteer.
Learn how to use a chainsaw safely with training courses provided by Emergency Australia. Begin your learning with the basics of chainsaw, including chain sharpening and servicing, before learning how to apply different cutting techniques. Enhance your skills by learning to use a pole saw and mastering tree felling through basic and intermediate courses.
Obtain or refresh your First Aid and CPR certifications and be ready to act when faced with medical situations. Build on your skills with Remote First Aid, further developing your ability to provide extended care when professional help is delayed.
A common side effect of disasters is damaged fencing. Learn how to supervise volunteers to construct both conventional and electric fencing, ensuring safety and professional standards are upheld.
In this course, you will come off–road and learn how to operate and recover four-wheel drive vehicles in difficult terrain. Apply your skills in the field and help us reach rural and remote communities.
DRA volunteers have the option to join a skills weekend to become familiar with the equipment and processes we use when setting up on Operation. It is also an opportunity to get to know some fellow volunteers in your local Disaster Relief and Recovery Team.
Before you travel (deploy) on a live Operation, we ask all DRA volunteers to complete the Online Core Operations Course. This course can be accessed via the DRA Learning Portal and is designed to help you prepare for your deployment and know what to expect on DRA Operations.
If you are a current volunteer interested in face-to-face courses with a practical component, such as chainsaw training, 4WD training or First Aid courses, refer to the calendar below. Use the event links in the calendar to submit your expression of interest.
For online-only courses, such as the “Core Operations” course and DRA team role-specific courses, head to the DRA Learning Portal.
Operational Skills Training: TRAINING EVENT: Operational Skills Training COURSE PROVIDER: Internal Disaster Relief Team LOCATION: Southwest Region (TBC) DATE: Saturday 5th April - Sunday 6th April 2025 TIMINGS: 0900 - 1600 Both Days MUSTER […]
Operational Skills Training: TRAINING EVENT: Operational Skills Training COURSE PROVIDER: Internal Disaster Relief Team LOCATION:421 Cudlee Creek Road, Cudlee Creek DATE: Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th April 2025 TIMINGS: 0800 - 1600 Both […]
DRRT TAS - Fell Trees Manually (Intermediate) - Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th April 2025 TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT3350 - Fell trees manually (intermediate) COURSE PROVIDER: Emergency Australia LOCATION: South Tasmania DATE: […]
DRRT VIC - Trim & Cut Fell trees, Maintain Chainsaws - Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th April 2025 TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT2254 Maintain chainsaws & FWPCOT2273 Trim and cut felled trees […]
DRRT VIC- Fell Trees Manually (Basic) - Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th April 2025 TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT2275 - Fell trees manually (basic) COURSE PROVIDER: Emergency Australia LOCATION: Lerderderg 4WD Training Park, Seereys […]
Chainsaw Trim & Crosscut, Maintain Chainsaw & Pole Saw TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT2254 Maintain chainsaws & FWPCOT2273 Trim and cut felled trees & FWPCOT3238 Trim tree using a Polesaw COURSE PROVIDER: Emergency […]
4WD Certification: - Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads - FWPCOT3325 - Recover four wheel drive vehicle - FWPCOT3326 TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT3325 Operate four wheel drive vehicle on […]
DRRT NSW South - Advanced First Aid - Sunday 27th April 2025 TRAINING EVENT: HLTAID014 - Provide Advanced First Aid COURSE PROVIDER: Emergency Australia LOCATION: Sydney (Hills Wildlife Sanctuary) 51B […]
DRRT ACT - 4WD Certification Training - Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th May 2025 TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT3325 Operate four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads + FWPCOT3326 Recover four-wheel drive vehicle COURSE […]
4WD Certification: - Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads - FWPCOT3325 - Recover four wheel drive vehicle - FWPCOT3326 TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT3325 Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed […]
Remote First Aid: Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site - HLTAID013 COURSE PROVIDER: Emergency Australia LOCATION: Anstey Hill Recreation Park DATE: Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th May 2025 TIMINGS: 0800 […]
DRRT TAS - TCA - Maintain Chainsaws & Trim and Cut Felled Trees - Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th May 2025 TRAINING EVENT: FWPCOT2254 Maintain chainsaws & FWPCOT2273 Trim and […]
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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.
