Frequently Asked Questions
We know you're sure to have some questions. Please check out the below frequently asked questions we receive. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please make contact with us and we'll be pleased to assist.
We're a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, registered in Victoria, that provides relief and recovery work for people affected by disaster. We provide assistance using a volunteer base and a network of skilled trades that support people get their lives back following disaster. The people we help are destitute, suffering, unfortunate, and helpless, and they demonstrate a need for assistance,
We provide effective relief and recovery to those affected by disaster, natural or otherwise, including:
- Coordinating property recovery efforts (often damaged by flood or fire)
- Securing farms and animals
- Distributing material aid
- Providing temporary accommodation
- Performing clean-ups
- Providing any other relevant assistance that helps get people's lives back following disaster.
The scope of what we do within these parameters varies, and is assessed on a case by case basis.
We operate throughout Victoria, Australia. Our Requests for Assistance (RFA's) mostly come from people in regional, rural and remote communities.
We are not a business in the conventional sense. We are a registered not-for-profit (NFP) that provides services to communities and individuals, without making a profit.
We're not (yet) an approved charity under ACNC, however our application is currently before them and the ATO to be registered as a DGR organisation.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on community support to do what we do. We're supported through donations and sponsorships from everyday people and businesses who love what we do. We also rely heavily on volunteers.
We do. Please make contact with us to find out how you can help.
Whilst we can always put donations to great use in delivering to those who need help, we're also keen to chat with people who can spare some time to volunteer and be part of being there for people and communities. There are so many things you can do help, so please get in touch with us to learn more.
We're always keen to form partnerships with other agencies, organisations and businesses (including trades). Please get in touch with us.
If you have a fundraiser in mind, please contact us or send us a message for our Committee to consider. Our email address is admin@disaster.org.au
If you've suffered as a result of a disastrous event, you could be eligible for our help. We assess each request for assistance on its own merit, and we have a broad scope. If we can't help, we're almost certain to be able to connect you with one of our partners or another agency who may be able to assist.
We love your community spirit!
Because the type of help we provide to people affected by disaster, we welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and from locations across Victoria.
We work in teams, and you're never left alone. Our teams have an agenda that can vary from day-to-day. And help that you can provide can include administrative, physical (labour), planning and coordinating, cooking and housekeeping, and so much more.
There is a requirement that our volunteers be aged over 13 (for insurance reasons).
As part of our volunteer intake process, we'll go through a series of questions and discussions about what you are and are not capable of assisting with, as well as the commitment you're able to make around your own life.
Though not mandatory, having some specific skills and credentials allows us to offer communities and individuals assistance like no other organisation. In high demand are people with equipment/tool/machinery tickets, first aid qualifications, white card, working with children checks, a trade background, and having great team and people (interpersonal) skills.
We value help from all volunteers.
Safety is our first consideration with any assistance we provide, and to our volunteers and partners. We will never compromise on this.
We have internal safety qualified and experienced team members, and who are always available to our organisation.
Before we provide any assistance, on each Request for Assistance (RFA), we have a safety meeting, so everyone is aware of any risks and dangers.
Only properly and verified qualified people undertake any work where there is risk or a licence/ticket required to perform that work.
All personal protective equipment required is supplied by us.
We're happy to have a chat about your particular needs.
Typically, Requests for Assistance (RFA's) are never the same. So, what's involved differs from person-to-person.
Regardless of what's required, we will work out a specific plan for you, and then have you agree to the help we may provide. This may include preparing a Service Agreement and/or a Property Agreement - we generally require these for legal and insurance reasons.
We know that when you contact us, you're in a compromised situation, and need help fast. So, you won't deal bureaucracy - we'll get on and provide whatever assistance we can.