About Us
The HADR Institute (HADRI) is an Australian registered charity working to strengthen humanitarian effectiveness and disaster resilience across the Indo-Pacific.
We support locally led humanitarian systems in Myanmar, along the Thai-Burma border, and across the Pacific Islands, monitor humanitarian law and human rights in conflict-affected contexts, and build practitioner capability through applied training and intelligence programs.
Grounded in humanitarian principles and a commitment to local ownership, we work as a back-of-house partner, enabling local actors to lead, coordinate, and deliver principled humanitarian action.
Our Values and Guiding Principles
Community-Centred Approach
We place the needs, priorities, and leadership of local communities and community-based organisations at the heart of our work. By engaging those who best understand their context, we ensure that assistance is appropriate, culturally sensitive, and sustained beyond our direct involvement.
Local Ownership
We collaborate with local stakeholders to co-design programs and share expertise. Success is measured by the degree to which local actors gain capacity, thereby we reduce dependence on external support.
Human Rights & Protection
Upholding dignity and fundamental rights underpins every aspect of our operations. We embed safeguarding and protection measures throughout our programs, paying particular attention to vulnerable or marginalised groups.
Innovation & Adaptability
We adopt flexible methods and appropriate technology to respond to a diverse range of humanitarian challenges. Whether conditions are stable or highly complex, we adapt our approaches while staying true to our charitable mission.
Sustainability & Accountability
We place the needs, priorities, and leadership of local communities and community-based organisations at the heart of our work. By engaging those who best understand their context, we ensure that assistance is appropriate, culturally sensitive, and sustained beyond our direct involvement.
Core Humanitarian Principles
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Alleviating suffering, protecting life, and respecting the inherent dignity of people in crisis, guided by local needs assessments.
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Providing assistance based solely on need, without discrimination on grounds such as race, religion, gender, or political affiliation.
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We do not take sides in hostilities or political disputes, but neutrality will not compromise our commitment to underserved communities, prioritising humanity, impartiality and the access required to serve communities in need.
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We strive for operational autonomy, free from external political or economic agendas. Where constraints exist for particular programs, we remain transparent, upholding humanitarian and human rights commitments.
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Our Leadership Team
FOUNDER & CEO
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Mitch King is an experienced leader in humanitarian and disaster management, with a career dedicated to supporting communities in complex and high-risk environments.
As the founder and CEO of the HADR Institute, he has spearheaded innovative programs that focus on localisation, community-driven solutions, and anticipatory action.
Holding a Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, Mitch combines academic expertise with practical field experience. He has received national commendations for establishing intelligence and disaster capabilities that supported critical awareness and early warning systems during national emergencies. Mitch has also played a pivotal role in designing and implementing humanitarian programs and providing disaster intelligence to global crises, during both his career in the defence and humanitarian sectors.
Managing Director, Chin Humanitarian Hub Program
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Lawm Cangmah is the Managing Director of the Chin Humanitarian Enablement Program (CHEP) under the Humanitarian Assistance & Desaster Relief Institute (HADRI).
He holds a Bachelor of Human Services and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, combining his academic background with years of hands-on experience in community development, engagement, and project management.
Lawm is a passionate advocate for Chin refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), dedicating his work to advancing humanitarian support, empowerment initiatives, and sustainable community resilience for the Chin Refugees. His leadership focuses on creating inclusive pathways for vulnerable communities to rebuild their lives and thrive.
PACIFIC SUPPORT PROGRAM MANAGER
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Hannah Stoios is a dedicated and experienced humanitarian and disaster management professional with a passion for international development.
Hannah has expertise in international project management with a particular focus on advocating for vulnerable groups, promoting innovative solutions, and supporting capacity strengthening initiatives.
Hannah has a master's in disaster management and international development, and a background in linguistics and education.
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Robert Campbell is a manager and leader in Defence, consulting and the non-profit sector.
Rob served for over fifteen years in the Australian Defence Force with operational experience in HADR and SASO in both combat arms and staff support roles. Rob has particular expertise in Geospatial Information Services (GiS) management.
Rob has a history of volunteering in youth and social services and he is currently working in GiS consulting for government.
Rob has a Master’s of Cyber Security, Strategy and Diplomacy.
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GENERAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Acting Chair
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Aaron has a background in defence, humanitarian logistics, and risk assessment, leading the development of a deployable small-UAS damage-assessment capability for remote environments across Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Aaron brings robust expertise in operational readiness, system evaluation, regulatory liaison, and training pathways for operational personnel. His military experience includes managing unmanned aerial systems and leading teams in various international operational settings. He is driven to enable rapid, effective crisis responses with a commitment to community-centred and culturally appropriate interventions.
Policies and Compliance
Our key public-facing policies are listed below. These reflect our commitments to transparency, accountability, and the safety of everyone connected to our work.
Feedback and Complaints Policy
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy
Policy links will be active once the policy library page is live. For any access issues, hr@hadrinstitute.org.
