About Us

Registration Inc. No: A0110874R   ABN: 34 406 206 127

Who We Are

The Australian Peoples Survival League (APSL) is an independent, civilian-operated, incorporated not-for-profit association serving the Australian community. We bring together people who are committed to survival preparedness, self-reliance, mutual assistance and community-based civil defence.

APSL was established to help individuals and communities prepare for major emergencies, disasters and other crises by developing practical skills, building essential resources and establishing mutual assistance networks. We believe that people are better equipped to withstand difficult circumstances when they are prepared, connected and willing to work together.

We provide educational courses, resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and selected products to help members develop realistic preparedness strategies. Our approach encourages people to become more self-reliant while building the skills, supplies and community connections needed to protect themselves, their families and those around them.

We are a reality-based, non-alarmist organisation. Rather than focusing on worst-case scenarios alone, we encourage informed decision-making, sensible preparation and the prioritisation of realistic risks.

Our Vision

To become Australia's leading association for civil defence, survival preparedness and mutual assistance, helping individuals and communities become more resilient in the face of emergencies, disasters and disruptions that threaten their safety, wellbeing or livelihoods.

Our Mission

• We are a voluntary league of extraordinary people, working together with the community to prepare for the survival of our members in the event of an emergency, disaster, financial collapse, society collapse, pandemic or any other factors which could bring harm to our members or the people of Australia.
• To provide training and leadership in mutual assistance groups.
• To provide, participate or support in a crisis, civil defence for the people of Australia.
• To promote amateur radio, technical learning and resilient communications capabilities that complement emergency preparedness, mutual assistance and civilian-led civil defence.

Preparedness Based on Realistic Threats

Effective preparedness begins with understanding the risks we face and making informed decisions about how to address them.

APSL uses a members-only Threat Assessment Matrix to help members assess potential threats, prioritise risks and make more informed preparedness decisions. This approach draws on a range of available government and private-sector information, local knowledge, environmental considerations and other relevant risk factors.

We recognise that risks vary between locations and that local conditions can significantly influence how an emergency affects a community. By monitoring changing circumstances and considering both the likelihood and potential consequences of different events, we aim to help members direct their time, resources and training towards meaningful preparedness.

Our philosophy is straightforward: prepare realistically, prioritise intelligently and build the capacity to respond.

Mutual Assistance and Community Survival

APSL believes that cooperation is fundamental to long-term resilience.

Although individual preparedness is important, no one person can possess every skill, resource or capability needed to overcome every possible emergency. Mutual assistance groups allow people to combine their knowledge, share responsibilities and support one another when circumstances become difficult.

We help members connect with like-minded people in their local or wider area and encourage them to establish their own mutual assistance groups where none exist.

Our aim is to help develop communities that can organise, cooperate and provide practical support when normal services are disrupted or professional assistance is delayed.

Members are encouraged to participate in civil defence and community support activities within their capabilities, training and circumstances.

You may be the help until professional help arrives! Prepared communities can play an important role in supporting one another while emergency services respond to urgent needs.

Who We Welcome

APSL welcomes people who want to learn, contribute and help build a more prepared and resilient Australia.

Our members come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of knowledge, experience and practical skills. Some have specialist expertise in their professions, while others contribute through volunteering, administration, training, communications, leadership or a willingness to learn.

Many members also volunteer or work in other community organisations and services, bringing valuable experience to our shared objectives.

We welcome newcomers and provide opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and take on leadership responsibilities within their local communities.

Every member has the potential to make a meaningful contribution. You do not need to be an expert to get involved.

Our Structure and Approach

APSL operates through an organised volunteer structure designed to support coordination, accountability and effective cooperation between members.

Our structured approach helps define responsibilities, develop leadership and coordinate activities, training and assistance when required. During a major emergency, organisation and clear communication can be essential to distributing resources, coordinating support and reducing confusion.

Our structure is intended to support responsible civilian service, community preparedness and orderly assistance. It does not replace the authority of emergency services or government agencies, and our activities are conducted within applicable laws and the capabilities of our volunteers.

We believe that a prepared, organised and cooperative community is better positioned to help maintain essential support and contribute to recovery when serious disruptions occur.

Volunteer Support and Funding

APSL is operated entirely by volunteers. We are a self-funded organisation that relies on fundraising, donations, philanthropy and the dedication of members who contribute their time, skills and resources.

Our volunteers come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, providing the diverse capabilities needed to support the organisation's activities.

From training and administration to communications, community engagement and operational support, these contributions are essential to our continued existence and development.

We are grateful for the time and effort our members dedicate to our shared mission. Their commitment enables APSL to pursue its objectives while keeping our activities focused on community benefit.

APSL is independent, self-governing and self-supporting, and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any religious organisation.

Why We Exist

Emergencies and disasters can place considerable pressure on individuals, families, communities and essential services. Natural disasters, severe weather, pandemics, infrastructure failures and wider disruptions can affect access to food, communications, transport and other necessities.

APSL exists to encourage people to take practical steps before these challenges arise and to help in mutual assistance.

Recent experiences, including the COVID-19 pandemic and significant natural disasters, have demonstrated the importance of preparedness, reliable information and community cooperation.

We aim to provide people with an opportunity to develop useful skills, establish meaningful connections and contribute to an organisation dedicated to helping others when assistance is needed.

Our focus is not on creating fear or predicting catastrophe. It is on helping Australians become more capable, resourceful and prepared for uncertainty.

What We Are Not

APSL is a civilian community mutual assistance organisation. We are not a vigilante group, armed militia, extremist organisation, protest movement, political organisation, motorcycle group or religious group. We do not promote civil unrest, unlawful activities or sovereign citizen ideologies.

Our purpose is to promote lawful preparedness, mutual assistance, community resilience and civilian-led support during emergencies and disasters.

We respect and uphold applicable Commonwealth, state and territory laws and aim to maintain responsible governance, transparent financial practices and constructive relationships with relevant authorities and community organisations.

Our members are encouraged to act responsibly, respect others and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.

Diversity and Inclusion

APSL welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, disability, physical ability, religious beliefs or political beliefs.

We recognise that everyone has different experiences, needs and capabilities. Our organisation benefits from this diversity, and we encourage people to contribute in ways that suit their skills, interests and circumstances.

Whether you bring specialist knowledge, practical experience, leadership skills or simply a willingness to learn and help others, there is an opportunity to contribute.

Membership and Entry Requirements

APSL seeks to be accessible to people who share our commitment to preparedness, mutual assistance and community service.

Our membership includes people across a broad age range, including cadets and adult members. We believe that everyone has something to offer and encourage members to develop their capabilities over time.

Our principal general eligibility requirement is Australian permanent residency. Specific activities, responsibilities and positions may have additional requirements relating to age, qualifications, licensing, suitability or legal obligations.

Members contribute according to their individual capabilities. Those able to provide physical assistance may undertake practical tasks when required, while others contribute through communications, planning, administration, training, knowledge-sharing or other appropriate roles.

We encourage members to participate actively, develop their skills and help strengthen the communities in which they live.

Background Checks and Position Requirements

APSL requires appropriate standards of suitability, training and responsibility for positions involving leadership, organisational authority or contact with children.

Senior officers are expected to complete the training and development appropriate to their responsibilities. Police checks and Working with Children Checks may be required for relevant roles, particularly those involving contact with cadets, in accordance with applicable legislation.

These requirements may vary according to the position, nature of the activity and changes in relevant laws or regulations.

Our objective is to maintain a safe, responsible and well-organised environment for members, cadets and the wider community.

Join Us

APSL brings together people who believe that preparedness, cooperation and practical action can make a difference.

Whether you want to improve your personal preparedness, learn new skills, connect with others, establish a local mutual assistance group or contribute to civil defence, we welcome the opportunity to help you get started.

Prepare yourself. Support your community. Help build a more resilient Australia.

Australian Modern Survival — Prepared Individuals. Resilient Communities. Stronger Together.