Woman with child in front of a tent in Somalia

A Somali woman and her child leave a medical tent after receiving tratement from the African Union Mission in Somalia in July 2011. Photo: Stuart Price/UN Photo.

How you can help

Australians have always responded generously to international appeals for help in times of emergency and disaster.

The Australian Government recognises the important contribution that individuals and companies with specific skills can make to our relief effort.

The most effective way members of the public can support a relief effort is by cash donation to one of the many non-government agencies that are appealing for support.

For a list of appeals for cash donations see the Australian Council for International Development [external website].

It is important that the offers of assistance from the Australian community are carefully matched with priority needs identified by the countries affected by the disaster.

Unfortunately no matter how well-intentioned, gifts of clothing, tinned food, toys, blankets, footwear, cooking supplies and medical supplies are rarely practical or appropriate. Unless requested, it is usually better for organisations to buy supplies in the country of need. Time, money and labour are often wasted in Australia storing, sorting and throwing out inappropriate donations that are inappropriate for the climate and culture and do not meet the priority needs of the populations affected. Managing such donations also causes major problems for relief authorities in-country, taking paid workers and unpaid volunteers away from the main job of helping people.

For further information on the suitability of your intended donation, please contact AusAID.

More information on how you can assist during humanitarian emergencies [external website]

ABC East Africa Appeal More information on how you can help through the ABC's East Africa Appeal [external website]

Last reviewed: 12 December, 2011