Category: News

For the first time since 2019 we were able to run a Disaster Aid Australia Conference.

Celebrating Success

Session one was celebrating some of our successes over the past three years, including the completion of the Bhutan 2020 Project.

We also reported on the recent visit to the Philippines to see the results of our Typhoon response in 2020, and the difference our ‘Safe Water for Every Child Projects had made in Mindanao.

Delivering Aid through COVID

Session 2 provided information about how we continued to deliver international aid through the worst of the COVID pandemic.

Board Member Angeline Low presented on the rebuilding we assisted with in Pamanukan.

Our visitor Raj Guatam from the Rotary Club of Kathmandu told us about the work his club had been doing, assisted by a grant from DAA.

Session 3

In Session 3 we looked at how Disaster Aid is now ready to emerge from the pandemic.

By continual review of our expenditure we have managed to survive a major drop in income over the past two years (The income drop has been related to the fact that many of the Rotary Clubs that support DAA have been unable to hold fundraising events)

Through the lockdown we have been been able to expand our digital presence through our website, facebook, and over 30 videos on our YouTube Channel.

We have also developed the SkyHydrant GEM Rapid Response Pack which will help improve our future disaster responses.

The session also included a workshop on attracting volunteers.

Session 4

Session 4 concentrated on looking to the future.

Currently for 2022-2023 we have started projects in the Philippines and Bhutan.

We also were able to hear from the Yooralla Mission, and WH WASH Consultants about their proposals for Timor-Leste, a country where we would like to develop a project, starting in 2023-2024.

Dinner

During the dinner CEO, Brian Ashworth, spoke about the many twists and turns in his background that had resulted in him becoming ‘An Accidental CEO!’

If you would like to help Disaster Aid Australia continue to respond to future humanitarian disasters in developing countries then click on the link below;

DONATE

Charity donations of $2 or more to Disaster Aid Australia are tax-deductible in Australia.

SkyHydrant Installations for 2022 -2023 in Mindanao have commenced with the handover of a unit to Barangay New Eden.

An important part of the handover is the signing of an agreement between the Barangay Council and our partner Balay Mindanaw.

The agreement clearly states the responsibilities of the Barangay to ensure the SkyHydrant is well maintained.

This unit has been sponsored by the South Gippsland Rotary Cluster comprising the Rotary Clubs of:

• Philip Island and San Remo
• Wonthaggi;
• Foster
• Inverloch:
• Leongatha
• Korumburra

This is the first of 16 units planned for installation this year in Mindanao.

If you would like to help Disaster Aid Australia continue to provide safe water in developing countries then click on the link below;

DONATE

Charity donations of $2 or more to Disaster Aid Australia are tax-deductible in Australia.

The 17th of October is the International Day For Eradication of Poverty with the theme ‘Dignity For All in Practice‘.

With over 1.5billion living in persistent poverty many people experience their dignity being denied and disrespected.

Disaster Aid Australia respects everyone that we assist, in developing countries.

We have found that our aid assists in the eradication of poverty in both of our programs.

Smart Aid

Following major disasters such as typhoons the destruction that occurs has the greatest effect on the poorest people, and can make their poverty much worse.

When we respond we show our respect by;

• Consulting with those affected to find out what they want, rather than impose a ‘Western Solution’.
• Treat those affected as a resource to work with us in the disaster recovery, rather than victims.

By our ‘Build Back Better’ approach we aim to not just rebuild, but provide homes that are more resiliant to future disasters.

Our experiance has shown this approach also builds the self respect of those affected.

We have found when we have revisited the communities we have helped, they are very proud of what has been achieved.

Safe Water For Every Child

When providing SkyHydrants we work in a true partnership, with the local community, so it becomes ‘their’ installation, and a source of pride.

Some of the ways that we have see our SkyHydrants have helped reduce poverty are:

• Families previously paying up to a third of their income on bottled water now only pay a minor amount for SkyHydrant water.
• With less illness people are able to work more often.
• Reducing childrens ill health by 70% to 80% means better educational prospects and long term better jobs.
• Safe Water bringing investment in industries such as food procesing, that lead to job opportunties.

If you would like to help Disaster Aid Australia continue to help eradicate poverty in developing countries then click on the link below;

DONATE

Charity donations of $2 or more to Disaster Aid Australia are tax-deductible in Australia.

It is more than carrying out SkyHydrant installations.

During a recent installation trip our Bhutan team also visited existing installations to check they are being well maintained.

Here are some photos from their report on the trip.

Lhamoizingkha-School

A new installation being handed over to the principal.

Chumigthang School

Another handover where the installation had been completed on a very restricted site.

Pakshikha-School

Caretaker receiving instructions on proper cleaning.

Gedu School

A confident caretaker after correctly demonstrating the cleaning procedure.

If you would like to help Disaster Aid Australia continue to provide safe water in developing countries then click on the link below;

DONATE

Charity donations of $2 or more to Disaster Aid Australia are tax-deductible in Australia.