Short Term Operation Kangaroo Island

Disaster Relief Australia returned to Kangaroo Island to complete bushfire recovery work that began in 2020. This operation was the third deployment to the island following previous efforts that were cut short due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The 2019-20 bushfires were the largest in the island’s recorded history, and two years later, many residents were still struggling with recovery. Following a survey of residents in January 2022 and reconnaissance conducted in late March, DRA identified 18 properties still requiring assistance within our scope of capabilities.

Based in Parndana, which served as a central location to the affected properties, DRA assisted vulnerable community members who had been waiting for support since the fires.

Works included:

• Tree felling and cutting fire-damaged trees
• Fence rolling and stacking
• Basic agricultural fencing construction and repair
• Removal of burnt vineyard irrigation piping
• Refurbishing burnt structures such as orchards and chicken coops
• Debris clearing and removal
• Route clearance and property access