The Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF) was established in 1961 to provide relief of personal hardship and distress for Western Australians arising from natural disasters occurring within Western Australia.

The City of Perth donates all administration costs allowing 100% of donations to be distributed to applicants. Since 1996 the Fund had disbursed in excess of $11.7 million to over 1300 applicants. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

The Fund's Chair is The Lord Mayor of Perth, Lisa-M. Scaffidi who is supported by a Board of two executive and seven volunteer independent members. The Fund is the State Government nominated fund for disaster related appeals.