Cade Cooper's journey is a testament to resilience, leadership and an unwavering commitment to service.
Having joined the ADF at 17, Cade served with the Royal Australian Infantry from 2006 to 2011, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His military career laid a strong foundation for his role with Disaster Relief Australia (DRA).
Navigating the shift to civilian life, Cade's desire to serve remained undiminished. He first joined DRA as a volunteer, contributing to the disaster relief efforts following tropical cyclone Debbie in North Queensland. His exceptional service earned him the National Emergency Medal, awarded for sustained or significant contributions during nationally significant emergencies.
Cade’s strategic insight and operational skills, honed in the ADF, quickly shone through at DRA. His dedication led to his appointment as Volunteer Communications Manager, where he played a pivotal role in expanding DRA’s reach and enhancing its capacity to support more communities. Cade now holds the role of Senior Program Manager, where he applies his leadership and operational expertise to drive DRA’s veteran-led mission, delivering projects that strengthen the organisation’s disaster relief capabilities.
In 2023, Cade was honoured with the DRA Employee of the Year award, reflecting his profound impact on the organisation and his peers. Cade’s career is a powerful example how ADF values translate into meaningful contributions within the broader community, demonstrating a continued commitment to serving others and making a lasting difference.