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Volunteers from Disaster Relief Australia have deployed to South Australia to assist with algal bloom recovery.
At the request of the South Australian (SA) Government, the veteran-led volunteer organisation will spend four weeks on the ground to assist with beach clean-up. Volunteers will focus on SA’s metropolitan beaches and will work alongside other State community organisations on this important and ongoing clean-up.
The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) event is impacting marine, estuarine, and coastal waterways and killing marine species, discolouring water and disrupting ecosystems. Volunteers will assist with the removal of marine and beach debris from the shoreline.
From next week, approximately 25 volunteers will be on the ground on seven-day rotations to work along the coastline.
Disaster Relief Australia unites the skills and experience of veterans to help communities prepare for and recover from disaster.
Disaster Relief Australia Chief Executive Officer, David Smith AM, CSC, DSM said Disaster Relief Australia is increasingly called upon to step up in the recovery phase of significant disaster and all-hazards events.
He said: “Disaster come in many shapes and sizes and while not a bushfire or a flood, the situation in SA is impacting lives and livelihoods. It is a disaster.
“We are pleased to support the SA Government and work alongside community organisations on this important clean-up mission.”
Chris Beattie, Coordinator Algal Bloom Response, Algal Bloom Coordination Unit, Department of the Premier and Cabinet added: “We are grateful for the support of Disaster Relief Australia and their volunteers, who bring exceptional skill and dedication to this clean-up effort. Working side-by-side with councils and community organisations, their contribution will make a real difference in restoring our beaches and supporting the communities most affected by the algal bloom.”
About Disaster Relief Australia
Disaster Relief Australia unites the skills and experience of military veterans and other volunteers to prepare for and recover from disaster.
Disaster Relief Australia is a veteran-led independent non-profit and is not a government agency. As a charity, it relies on donations and support from the community, both individuals and businesses, to continue assisting communities impacted by disasters.
Established in 2016, Disaster Relief Australia has deployed on 141 disaster recovery operations and community projects and assisted more than 275 communities.
Australia currently maintains a growing roster of 6,300 active volunteers nationally and provides command and control functions to effectively manage volunteers on behalf of a range of stakeholders, including government. Volunteers include the public, business and industry, and community groups and clubs.
More info: Disaster Relief Australia – Join us today
Main image: Volunteers at work at Aldinga Beach
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