Disasters and emergencies
From emergency response to recovery, we stand with communities for the long haul, providing financial, material, emotional and spiritual support so lives can be re-established after disaster.
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 to help you regain some control over the situation. We are here to support you for as long as it takes to recover.
Queensland and NSW Floods
The Salvation Army Strategic and Disaster Management (SEDM) team has supported response and recovery efforts in Queensland and New South Wales due to the unprecedented flood emergency. Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) and local corps have provided over 40,000 meals and refreshments in more than 20 evacuation centres in the first two weeks of the floods. The SEDM team was in full operation in 30 recovery hubs in Queensland and New South Wales during the peak of the early recovery phase.
Our response
Last updated 27 June 2022
Thanks to our generous donors, volunteers and supporters, The Salvation Army has provided the following support in Queensland and New South Wales:
- Distributed $9,604,808 in financial assistance and in-kind support such as food parcels, clothing and household items
- Issued 34,397 recovery grants
- Assisted 14,921 people
- 250+ volunteers deployed in a total of 30 recovery hubs in QLD and NSW (now closed)
- 7488+ volunteer hours worked at evacuation centres (now closed)
- 42,647+ meals and refreshments served at evacuation centres (now closed)
Evacuation centres
Evacuation Centres are now closed.
Recovery hubs
The Salvation Army is no longer active in recovery hubs in Queensland and New South Wales, but we are continuing to provide outreach support to those already registered or who are referred to us by other organisations. To find out more about active recovery hubs please visit the relevant state government website.
Financial assistance can also be accessed directly from these organisations:
The Salvation Army’s local services continue the good work in the community, for those who require further emotional and practical support on their recovery journey, please also reach out to these services.
Other disaster and emergencies
The Salvation Army has provided ongoing care and support to communities affected by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20. All grants have now closed and our bushfire chaplains are still offering support to people who were impacted.
You can read more about how The Salvation Army supported communities affected by the Black Summer bushfires in the latest Disaster Appeal Report.
News and Stories
Salvos detail method to bushfire recovery
16 June 2020
Public commentary surrounding the release of funds raised from The Salvation Army’s Bushfire Disaster Appeal, has, at times, been lou...
Read moreBushfire Disaster Appeal Report released
27 April 2020
The Salvation Army has released a six-month Disaster Appeal Report, outlining its ongoing recovery work in areas of Australia affected by de...
Read moreSalvos 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 Aus...
Read moreBushfire recovery efforts
31 January 2020
With several fires still burning out of control, The Salvation Army remains active in its response – supporting emergency personnel a...
Read moreAn update on our response to the bushfires
23 January 2020
The Salvation Army’s response to the national bushfire disaster is in its fourth month. To date, we have distributed $8.4m (80 per ce...
Read moreTerritorial Commander thanks Disaster Appeal corporate supporters
22 January 2020
Updated 24 January 2020 “We have been completely overwhelmed by the volume of support – financially and emotionally – ...
Read moreMillions in relief delivered as National Disaster Appeal exceeds $40 million
15 January 2020
The Salvation Army's response to the national bushfire disaster is now in its fourth month with many emergency operations moving into recove...
Read moreEnsuring firefighters are well-fed on Kangaroo Island
14 January 2020
For months, firefighters and emergency personnel have sacrificed their own time and personal safety to combat the spread of bushfires during...
Read moreCourage and compassion shines through
13 January 2020
On behalf of The Salvation Army, Assistant Chief Secretary Winsome Merrett expresses our gratitude to each and every person who has helped ...
Read moreAustralia rallies as devastating bushfires continue
10 January 2020
The Salvation Army has been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyday Australians as catastrophic bushfires continue to impact lives. Your k...
Read more