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 Australian Council for International Development website

Those wishing to volunteer should contact the Australian Volunteers International hotline on 1 800 331 292 or see the Australian Volunteers International 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, surplus goods and medical supplies are not always practical.

Food can cause major problems for relief authorities, taking paid workers and unpaid volunteers away from the main job of helping people.

Donations of clothing, footwear, blankets, cooking utensils and toys are also not a good idea. Unless requested it is usually better for organisations to buy them in the country of need or from a neighbour. Time and labour may be wasted in Australia storing, sorting and throwing out unclean clothing, odd pairs of shoes, broken utensils and toys or items that do not suit the climate or cultures of the people in need.

Above: Earthquake in Gujurat, India