Open Letter to All Australian Stakeholders: Strengthening Disaster Resilience, Response and Recovery Across Communities and Businesses

Open Letter to All Australian Stakeholders: Strengthening Disaster Resilience, Response and Recovery Across Communities and Businesses

Our aim at the Australian Disaster Alliance (ADA) is to reduce over-reliance on the Australian Defence Force as the first response in disaster management while complementing, rather than disrupting, existing services—stepping up for our members and assisting other partners when they become overwhelmed:

We are reaching out to utilise your services to supply to our clients who make up the below customers. As a member, your staff will be protected by our network also, and we would repay the love by connecting you with our members before, during and after a disaster. We have created an award winning certificate and disaster risk inspection template that is putting the ownership of resilience, mitigation and recovery back into the hands of our stakeholders, with many improving on their mitigation by utilising services and products such as yours. 

We are reaching out to invite you to join our mission to create a more resilient, prepared, and disaster-ready Australia. As part of our commitment to support individuals, businesses, and stakeholders within the broader disaster risk management landscape, we are proud to offer a unique membership service designed to help you and your network take proactive ownership of your disaster risk and response responsibilities.

At the heart of our offering is the Disaster Assist Membership Service, where we provide exclusive Disaster Risk Certification and actionable resources and tools at the fingertips of our members. This certification empowers with an in-depth, confidential personal or business disaster risk guide, complete with a tailored action plan. Whether you're preparing for a potential disaster or responding to an unexpected event, our members gain direct access to a world first ‘roadside assist’ service for disaster risk management, offering comprehensive task management and risk mitigation assistance, in record time.

Our approach is innovative and deeply person-centred. We stand apart for our capacity to assist not only individuals on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) but also those who may need support evacuating with pets, and vulnerable people who require specialised assistance. We pride ourselves on being a leader in creating emergency preparedness plans that truly meet the unique needs of all individuals.

With a dedicated full-time team, a growing network of skilled surge personnel, contractors, and assets in key regions, our service ensures that when disaster strikes, we are there to respond quickly and effectively. As we grow alongside our members, we will continue to provide world-class disaster response in regional and rural areas. 

Our capabilities include a growing surge workforce of certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) First Responders and essential disaster response machinery—everything from emergency accommodation, loaders, and dozers, to Bobcats, trailers, and equipment suited to specific disaster events. Additionally, we will have strategically positioned shipping containers stocked with vital supplies on  hand to ensure that regions receive the immediate help they need.

Our approach has been recognised and celebrated. In 2017, we were honoured with the Resilient Australia Award for Queensland, acknowledging our innovative approach to disaster task management, in the support of over 6,000 people across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions, including requests for assistance from the Australian Red Cross and State Emergency Service. Most recently, we were awarded the Emergency Management Public Affairs 'Highly Commended' Award in 2024 for our Resilience Passport, which was lauded for 'Excellence in Emergency Communication'. These awards are a testament to the impact we’ve made, and we’re eager to expand our reach and continue making a difference.

Now, as Australia faces the current challenges of flooding in Queensland and bushfires in the southern states, the need for innovative, community and technology-driven disaster management solutions is more critical than ever. By joining the ADA, you can contribute to shaping the future of disaster and emergency management while ensuring the preparedness of your own community or business.

Business Benefits: As a business, disaster preparedness is not just about having a plan in place; it’s about creating a sustainable approach that ensures your operations can continue smoothly when unexpected challenges arise. With ADA membership, businesses can access essential risk management resources, disaster response coordination, and workforce support—all aimed at reducing downtime and mitigating financial loss. Being prepared means your business can operate with confidence, minimising the disruption to your workforce, supply chains, and community.

Prepared businesses can continue to serve their customers during times of crisis, instead of falling behind and scrambling for solutions after the fact. By taking small, consistent steps with us toward disaster readiness, your business will gain the freedom and autonomy to weather challenges without relying heavily on external already-overwhelmed resources for support. Urgent assistance will always be available, but preparedness allows you to manage your own needs and reduce dependence on others. This sense of control and self-sufficiency also boosts community resilience, as businesses are better equipped to contribute to collective recovery efforts.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Initiative:

A unique advantage of becoming a member is the ability to offer the Disaster Assist Membership as part of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This initiative demonstrates your commitment to the well-being and preparedness of your staff and their families, positioning your business as a more attractive employer to current and future employees and contractors.

Consider this scenario: a worker, first responder, essential worker, or volunteer is engaged in their work—perhaps remotely or in the field—when a disaster occurs or is imminent. The last thing they want to do is leave their work or put themselves in danger while distracted by the potential chaos of the situation. By being a member of ADA, this individual and their family can rely on us to handle the preparedness, response, and recovery needs of the situation. Without needing to leave their post or compromise their own safety, the member can confidently task ADA with managing these critical aspects. This support ensures that the individual can stay focused on their work, knowing that their personal and family needs are in capable hands.

By providing access to valuable disaster risk management resources, you not only empower your employees to be better prepared for disasters, but you also contribute to their peace of mind, knowing that help is only a phone call away. This added benefit can be a game-changer when it comes to employee retention and recruitment.
In today’s competitive job market, offering such a comprehensive and meaningful support service makes your business stand out, showing that you care about the safety and resilience of your workforce—both in and outside of the workplace.

Personal and Community Benefits: For individuals and families, being prepared means far more than just securing your home or business—it’s about creating a lasting sense of security. Many find that when they are unprepared for a disaster, they fall into a cycle of always catching up—constantly needing to rely on external aid, rather than empowering themselves to manage their own needs. This dependency can lead to a sense of desperation and loss of control, both for individuals and the communities that support them.

On the other hand, those who take simple, proactive steps over time—whether it’s creating an emergency kit, developing a family disaster plan, or understanding the risks they face—find that they can handle challenges with greater ease. They are not only able to look after themselves, but they are also less reliant on others for support, which can be crucial in times of widespread disaster. Prepared individuals are less likely to face the 'begging bowl effect' that so often arises when people are left scrambling for help in the aftermath of a crisis. Your membership ensures your staff receive training, and  knowledge around their specific risks and needs, a comprehensive inspection tool and action guide, a resilience passport - vital for when it is time to evacuate, AND the support of member priced first responders, contractors, resources, and supplies immediately when the request it.  

By joining the ADA, you are investing in both your own future and that of your community. Preparedness enables individuals to support themselves and their loved ones, reducing the burden on local resources and emergency services. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to be resilient, while still contributing to the collective strength of your neighbourhood or workplace.

Membership Pricing: Our membership is structured to meet the needs of businesses and organisations of all sizes, with flexible pricing options to ensure that everyone can benefit from the support and services we offer:

Sole Business Owner (1 employee): $385 (+GST)

Micro Business (2 to 5 employees): $1,485 (+GST)

Small Business (6 to 20 employees): $3,850 (+GST)

Medium Business (21 to 100 employees): $11,000 (+GST)

Corporate (101 to 200 employees): $22,000 (+GST)

Enterprise (201+ employees): $33,000 (+GST)

• Larger than Enterprise, a charity, or operate more than one site (e.g. grocery stores/ mine site/ industrial/ franchise)? Feel free to contact us and discuss.

Education Institutions: Ideal for organisations in the education sector – $2,750 (+GST)

Marketplace Partner Program: Ideal for organisations who want to partner with the ADA for sponsorship and the provision of services to benefit non-members – $2,750 (+GST)

There has never been a better time to become a member. We are at the forefront of community-led and technology-driven innovation in disaster risk management, working alongside businesses, government bodies, the education and disaster management sectors, and individuals to build a more resilient future. As we continue to grow, we’re ready to offer you the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to help mitigate risks and enhance your preparedness in the face of disaster.

Please join us today to ensure your organisation and community is equipped to respond effectively, recover swiftly, and thrive in the face of adversity.

When a business or stakeholder pays for an ADA membership for its employee/s, the workers will receive a range of benefits that not only ensure their personal safety and preparedness but also provide peace of mind knowing that both their immediate and long-term needs are covered in the event of a disaster. Here are the key benefits that each worker will receive as part of this membership:

  1. Personal and Family Disaster Risk Guide and Action Plan
    Each employee will receive an in-depth, confidential disaster risk guide tailored to their unique personal and family circumstances. This guide includes:
    • A step-by-step action plan for responding to various types of disasters (floods, fires, storms, etc.).
    • Recommendations for emergency supplies, evacuation routes, and family contact points.
    • Special considerations for those with dependents, pets, or special needs.
    • Emergency contacts and resources that can be activated in the event of an incident.
    • Real-time emergency evacuation drill scenario.

2. Emergency Preparedness Support
Employees will have access to a comprehensive suite of resources to assist with preparedness, including:
• Regular updates and alerts about potential threats or disasters in their region.
• Access to online resources such as guides, checklists, and tools to develop their own emergency plans.
• Tips and training on disaster risk management, such as discounts on first-aid courses or home safety measures.

3. ‘Roadside Assist’ for Disaster Preparedness
Similar to the roadside assist services for vehicles, ADA can provide on-demand support for employees and their families during times of crisis. This includes:
• Pre-disaster risk assessments to ensure they have adequate measures in place.
• Task management in the event of a disaster (e.g., coordinating resources like accommodation, food, make-safe repairs, pet evacuation, and equipment).
• Real-time coordination for the immediate needs of members, such as arranging shelter, transport, or medical assistance, a great continuation of business tool that allows employees the option to stay at work, knowing ADA are making arrangements. A vital tool for the many un-insured stakeholders our research has found, as it is estimated that of the 7.7 million Australian households, 23 per cent or 1.8 million residential households do not have a building or contents insurance policy.   

4. Response and Recovery Assistance
In the event of a disaster, the employee or their family can delegate the management of immediate needs to ADA. This includes:
• Direct support for evacuation, securing emergency accommodation, and coordinating the recovery of essential documents or property.
• Access to surge response personnel (CERT first responders) to provide immediate assistance if required.
• Post-disaster recovery planning and support to help them rebuild and recover.

5. Priority Access to Resources and Supplies
In the event of a regional disaster, members will have access to strategically placed disaster response assets, including:
• Emergency accommodation, food, water, and other necessary supplies.
• Access to disaster response machinery, like loaders, dozers, and Bobcats, which may be needed for larger-scale recovery efforts.
• Priority access to shipping containers of supplies within the  community to help ensure they have the resources they need for both immediate and longer-term survival.

6. Peace of Mind and Continuous Support
Employees will be able to rest easy, knowing they have access to continuous support:
• 24/7 phone (1300 DISASTER and 1800 DISASTER) and online support for disaster risk advice, coordination of immediate tasks, and support through the recovery process.
• A trusted point of contact at ADA, ensuring that they are always up-to-date and have someone to turn to during a disaster.

7. Wellness and Mental Health Support
Given the emotional strain that disasters can place on individuals and families, providing emotional and mental health support should be a key component of the membership:
• Mental health resources to support employees and their families before, during, and after a disaster.
• Stress management and resilience-building workshops.
• Access to professional counselling services if needed, to help with emotional recovery post-disaster.

8. Educational Opportunities and Training
Through their membership, employees will be provided with the chance to upskill and stay informed about disaster preparedness:
• Workshops or webinars on topics such as emergency first aid, disaster response protocols, or psychological first aid.
• Online training modules to develop essential skills related to disaster management and personal safety.

9. Access to Business Continuity Resources
If an employee is part of a larger team or department, having an organised plan in place that complements business continuity is essential:
• Business continuity planning tools to ensure that both the employee’s personal responsibilities and their professional duties are covered during a crisis.
• Coordination support to ensure that businesses remain operational even during regional or national disasters, which reduces the overall impact on the business, and helps employees stay productive with minimal disruption.

10. Employer Benefits:
In addition to the direct benefits for employees, companies will see the following advantages:
• Enhanced employee loyalty as they feel supported by their employer, particularly during challenging times.
• Reduced absenteeism and downtime when employees are able to manage their personal disaster risks without being distracted from work.
• Attractive recruitment tool that helps draw in talent, demonstrating a company’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its workforce.
Summary of Key Benefits for Employees:
• Personal and family disaster preparedness resources
• On-demand ‘roadside assist’ for disaster preparedness and response
• Direct disaster response and recovery assistance
• Priority access to emergency supplies and machinery
• Ongoing support, including mental health and wellness resources
• Educational and training opportunities to enhance skills
• Seamless coordination between personal and professional responsibilities

By providing these comprehensive membership benefits, employees are not only given the tools to safeguard themselves and their families, but they are also able to stay focused on their important roles—whether as first responders, essential workers, or volunteers—knowing that ADA has their back during a disaster.

Yours in Disaster & Emergency Management,

David Ayles MEmergMgt

Founder / Disaster Services Coordinator

Australian Disaster Alliance

Mobile: 0428 028 023

Email: david.ayles@1300disaster.com 

Hinterlasse einen Kommentar

Bitte beachte, dass Kommentare vor der Veröffentlichung freigegeben werden müssen.