Amazon Australia Opens Its First Disaster Relief Hub In Adelaide With Thousands Of Essential Supplies Available To Help Those In Need

Adelaide Disaster Relief Hub contains more than 16,500 essential supplies that can be delivered to those affected by natural disasters in South Australia and Northern Territory

Amazon Australia has four other Disaster Relief Hubs strategically located around Australia, allowing the company and its non-profit partners to respond within 72 hours

ADELAIDE, 17 August 2023: Amazon Australia opened a new Disaster Relief Hub today in Adelaide with more than 16,500 essential supplies available to be delivered to those affected by natural disasters and extreme weather events across South Australia (SA) and the Northern Territory (NT).

By pre-positioning disaster relief items within the dedicated Adelaide hub, Amazon Australia and its non-profit partners Foodbank, Australian Red Cross and St Vincent de Paul Society can deliver critical emergency relief items to communities in SA and NT within 72 hours.

Amazon uses data and insights from its non-profit partners to identify the relief items most commonly needed on the ground when a disaster strikes. Teams of Amazon employee volunteers pack kits ahead of time with essentials like tarps, sleeping bags, personal hygiene supplies, clean up items and first aid kits, which are stored in the hub ready to be distributed in an emergency. Amazon’s non-profit partners pick up the relief items and deliver them directly to affected communities, or Amazon will ship directly into disaster zones as required.

Once critical items have been dispatched, Amazon Australia works with its non-profit partners on the ground to determine if any further supplies are needed, which can then be packed and delivered.  

Amazon Australia stores more than 200,000 items across its national network of Disaster Relief Hubs, strategically located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and now Adelaide. Where possible, these items have been sourced and purchased from Amazon Australia’s small and medium business selling partners, like Nakie, Little Urchin, Bunji, Zenify, Joonya and Juuni. 

Communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory are facing increasingly frequent devastating weather events. The top end of the Northern Territory is susceptible to frequent tropical cyclones and flood events, with cyclone season approaching in early November. Spring and Summer in South Australia also often brings an increase in extreme storms and bushfires across the state, putting even more pressure on response agencies.

Anthony Perizzolo, Amazon Australia’s General Manager of Delivery Services and Supply Chain, said: “We know South Australia and the Northern Territory experience extreme weather events and natural disasters, particularly cyclones, storms, bushfires and floods. Should the worst occur and a natural disaster strike, we have more than 16,500 items pre-positioned in our Adelaide Disaster Relief Hub, ready to be delivered to affected communities within 72 hours. As devastating weather events and natural disasters increasingly batter communities around Australia, this fast response time is critical to supporting them in the aftermath of a disaster.

“We’re thankful to our incredible team of volunteers from Amazon Australia who are ready to band together to pack these critical relief items, so they are ready for distribution, and proud that we are able to provide a national network to support those in need.”
The Hon. Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Emergency Services, said: “The state government is incredibly proud to support an initiative that will see charities and non-for-profits have ease of access to crucial supplies in times of disaster. To have this hub mobilised in South Australia is a major win for our state’s disaster preparedness during more frequent weather events and ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.”

Tony Zappia MP, Federal Member for Makin, said: “All too often natural disasters devastate lives and property and leave whole communities stranded. Climate change is likely to cause more severe and more frequent destructive events in the future. I commend Amazon’s Disaster Relief program which ensures that emergency assistance can more rapidly be provided when disaster comes.”

Gillian Aldridge OAM, Mayor, City of Salisbury, said: “Salisbury Council is profoundly grateful to Amazon Australia for their commitment to our community and beyond. The establishment of the Disaster Relief Hub in Salisbury is testament to their compassion and dedication to aiding our residents as well as the broader community of South Australia and the Northern Territory during times of need. This initiative not only showcases their corporate responsibility but also exemplifies the spirit of unity that defines our city. Together, we stand stronger in the face of challenges.”

Greg Pattinson, CEO, Foodbank SA & NT, said: “Demand for our services at Foodbank continues to be high, especially as communities recover and rebuild following disasters across the country. We are proud to partner with Amazon Australia in launching the Adelaide Disaster Relief Hub that will greatly improve our ability to reach communities in need not only in South Australia and the Northern Territory, but right across Australia.”

Evelyn O’Loughlin, CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society SA, said: “Here at the St Vincent de Paul Society we are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Amazon Australia as its nationwide reach and network of support allows for us to do what we do best and support communities on the road to recovery by delivering vital supplies and other everyday essentials to those in need. With the opening of this new hub in Adelaide we have an even stronger reach to communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory.” 

Sarah Strathearn, South Australia Director, Australia Red Cross, said:Australian Red Cross is here for Australians when and where they need it most. Our partnership with Amazon Australia builds on our ability to reach communities right across the country by leveraging the logistical expertise of Amazon to deliver critical relief items and support to those who need it. The opening of the Adelaide facility means we’re better positioned when communities in the Northern Territory and South Australia are impacted by natural disasters, so we can continue to support communities in even the most remote pockets of the country.”

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