Creating Connections Between Communities

He shared his experience and the commonalities between RSL Queensland and DRA at the recent 2022 State Congress. 

Cade says it was inspiring to see the passion held by all attendees. 

Cade Cooper addressing the RSL Queensland State Congress

“It was also an opportunity to hear from the range of RSL leaders and contribute to discussions that were looking at creating enhanced connections between communities, veterans and meaningful service.

“The work we can do together can provide greater impact and support for those in need.”

WALKING IN THE SAME SHOES 

Cade left the military in 2011 after serving with the Royal Australian Infantry, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He joined DRA to continue giving back.

“I enlisted in the Australian Defence Force straight after school when I was only 17. I spent my younger adult years developing in that Army environment. After leaving, it was a big adjustment and I spent about five years going through different career paths and struggled to find that deeper connection to the community.

“I had a desire to find meaningful employment – as so many of us do – and service with purpose. It can be hard to find a place where your skills and qualifications of service translate well,” he explains. 

It was through attending an information session at a local RSL Sub Branch that Cade was introduced to DRA. He says it was an immediate connection. 

“I connected with the message of repurposing military skills to serve vulnerable communities and the ability to work with people who held the same values,” he says. 

“So, I find that organisations like Disaster Relief Australia, as well as RSL or teams like St John’s can provide that and give the opportunity for people to be a part of something bigger than themselves and find a deeper connection to their community.” 

DRA IN THE COMMUNITY 

Cade and the wider organisation have been involved in a number of large-scale community efforts, with much of Australia experiencing unprecedented events throughout the last few years. 

“Disaster Relief Australia volunteers come in after the initial disaster event has passed and undertake the often heartbreaking and backbreaking work that needs to be done,” he says. 

“Backed by the skills and experience of military veterans, emergency services specialists and an army of dedicated volunteers, we aim to empower those communities in recovery and foster a sense of local community pride. It might be a week, a month, or years afterwards that our volunteers are there assisting to keep the community safe and get residents back into their homes.” 

This year, DRA has already deployed on multiple operations to support communities hit by what is considered a one in a 100-year weather event, which also included their largest disaster operation since the organisation started five years ago.

“In March, DRA alongside RSL Queensland, was involved with deploying a veteran-led volunteer force to Queensland and New South Wales in response to the catastrophic flooding. There were hundreds of highly trained veterans and skilled volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside locals from these communities. I think we ended up completing more than 500 individual requests for assistance and contributing more than 25,000 volunteer hours to date. It is a huge and immense effort that is still ongoing.

“I think for veterans, volunteering or being a part of an organisation like DRA or RSL Queensland and being able to be involved in times like we’ve seen this year, gives them an opportunity to continue service, find a renewed sense of belonging, mateship, and the sense of reward that comes from being a part of something bigger than yourself.

“For the communities we were assisting, it is the realisation that they haven’t been forgotten and that they’re not in it alone.” 

COMMONALITIES

Cade acknowledges RSL Queensland and DRA both have unique histories and are similarly based on their dedication to the service of their communities. 

“DRA is guided by similar values to RSL Queensland, including courage, mateship, endurance, tenacity, respect and service,” he says. 

“I think we also recognise that veterans have an ongoing desire to serve others and that through service they can grow beyond their time in the military. Believing that veterans are some of our most highly trained civic assets and that they have unique skills and experience that can be powerful when harnessed to assist vulnerable communities.”

THE WORK CONTINUES 

DRA are continuing their work in flood affected communities with flood recovery efforts and provide a range of initiatives that support Australian veterans to find purpose through service. Find out more about Disaster Relief Australia. 

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