Disaster Aid Response Team (DART)

A key element of our disaster response is having trained volunteers on the ground.

This is the Disaster Aid Response Team (DART)

Role of the DART

The DART members are our on site project managers in a disaster and have considerable responsibility to Disaster Aid Australia and our supporters.

The role at the disaster location includes:

• Identifying appropriate local contacts who can assist in identifying the areas where our aid will be most beneficial.
• Meeting with the communities that have identified  and determining their needs.
• Determining the best way of providing aid that meets the communities needs.
• Reporting the situation to the Disaster Aid Board so appropriate levels of resources can be allocated. (In many cases this may include approval for significant in country expenditure)
• Managing and monitoring the provision of aid.
• Reviewing the effectiveness of the aid.

DART Member Requirements

DART’s are all volunteers.

They are required to contribute their time to:

• Travel, at short notice, for up to 2 weeks to respond to  Disasters. (travel and accommodation costs will be met by Disaster Aid)
• Be active in fundraising, including giving presentation to Disaster Aid Supporters.
• Attend training sessions.

Good health and a reasonably high level of physical fitness is required.

Applicants will be required to submit to a comprehensive medical before an application can be proceed.

Every effort is taken by Disaster Aid Australia to minimise the risk, however by necessity we expect them to perform in the difficult conditions of disaster affected regions.

As many risks will still be present all prospective DARTs’ should discuss their intentions with their families.

DART Training

Dart Training is typically over several days typically organised over around 2 – 3 weekends.

Although the cost of the training is met by Disaster Aid each trainee must meet their travel costs in attending the training days.