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Disasters and emergencies

Whether it’s bushfires, floods, cyclones or prolonged drought, we understand that disasters have a devastating impact on communities and individuals.

We realise that in the aftermath of a disaster, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of what needs to be done.

You don’t have to take that journey alone. The Salvation Army is available to provide advice and clarity, to make sense of what the next steps are and help you regain some control over the situation.

We are here to support you for as long as it takes to recover.

Need help?

The Salvation Army Disasters Assistance team is available to help those affected in any state or territory across Australia. Contact them today for advice and support:

sal.disasters@salvationarmy.org.au

1300 662 217

If you are in a life-threatening situation, please call 000 immediately.

For the latest information for affected residents and communties, please visit your state government website.

ACT	esa.act.gov.au
NSW	www.emergency.nsw.gov.au
NT	nt.gov.au/emergency
QLD	www.disaster.qld.gov.au
SA	www.cfs.sa.gov.au
TAS	www.alert.tas.gov.au
VIC	www.emergency.vic.gov.au
WA	www.emergency.wa.gov.au

The Salvation Army works with federal, state and local government, as well as community organisations to best meet the needs of those affected by disasters. We offer a range of services and assistance measures to help people and communities impacted by disaster – including financial assistance, emotional support and referrals.

Assistance may include:

Initial direct unrestricted cash grants
Secondary financial grants
Special housing grants (rent, power/gas, telephone/internet)
Special household/personal grants (clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, furniture)
Personal needs (medical and pharmaceutical)
Temporary and transitional accommodation relocation grants
Vehicle grants (registration, insurance and petrol)
School assistance (books, uniforms, excursions)
Financial counselling
Survivor advocacy

Additional support towards housing and employment services will be provided by Salvation Army Housing and Employment Plus

Your generous donation means that we can deliver crucial support right when it's needed, and that we can stay as long as it takes to help local communities make a full recovery.

Please donate now and show your support for our communities in crisis.

Donate to Disaster Relief

Your donation in action

Salvation Army disaster assistance provides support in three stages:

The first stage is emergency response during the crisis and in the immediate aftermath. Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams activate at evacuation centres to respond to needs on the ground. Meals and refreshments, care packs, bedding, referrals, counselling and financial assistance are just some of the ways we help.

The second stage is an initial assessment and provision of emergency funds.

The third stage is recovery. This is the longest stage where more financial support is provided for those who have been severely impacted by the disaster. For example, damage to, or loss of, homes and livelihoods.

Your donation goes directly to supporting people affected by the disaster.

We are grateful for your generosity, but we are unable to accept donations of goods as the logistics of transporting, storing and distributing donated goods in disaster-affected communities is often not practical.

Financial donations also allow residents the opportunity to make their own choices and inject much-needed funds into local economies and businesses, helping communities recover sooner.

Salvation Army Emergencies Services (SAES) volunteers play a vital role during natural disasters by feeding and caring for first responders as well as providing other support as requested by Government and Emergency Services.

All volunteers are provided with easy and simple training.

To get involved, please click below. Please be aware that only regions with current vacancies will be advertised.

Browse current opportunities

You can find the answers to some frequently asked questions concerning our bushfires response here.

Salvation Army volunteer at bushfire location

How to access disaster support

Working with state and local government, we offer a range of services and assistance measures to help people and communities across all states who have been impacted by disasters – including financial assistance, emotional support and referrals.

The Salvation Army Disasters Assistance team is available to help those affected in any state or territory across the country.

Please contact the team by emailing sal.disasters@salvationarmy.org.au or by calling 1300 662 217.

Latest disaster updates

Salvos ramp up bushfire recovery operation

11 February 2020

The Salvation Army has shifted to the recovery phase of its bushfire assistance, thanks to the generous support and contributions of the Australian public. Salvation Army Emergency Services are positioned at four official recovery hubs in New South W...