Anthony and Buddy: Community, care and cultural connection in emergencies.
A proud Bidjara Juggera man, volunteer Anthony and Buddy, his loyal assistance dog, offered psychological first aid to those affected by Cyclone Alfred.
When Anthony steps into an evacuation centre wearing his Australian Red Cross vest, he’s not alone. By his side is Buddy - a fluffy, four-year-old assistance dog with a calm energy and a serious job.
“He travels 24/7 with me, wherever I go,” Anthony says. “He’s been in evacuation centres - he’s a great volunteer to the organisation.”
Anthony joined Australian Red Cross as a volunteer in August 2023. He now serves as deputy team leader with the Tweed Banora Emergency Services Team. When Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached the northern New South Wales coast, Anthony and Buddy were deployed into local evacuation centres to provide psychological first aid - Anthony’s first emergency operation with Australian Red Cross.
For many, the sight of an assistance dog might be unexpected in an emergency setting. But for those who spent time at the Banora Point evacuation centre during the cyclone, Buddy became a familiar and comforting presence. A loyal companion, Buddy is specially trained to do three important tasks.
“Buddy can alert me to low blood sugar with my type 1 diabetes - even when I'm asleep. He helps wake me during PTSD flashbacks. And he can do deep pressure therapy. Right now, his paws are resting on my lap, and that little bit of pressure is calming me down. It grounds me.”
Buddy’s calming presence extended to those seeking refuge during Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Anthony allowed people to pat Buddy - even though, as a service dog, that’s not typically allowed - because he knew it would help them feel more at ease.
“One night, I left him at home, and people kept asking, ‘Where’s Buddy? Is he coming back?’ He helped others relax. I even gave him to evacuees to cuddle or take for a walk while I helped someone else. They’d come back calmer, more at ease.”
As an Australian Red Cross volunteer, Anthony’s role was to provide psychological first aid (PFA) - emotional support to people navigating the stress of an unfolding emergency.
“We’re trained to talk to people, to just sit with them, help them feel less anxious and stressed. Sometimes that first cup of tea, that welcome - it makes all the difference. They’ve just evacuated their home, and they don’t know what’s happening. We are there to greet them, offer them a blanket, a warm drink, some food. Just listen. Some people needed to talk. Some just needed to be near someone who understood.”
For Anthony, the opportunity to support others goes deeper than any one emergency. 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.”
Anthony recognises how far Australian Red Cross has come in building trust with local communities in his area. In the Tweed, many First Nations people and those experiencing homelessness now turn to Australian Red Cross for support.
He speaks with warmth and reverence about the place he calls home and the ancient stories of the land. Mount Warning, he explains, looks like a bush turkey. Cook Island was never called that - it’s always been Turtle Island to Anthony and his ancestors.
“There’s a story for everything,” Anthony says. “I’m doing more research now, and it’s incredible how connected everything is, how much knowledge there is in Country and culture. If we listen, we can learn so much.”
For Anthony, the cyclone response wasn’t just about helping others - it also helped him rediscover something within himself. It was his first deployment with Australian Red Cross, and after six years living with a disability, he hadn’t believed he could contribute in this way. But the experience gave him confidence. He met new people. He felt supported by Australian Red Cross every step of the way. And he’s already preparing for the next time he might be called to help.
“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.”
Anthony has a simple message for anyone thinking about volunteering: if you’re thinking about it - just do it.
“Go online, sign up. It might seem scary, but once you’re in, you’re not alone. We’re a team. We’re like a family, and Buddy’s ready for the next one, too.”
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