Global Humanitarian • Leader • Founder
Dr. Alison
Thompson OAM
2026 Australian of the Year, N.S.W
Founder of Third Wave Volunteers.
Incident Commander to over 30,000 first responders providing search and rescue, medical, and sustainable aid to communities affected by natural and man-made disasters.
Missions Completed
People Helped
Continents
Years of Service
A Life of
Service
25 years of unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid across six continents.
Global Impact
As Ambassador to the Haitian Ministry of the Environment, she helped ratify the Paris Agreement in the Haitian Parliament and represented Haiti at the United Nations COP 22 Summit.
Innovation
Founded CTEC—the first Sri Lankan Tsunami Early-warning Center and Children's Learning Museum following the 2004 tsunami.
Disaster Force
Disaster Force is a decentralized disaster-response operating system, fueled by microfunding from fintech companies that unites communities, technology, and capital to accelerate recovery after disasters.
Thompson founded TWV as a first responder at the Sept 11th, 2001 attacks in NYC. Since then, it has grown to over 30,000 volunteers running large refugee camps, field hospitals, and resilience hubs around the world.
Her work spans across the Syrian, Afghan, Venezuelan, and Ukrainian refugee crises, bringing critical aid to the most vulnerable populations in their darkest hours.
Featured Videos
Third Wave Volunteers - IMPACT REPORT - 24 YEARS OF SERVICE
Facebook - Third Wawe
Third Wave Volunteers go to Ukraine
More Videos
Wayuu Tribes Support
Alison Thompson Nightingale of Peraliya, Angel of Galle, Sri Lanka
Alison Thompson visits grateful parents after 2004 tsunami kills 300,000 people
First day of school after The 2004 Asian Tsunami- Third Wave Volunteers
The Body Collector - Alison Thompson picks up the dead bodies of the 2004 tsunami in SriLanka
The Story
The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story
Available from Random House, this inspiring memoir chronicles Dr. Alison Thompson's extraordinary journey of service, sacrifice, and impact across the world's most vulnerable communities.
Buy on Amazon
The Third Wave Documentary
A powerful documentary that brings to life the stories of Third Wave Volunteers' impact across the globe. Watch the unfolding narrative of compassion, resilience, and human connection.
Watch on AmazonAwards &
Honors
Recognized globally for unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief excellence.
US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
President Biden
Order of Australia (OAM)
The Australian Government & Queen Elizabeth II
Ambassadorship
Haitian Ministry of Environment
Paul Harris Award
Rotary International
US Medal of Excellence
82nd Airborne, US Southern Command
Testimonials
Words of support from leaders, artists, and humanitarians across the globe.
"Alison Thompson is an inspiration. Whereas most people check out after a crisis, Thompson remains there on the ground, loving, caring, and communicating the need for awareness and help. Her creativity and healing are incomparable in a crisis, and she delivers the messages that are needed around the world. Alison is a call to action."
Donna Karan
Media Coverage
Featured in leading international media outlets and platforms.
Get in Touch
For speaking engagements, press inquiries, or to learn more about volunteering with Third Wave Volunteers.
© 2026 Dr. Alison Thompson OAM. All rights reserved.