For insurance reasons, we can only allow volunteers over the age of thirteen (13). All volunteers under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person.
There is no upper limit of age, however it's important to be mindful of the type of work to be done, as well as the need to comply with direction and instruction by a Coordinator.
Whilst working on a Disaster Recovery Army approved project/site, you are covered by our insurance. Volunteers are NOT covered when working on a project/site that is not approved by Disaster Recovery Army. If a volunteer wishes to perform work outside of Disaster Recovery Army's approved work sites, they are advised to seek their own insurance, or ensure they are covered with a property owners policy - Disaster Recovery Army will not be liable or responsible for any injury/accident that occurs outside of our approved sites.
In the event of an accident or injury, or a personal medical episode, we advise that volunteers should seek their own ambulance cover prior to volunteering with Disaster Recovery Army.
If a volunteer is from abroad (for example, a backpacker), it is strongly recommended that you consult with your travel insurer to ensure ambulance cover.
Though not mandatory, it is recommended that volunteers be vaccinated.
If a volunteer suspects the onset of COVID, they can consult with the Coordinator who will have RAT's available.
If COVID is confirmed, and due to Disaster Recovery Army having a duty to protect our troops and the 'workplace', Disaster Recovery Army may redeploy you into another role. We will encourage the use of a mask, distancing, and a volunteer choosing to isolate for a period. Disaster Recovery Army will support our troops as best we can.
Each situation will be determined on its own merits. Disaster Recovery Army will support our troops as best we can.
Some of the work we do involves clearing debris, so it is recommended that your Tetanus injections be up to date.
There can be work in affected areas that attract mosquitoes, so it is recommended that you protect yourself from any bites or infection.
We work seven (7) days a week, including on public holidays.
No volunteer is permitted to work more than six (6) consecutive days - they must have a day off within a seven (7) day period.
Whilst volunteering with Disaster Recovery Army, all meals will be provided.
We work hard to arrange camp facilities that have space for caravans, motorhomes and tents.. Toilet and shower facilities are provided.
Sometimes we are able to arrange accommodation for volunteers. If you require accommodation, please make this known to a Coordinator.
We provide all personal protective equipment (PPE), with the exception of safety boots. Please ensure you have suitable steel toed boots.
All volunteers are overseen by a competent and trained Coordinator. Any specific matters should be raised with the respective Coordinator.
Each Coordinator runs the camp and the work "projects" in their own way, but under the Disaster Recovery Army models. If you've volunteered previously, you can expect that your experiences between Coordinators may be different. We request that you respect differences in independent and unique coordinating.
If you have pets, we prefer that they be left with a responsible friend or family member, and not taken to camps. If this is not possible, speak with the Coordinator in advance to determine suitability.
Pets are NOT permitted on properties we work on.
Disaster Recovery Army will not be responsible for any pets, their welfare, or emergency (attack, snake bite etc).
Some disasters are not only traumatic to sufferers/victims, but also to volunteers.
Respect and care for all is expected.
Disaster Recovery Army know the importance of mental health, and can offer psychological and counselling sessions to volunteers through our partner network. Please speak with a Coordinator if you would like further information.
Disaster Recovery Army values our volunteer supporters. As such, we've created a Behaviour Charter that we go through in great detail upon registration at our camps and/or project sites.
We have a zero tolerance for verbal and physical abuse, illegal behaviour, drug use, and discrimination. We're also proud to be a stand-out organisation when it comes to respect for all.
