One man and his dog: how Anthony and Buddy are building Community, Care and Cultural Connection in Emergencies

As NAIDOC Week begins, Australian Red Cross is celebrating the story of Anthony, a proud Bidjara Juggera man living on Bundjalung Country. Anthony began volunteering in August 2023, his work is a powerful example of how First Nations knowledge, resilience, and care contribute to safer, stronger communities - but he’s never alone in his efforts —always by his side is Buddy, his loyal four-year-old assistance dog.

With his calm energy and unwavering presence, Buddy is more than just a companion– he’s part of the emergency response team.
“He travels 24/7 with me, wherever I go. He’s been in evacuation centres – he’s a great volunteer to the organisation,” said Anthony.

Buddy has been by Anthony’s side since he was just 10 weeks old and plays a critical role in managing Anthony’s type 1 diabetes, PTSD episodes, and grounding techniques through deep pressure therapy.

“I trained Buddy to support me in ways that are life-changing. He can detect when my blood sugar is low, wake me from PTSD flashbacks, and calm me with pressure therapy. He’s fluffy, cuddly, and calm– and always ready to help.”
In the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, Anthony and Buddy offered psychological first aid to those affected, providing calm, care, and connection in a time of crisis.
“Being at the evacuation centre really put things into perspective – how stressful it could be that you only had your clothes on your back. It shone a light on how it really affects people, mentally and physically. Being in the evacuation centre after Cyclone Alfed, as a disabled person, it shone a light that I can do anything I want to do.”

“This was my first deployment, and I realised I can do it. For the past six years, living with a disability, I didn’t think I could contribute like this. But I’ve gained confidence. I’ve met new people. I’ve been supported by Australian Red Cross every step of the way.”

Anthony is already preparing for the next emergency.

“I’m prepared. My bag’s ready. I practise what we teach — have a plan, get out early. Because now I’ve seen how much it matters.”

As a First Nations man who’s lived on Bundjalung Country for 22 years, he brings cultural knowledge and sensitivity that is vital in times of crisis.

“I let the agencies know I’m Indigenous and I identify, so if mob came in, I could talk to them. Cultural safety is about respect. Some people don’t make eye contact. Some women will only speak through a male elder. It’s not disrespect, they’re following protocols.”

He also recognises how far Australian Red Cross has come in building trust with local communities.

“In the Tweed, a lot of First Nations people and even people experiencing homelessness trust us. We’ve worked hard to build that. It doesn’t come easily, it’s earned,” he says.

Anthony (and Buddy) are available for interviews.

Media contact:
Australian Red Cross Media
media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443