ADRA’s Response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Transforming Emergency Response in Australia: How ADRA enhanced preparedness and support during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred response

Disasters strike without warning, disrupting lives, communities, and hope. ADRA Australia, committed to delivering aid and transforming lives, has taken decisive steps to enhance its emergency response strategies, combining national coordination and localised action.

Strengthening National Preparedness
At the national level, ADRA has refined its Emergency Management Plan (NEMP) to align with real-world needs and existing emergency efforts. With valuable input from across the nation, the updated plan streamlines responses while fostering collaboration. In November 2024, 19 members of ADRA’s National Emergency Response Team were trained, equipping them to lead responses with expertise and dedication.

Empowering Local Communities
Disaster readiness begins at the grassroots. ADRA’s focus on empowering churches, volunteers, and local projects to respond effectively has sparked meaningful change. From reactivating Disaster Ready Churches to simplifying volunteer participation, ADRA ensures communities are equipped to act during crises. Local churches and projects are supported with training and guidance, enabling swift action in identifying and addressing needs during disasters.

Collaboration during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
The response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred exemplifies ADRA’s robust approach. ADRA collaborated with 5 Seventh-day Adventist Churches, 5 ADRA projects, and over 40 partners across Queensland and New South Wales, ensuring targeted support for affected communities. The relief efforts were remarkable:

– $49,595.92 raised through donations, including contributions from ADRA op shops, supporters, and in-kind support.
– Engagement with 23 local churches across two conferences, with 5 activated and 5 other churches guided in how to identify community needs.
– Mobilisation of 90 volunteers who carried out 24 response activities and hosted 14 community-facing events.
– Support provided to 713 beneficiaries through initiatives such as community barbecues, hot meals, frozen takeaways, and designated “chill-out zones.”

 

Rebuilding Lives with Compassion
The human stories behind the numbers are where ADRA’s impact truly shines. From providing cash transfers to over 140 individuals in dire need to restoring hope and dignity for the homeless, ADRA has been a lifeline during the storm’s aftermath.

Nathan, a recipient of ADRA’s support, shares, “When I lost everything in the storm, I was able to get new clothes, clean myself up, and buy a new tent.” Ari expressed gratitude, saying, “ADRA financial support helped me top up my GoCard and buy extra food to survive the weeks ahead.”

In collaboration with Set Free Care, the impact was described as life-changing by referring partner Patrice Poutu: “What an absolute blessing, privilege and honour to partner with you during this time. For many who are excluded from traditional aid—due to homelessness, stigma, or lack of ID—ADRA’s simple, accessible support restored dignity and offered hope. Thank you so much for the brilliant work you do and the
support you have given our homeless and vulnerable community.  We are so appreciative of the massive and generous relief you have provided, and I look forward to our continued partnership. ”

Building Future Resilience
ADRA’s efforts during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred didn’t end with immediate relief. The organisation piloted streamlined processes for volunteer screening, initiated remote coordination across multiple conferences, and established stronger connections with government bodies, service providers, and churches.

Through initiatives like Ipswich Disaster Ready Church’s activation and collaborations within the Gold Coast Faith Community Disaster Network, ADRA’s work is paving the way for a more resilient and prepared future.

As Michael, one beneficiary, eloquently expressed, “What a beautiful and uplifting surprise this Easter. Your thoughtfulness and blessing came at a moment of great need, and I am deeply grateful.”

ADRA’s continued dedication ensures that when the storms come, hope is always within reach.

You can support ADRA’s response in times of disaster, as well as disaster preparedness activities, by donating at adra.org.au/disaster.