The January bushfires devastated country Victoria. One person died, more than 700 structures (including 228 homes) were damaged or lost and some 15,000 livestock died in fires that burned more than 400,000 hectares of the state. ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) partnered with local Seventh-day Adventist churches and community members to respond to the crisis. The
response included financial assistance, emergency evacuation kits and psychosocial support, along with sports drinks and snacks for responding fire crews.
By January 13, 650 emergency evacuation kits were distributed across the state: 450 from Wangaratta Seventh-day Adventist Church, 100 from the ADRA Op Shop Albury and 100 from ADRA Ferntree Gully. The kits, which contained towels, body wash and toothbrushes, were delivered to those who had been evacuated.
“We have been so blessed by the way our ADRA partners have stepped up to help respond to this disaster,” says Naomi Vaotuua, ADRA’s emergency response coordinator for the Victorian bushfires.
“So many of these projects are supported and run by a local Seventh-day Adventist church. These churches are connected to their community in such a beautiful way. In times of disaster, not only does the community band around these churches to support their response, but it means we can see to people’s physical and emotional needs.”
In the weeks following the fires, ADRA volunteers visited affected areas in Longwood, Yarck, Ruffy and Alexandra to register affected individuals for financial assistance as well as providing person-to-person support. The psychological impact on communities can hit almost as hard as the physical losses, and having emotional support in those times can be critical.
“ADRA’s respectful and supportive approach helped build trust with community leaders, opening doors in hard-to-reach areas,” says Vaotuua. “Strong prior relationships with local councils also led to requests for ADRA to provide psychological first aid and assist with cash registrations at official relief centres.”
John Smilek was part of the ADRA team sent to Alexandra and Yarck.
“We quickly connected with several families, registered those who needed help and listened to their stories,” says Smilek. “Some had lost everything. I am grateful for the small chance to show up and support in any way we could.”
ADRA’s response was supported by Bunnings Nunawading, Follow Bless Collective, Feed One Feed All, Sanitarium and Share the Dignity.
In late 2025, ADRA conducted National Emergency Response Team (NERT) training for volunteers in disaster-prone areas. Conducting training before a disaster strikes means that volunteers and staff on the ground feel equipped to respond in times of disaster. The Victorian NERT leadership was involved in coordinating the response.
To support ADRA’s response in times of disaster, visit adra.org.au/disaster.
