In East Timor in 1999, Australia assisted with the transport of emergency supplies and provided seeds to rebuild food stocks, as well as emergency shelter in preparation for the wet season. While focusing our efforts in the region, Australia also helps communities in need around the world. The Australian Government always strives to deliver assistance rapidly to those most in need. One of the best ways to do this is by making contributions to international relief agencies, which have extensive experience in relief operations. These organisations work at the community level to ensure that assistance meets the needs of the people.
Money is the best way to help.
The most helpful activity during a disaster is the donation of money to non government overseas aid organisations. What not to give The donation of food is usually not a good idea. Sometimes, the donations may also not be the sorts of food the people eat, or may need to go through quarantine inspections, or need to have custom charges paid. Air transport is also expensive and there can be delays in getting the food to the people if using other forms of transport. In such cases, the food is not delivered overseas.