The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the official humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

ADRA Australia works as part of the global ADRA network. Through this network, our reach extends into more than 100 countries. We work with communities in Australia and overseas to help them to lift themselves out of poverty, creating a brighter future. And, in times of disasters, our global network enables an immediate local response.

Overseas, ADRA works with communities in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific to bring transformational change. Our work is focused in the areas of health, livelihoods, education, and disasters. In Australia, ADRA partners with local churches to run initiatives such as food pantries, community gardens and emergency relief to help those in the community who would otherwise fall through the cracks. When accessing these services, those receiving assistance also find comfort in the companionship of ADRA and church volunteers, creating a stronger sense of belonging within their community.

Our Purpose

To serve humanity so all may live as God intended.

Our Motto

Justice. Compassion. Love.
Based on Micah 6:8, these three words guide our approach to service and development.

Our Values

Connected – We work collaboratively for the best outcome
Courageous – We persevere through challenging situations
Compassionate – We empathise with the communities we work with and with each other

ADRA is people – staff, volunteers, supporter and project participants working together to make amazing things happen.

Our highly experienced team design, monitor, and implement transformational projects that help people thrive. None of this would be possible without the more than 1,600 volunteers and thousands of others who partner with us.

Join with us in restoring communities by working with us, volunteering your time, or joining a supporter circle.

See Our People

ADRA Australia’s board is accountable for the achievement of our purpose as outlined in our constitution.

That being, to reduce poverty by serving people and communities in need, by the provision of humanitarian, development and relief aid and assistance in Australia and overseas without regard to ethnic, political, racial, or religious association or qualification.

With the exception of four ex-officio members (which are selected from specified leadership positions within the Seventh-day Adventist Church), Board members provide their services on a voluntary basis.

Experience represented on the ADRA Board includes international development, community and emergency management, administration, finance, legal, research and marketing.

Meet Our Board

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the official humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ADRA Australia works as part of the global ADRA network, which extends into more than 100 countries.

By partnering with local communities, organisations, and governments, we are able to deliver culturally relevant programs and build local capability for sustainable change. Our on-the-ground approach allows immediate assistance in times of crisis and true partnership with the communities we serve.