For a life-threatening situation call 000 immediately
Visit our Emergency Dashboard for updates during an emergency
Frequently asked questions
Sign up to volunteer Frequently asked questions
Not all organisations can accept volunteers during a disaster due to safety and training requirements. By becoming an emergency-ready volunteer, you’ll be prepared to help before an emergency occurs.
Volunteer roles range from firefighting, rescue and storm recovery to catering, preparing meals for displaced people, administration, communications and transport.
There’s no ongoing commitment. You simply lend a hand when it’s needed most.
Explore the organisations listed below to see how you can help during an emergency. Learn about the roles they offer and how to register as a disaster-ready volunteer:
The NSW SES is a volunteer-based organisation that helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. It plays a vital role in protecting lives, property and community wellbeing.
All SES volunteer roles may involve:
Visit the NSW SES website
Australian Red Cross helps people prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and crises. It also connects isolated individuals with community programs and provides a wide range of support services across Australia.
Visit the Red Cross website
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the lead combat agency for bush fires in New South Wales. It also works closely with other emergency services to respond to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and storms within rural fire districts.
Learn more about RFS roles.
Visit the RFS website
As a trained Disaster Recovery (DR) volunteer, you’ll join a team that supports people affected by disasters. This includes providing personal assistance, distributing emergency supplies and helping to operate local evacuation or recovery centres.
Visit the Anglicare website
Disaster Relief Australia is a veteran-led not-for-profit that brings together the skills and experience of veterans and other committed volunteers to support communities before and after disasters. The organisation recruits, trains, equips, organises and deploys volunteers to assist with disaster operations across Australia.
Visit the Disaster Relief Australia website
Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre (PBNC) is a community-based organisation that delivers services, programs and activities to improve quality of life in the Tweed Shire. It focuses on supporting people who are socially and economically isolated. The centre’s volunteer program offers diverse opportunities for skills exchange and meaningful community participation through its social enterprises.
All PBNC volunteer roles may involve:
Visit the PBNC website
The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) is a volunteer-based organisation that supports people facing poverty and disadvantage. It provides community connection and strengthens wellbeing.
All Vinnies volunteer roles may involve:
Visit the Vinnies website
Global Care Australia is a faith-based charity helping the local community to prepare for a disaster and respond after the disaster in clean up and recovery. We are mates helping mates.
Visit the Global Care Australia website
Yes, all emergency services organisations provide basic emergency response training. This includes safety briefings, communication protocols, emergency procedures and role-specific instructions. Some roles may also require additional specialised training. Regular volunteers have access to a wide range of training opportunities to build new skills and strengthen their ability to respond safely and effectively during an emergency.
Emergency volunteers are generally reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses such as meals and travel. In some cases, one-off payments may be available to cover income loss during major weather events. Each organisation has its own reimbursement policy. Speak directly with the organisation you’re interested in to find out what support is available.
All organisations listed here provide personal accident insurance for their volunteers. This offers peace of mind in the event of injury while performing assigned tasks. Volunteer insurance may include financial support for medical treatment, rehabilitation and lost income. It can also cover travel-related incidents and third-party property damage.
Yes, some emergency response organisations accept volunteers year-round. You can register directly with the organisations listed above, and they’ll contact you when help is needed.
Emergency volunteers support communities during and after disasters, without the need for an ongoing or regular commitment. The organisation you register with will contact you directly to check your availability and capacity before a weather event.
Most organisations require volunteers to be 18 years or older. This reflects the safety, physical and emotional demands of emergency roles, as well as insurance requirements. There is no upper age limit.
The NSW RFS and SES may accept volunteers aged 16 years and over, provided they have parental consent and the organisation can offer appropriate supervision. Contact your preferred organisation to confirm age requirements and available roles.
Volunteering is open to people of all abilities and health conditions. It’s a great way to learn new skills and meet new people. Speak with your chosen organisation about your needs, abilities and interests and discuss any adjustments that may help. They will work with you to match roles to your skills and comfort level.
Your organisation will let you know what to bring and what will be provided. As a general guide, we recommend you take:
Organisations usually provide:
Volunteers work in teams under the guidance of trained coordinators. Teamwork is essential for safety and for achieving the best outcomes during an emergency. Working together allows volunteers to share responsibilities and support one another.
Each crew has a team leader who manages the response effort, assigns tasks and oversees safety. Emergencies can be unpredictable and stressful. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe while volunteering, speak with your team leader immediately so they can organise support. Your safety and wellbeing are always the priority.