A new Australian not-for-profit organisation focused on disaster preparedness, response, recovery and community resilience has been launched in Sydney.
The Australian Foundation for Disaster Relief (AFDR) was officially launched on Sunday, 18 October, at Grand Royale in Granville, bringing together community leaders, elected representatives, business professionals and humanitarian advocates. AFDR said its inaugural event raised $90,000 in 30 minutes for flood relief efforts in Nepal.
The fundraising was conducted as part of AFDR’s inaugural Nepal Flood Relief Initiative, with donations directed towards identified DGR-endorsed humanitarian organisations supporting relief efforts.
Established as an Australian not-for-profit organisation, AFDR aims to support communities affected by disasters through preparedness, timely response, recovery, rebuilding and long-term resilience.
Its work is guided by five priorities: Prepare, Respond, Support, Rebuild and Strengthen.
With Australia regularly confronting bushfires, floods and other natural disasters, the organisation seeks to bring together professional expertise, community networks, businesses and humanitarian organisations to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.
A presentation titled “Early Money Does More” highlighted the role of advance planning, timely funding and coordinated partnerships in improving the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance.
The launch was attended by Dr S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney; Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville, representing NSW Premier Chris Minns; Warren Kirby MP, Member for Riverstone; Mayor Michelle Byrne of The Hills Shire Council; Nihal Singh Agar; and councillors and community representatives.
Dr Maurice Newman AC, former chairman of the Australian Securities Exchange and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, delivered a special video message in his capacity as an advisor to the Foundation.
AFDR is led by Chairperson Jagdish Trivedi, Vice Chairperson Sewa Singh, Secretary Jigish Purohit, Treasurer Samir Mehta and Joint Secretary Srinivasa Rao.
Its board of directors comprises Ajay Kumar Dhull, Amardeep Malik, Arjun Mehta, Dr Jyothi Marry, Smitha Karki and Dr Sunil Vyas.
The advisory team includes Dr Maurice Newman AC, Dr Jayker Dave, Munish Grover and Sunil Gautam.
The leadership and advisory teams bring experience across corporate governance, healthcare, finance, technology, communications and community service.
The launch also featured a charity auction of cricket memorabilia signed by Brian Lara and Mitchell Johnson, alongside three original paintings created by artist Dakshinamurthy and his daughters, Milli and Khushi.
The Nepal relief initiative was a special inaugural humanitarian effort, with AFDR serving as a community engagement partner to facilitate support for organisations involved in relief operations.
AFDR’s launch marks the beginning of its efforts to establish a collaborative organisation focused on supporting Australian communities during and after emergencies.
The Foundation aims to strengthen partnerships and preparedness while contributing to recovery and rebuilding efforts following disasters.
Its founding vision emphasises the importance of preparation before emergencies and sustained community support throughout the recovery process.
For more information, you can visit www.afdr.com.au.
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