FAQ's
Who volunteers with NAB Foundation Recovery Crew?
People and corporations who are willing to provide a helping hand, participate in operations around Australia. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
What type of volunteering is available?
From welfare support to hands-on disaster clean up, mitigation and recovery work, there are many options as a volunteer.
What is it like to volunteer during an operation?
Volunteering on operations is both challenging and rewarding in ways you wouldn’t expect. You’ll dig deep, get dirty and work hard, yet bring hope and relief to communities in need, help people on some of their worst days, and meet like-minded volunteers with a united sense of purpose. Volunteers say their volunteering has been life-changing and incredibly fulfilling.
Are volunteering opportunities accessibility friendly?
The remoteness and conditions of some operations means accessibility can be limited. We will provide clear expectations of roles when opening operations for application. This will help the NAB Foundation Recovery Crew decide whether the volunteering opportunity is suitable.
How can my organisation get involved to volunteer?
DRA works with organisations throughout Australia to coordinate corporate volunteer days and help communities impacted by disaster. For more information contact 1300 372 287
What is Project Resilience?
Project Resilience is a DRA initiative to monitor the actual and potential disruption faced by a community. DRA's goal is to build a community’s ability to adapt to change and maintain their unique identity. Volunteers conduct disaster mitigation activities to better prepare communities for potential disasters. You can find more information here .
I have registered, what do I do next?
NAB Foundation Recovery Crew and Disaster Relief Australia require individuals to complete their profile before participating in any activity. This information ensures the safety of all participants.
Why do I have to provide health and fitness information?
NAB Foundation Recovery Crew operates and trains in environments that include extreme heat, mould and mud and perform activities that require physical fitness. Our priority is to make sure you will be safe if placed in these situations.
Do you need to be fit to volunteer?
Operations can be challenging and emotionally confronting in disaster affected communities. Being physically and mentally fit for task is important. We need to look after safety of self as we provide service to those in need.
Do I need any training to volunteer?
All volunteers are required to complete an on-site induction at the start of an operation. Further information will be provided on operation.
How do you apply for an active operation?
Before being able to participate in operations, we require you to complete your profile. Always check that your profile is up to date and emergency contact details are correct. Go to the Operations page and select the operation you are interested in. Select the date you would like to participate and click on Apply. This operation and status will now show in your profile. Applying does not automatically mean you have been accepted. DRA will email you to confirm your attendance.
Are volunteers covered by insurance?
As volunteers are not Disaster Relief Australia employees, they are not covered by workers compensation. The first recourse of injury cover is Medicare. Any out-of-pocket expenses not covered can then be submitted through Disaster Relief Australia’s Volunteer Insurance Policy.
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID to volunteer?
In accordance with the nationwide relaxation of COVID-19 vaccination mandates, there is no requirement for volunteers to be vaccinated. Volunteers who are symptomatic will be prevented from participating. DRA recommends all volunteers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza due to the proven public health and personal safety benefits. We will also monitor the public health situation and revise internal policies accordingly.
Do I need any other vaccinations?
All volunteers are reminded to keep tetanus injections up to date, ideally from within the past 5 years.
I have registered with NAB Foundation Recovery Crew, does that mean I am now a DRA volunteer?
No. When registering with NAB Foundation Recovery Crew, you are registering as a community volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering with Disaster Relief Australia visit its website here .
I want to volunteer directly with Disaster Relief Australia, what can I do now?
Military and emergency service veterans and motivated civilians can sign up to become a DRA volunteer. DRA volunteers are activated during disaster relief operations to assist communities recover from disasters. Volunteers generally deploy for eight days at a time and provide on-ground support clearing routes and property access and home repairs (water and debris removal, fencing, roof tarping). For more information on becoming a DRA volunteer click here.