In 2022–23, the Australian Government committed $38.1 million over 4 years for veteran-led Disaster Relief Australia.

What were the funds for?

Funding was intended to deliver more support to states and territories when disasters occur.

The funding contributed to the addition of over 5000 new volunteers to the organisation, and a number of deployments to support disaster-impacted communities.

In May 2026, Disaster Relief Australia went into liquidation. The Australian Government is working closely with states and territories to ensure support required for communities is in place into the future.

Ways to support through volunteering

There are a range of options for people to support their communities’ following times of disaster, some useful links are below.

• Australian Capital Territory: Volunteer with emergency organisations through VolunteeringACT.
• New South Wales: Register with the NSW Government's Emergency Volunteering program.
• Victoria: Explore emergency volunteering opportunities through Emergency Management Victoria.
• Queensland: Volunteer with emergency services and community response organisations through Volunteering Queensland.
• Northern Territory: Join the NT Emergency Service as a volunteer.
• Western Australia: Volunteer with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
• South Australia: Find volunteering opportunities on the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission website.
• Tasmania: Explore volunteering opportunities with emergency and community support organisations.