Australians are known for showing up when it matters most — whether it’s bushfires, floods or cyclones. But when disasters strike across multiple regions at once, knowing where and how to help can feel overwhelming.
If you’re looking to donate, volunteer or support affected communities, here are practical ways to ensure your help reaches those who need it most — wherever you are in the country.
Support Communities Affected by Bushfires, Floods and Cyclones
Natural disasters don’t impact just one state at a time. This summer has seen communities across Australia dealing with a mix of bushfires, severe flooding and tropical cyclones, particularly across regional and remote areas.
The most effective way to help is by supporting organisations that can respond quickly and direct aid where it’s needed most.
Give What’s Needed, Where It’s Needed
GIVIT is one of the most reliable ways to donate during disasters. Rather than sending unwanted goods, GIVIT allows you to contribute money, essential items or services based on real-time needs identified by local councils and recovery organisations.
You can filter by state, region or disaster type, ensuring your support goes directly to affected communities near you — or to areas experiencing the greatest impact.
Support Our Emergency Services Volunteers
Across Australia, volunteer emergency services are on the front lines during natural disasters. These include:
- Rural and volunteer fire services
- State Emergency Services (SES)
- Local disaster response and recovery teams
Many of these organisations accept donations that help fund equipment, training, welfare support and long-term recovery for volunteers who put themselves in harm’s way.
If you prefer to support locally, most states and territories also allow direct donations to local brigades or units.
Help Farmers and Regional Communities Recover
Natural disasters hit regional and farming communities especially hard. In addition to immediate damage, the financial and emotional impacts can last years.
Many farming and rural support organisations across Australia offer disaster relief funds, emergency grants and recovery programs.
These funds help with:
- Livestock losses
- Damaged infrastructure
- Rebuilding and recovery costs
When donating, look for recognised disaster relief funds operating in your state or nationally.
Keep It Local
Sometimes the most meaningful help happens close to home. Consider supporting:
- Local food banks and relief kitchens
- Community centres and neighbourhood houses
- Grassroots fundraising efforts coordinated through councils or charities
Checking your local council website or community Facebook pages can help you identify where help is needed most right now.
Handy Links: Ways to Help During Natural Disasters
- GIVIT – Donate money, goods or services based on real-time needs
- Australian Red Cross – National disaster relief and recovery support
- State Emergency Service (SES) – Support flood, storm and cyclone response
- Rural & Volunteer Fire Services – Support local fire brigades and volunteers
- Local Council Disaster Appeals – Official, verified local relief funds
(check your local council or state government website)
Disasters may look different depending on where you live — fire, flood or cyclone — but the need for community support is the same everywhere.
By choosing trusted organisations and staying informed, your generosity can make a genuine difference, no matter which part of Australia is impacted.
