Abstract: Morris, Emma In 2020, the ABC launched Your Planet, a season of stories exploring the environment and climate challenge. The ABC TV three-part series Big Weather (and how to survive it), presented by Craig Reucassel, is a centre piece of content.
Abstract: Little, Brigid Throughout August 2020, young Australians communicated the results of a national survey on their experiences, perspectives and priorities for action, related to climate change and disaster risk.
Abstract: Parsons, David In 2017, the New Zealand Government completed its review of the country's emergency response capabilities. The review was to make sure New Zealand's emergency response capabilities and frameworks are well placed to meet future challenges.
Abstract: Matthews, Melissa Australian Disaster Resilience Conference presents Knowledge Week was hosted online in August, exploring the theme of 'Disaster Risk Reduction in Action: Pathways to Success'.
Abstract: Burns, Penelope; Watson, Kaitlyn; McCourt, Elizabeth The World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) Primary Care Special Interest Group (SIG) brings together researchers, educators, health practitioners and management personnel with interest and expertise in primary care during disasters.
Abstract: Knight, Leone The fires scars of 2019-20 are etched into the collective memory and landscape of Australia. Never had we burned so ferociously, mobilised the scale of firefighting resources and attracted the relentless glare of the national and international media. Images of the Erickson Air-Crane and large air tankers dropping their crimson payloads from the heavens loomed large.
Abstract: Macken, Fiona Reducing risk using community-based and place-based approaches addresses problems that are specific to a location or a community.
Abstract: Ulubasoglu, Mehmet Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC research has shown that the true costs of disasters are typically greater than what the direct damage estimates suggest.
Abstract: Fitzgerald, Garry The COVID-19 pandemic may be a defining event of the 21st Century in much the same way as the influenza pandemic of 1918 changed a world already tortured by world conflict. Australia's experience may well shape our future and our position in the world.
Abstract: Payne, Benjamin A; Becker, Julia S; Kaiser, Lucy H; Taylor-Offord, Samuel The city of Napier is located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and is vulnerable to earthquake and tsunami. In the event of a tsunami, people need to evacuate inland or to higher ground. Napier Hill is the only high ground in close proximity to Napier and up to 12,000 people would have to evacuate there within 20 minutes of a tsunami warning. This study worked with residents on Napier Hill to understand their willingness and capacity to support evacuees in such a scenario. Focus groups were held with a sample of residents in July 2019 and this was followed by a survey. Analysis showed that residents were generally happy to host evacuees and offer support if they could. However, individual support efforts would likely only be sufficient for the first few days. Long-term success in evacuee support would require strategic thinking and collaborative planning between emergency management agencies and local neighbourhood groups.
Abstract: Taylor, Melanie; Wiebusch, Tim; Beccari, Benjamin; Haynes, Katharine; Mozumdar, Arifa Ahmed; Tofa, Matalena Since 2001, approximately 45 per cent of all flood fatalities in Australia are attributed to people entering floodwater in motor vehicles. This behaviour is considered high-risk and avoidable. However, for emergency services personnel performing their duties, there may be additional pressure to take on such risks. In Victoria, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is the control agency for floods and storms and its personnel encounter floodwater frequently. At an organisational level, good workplace health and safety practices are fundamental and duty of care is of paramount importance. VICSES personnel are discouraged from driving through floodwater; an exception being when responding to life-threatening situations. Doing so exposes staff to personal harm and driving through floodwater in work vehicles can result in vehicle and equipment damage. There is also the potential for VICSES reputation damage if people observe VICSES personnel driving into floodwaters and not heeding safety advice to 'never drive (walk, or ride) through floodwater'. This raises public safety concerns if people take similar risks. This paper presents findings from a larger study into the circumstances in which SES personnel drive through floodwater in SES or private vehicles. Outcomes from this research will inform policy, practice and training to improve safety, keep staff and equipment safe and model good practice in communities.
Abstract: Waller, Ewan Review(s) of: Prescribed Burning in Australasia: The science, practice and politics of burning the bush, edited by Adam Leavesley, Mike Wouters and Richard Thornton, Published by Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council, ISBN 0994258941, 9780994258946.
Abstract: Archer, Frank; Spencer, Caroline; McArdle, Dudley; Cross, Suzanne Following the extensive bushfires in the 2019-20 summer, Australia has established a number of reviews and inquiries at the national, state and territory levels. Most of these reports will be published in the months ahead.
Abstract: McArthur, Tony The NSW Government has committed to the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience (Attorney-General's Department 2011) that encourages local communities to prepare for emergencies through disaster risk reduction and by building resilience. However, legislative obligations for emergency management in NSW remain focused on the responsibility of the emergency services organisations for specific hazards while these organisations advocate for community engagement. Community resilience requires individuals and organisations to take on more responsibility for preparing for emergencies. However, an 'all hazards' framework to support planning for emergencies has not been made available. By default, most communities expect emergency services organisations to tell them what to do. This creates a contradictory situation where emergency services organisations promote community resilience but resources to support planning are lacking. This can undermine a commitment to community resilience. Once an incident begins, the Australasian Interservice Incident Management System provides a tried and tested method to deal with emergencies based on the 'all hazards' approach. No similar approach has been developed to help communities make plans prior to an emergency. This paper examines current structures in NSW. It proposes that a framework, developed to address bushfire threats to schools in the Blue Mountains of NSW, could be the basis of an 'all hazards' planning framework.
Abstract: Dippy, Russell Disastrous bushfires in the summer of 2019-2020 in Australia were part of a series of climate-related emergency events previously unimagined. Australia, coming out of its worst-recorded drought, has been hit by long-running bushfires, floods, coastal erosion and the global COVID-19 pandemic. To combat concurrent and compounding events like these, emergency services personnel and police, including paid and volunteer-led teams, had to adapt their response and recovery activities. For the first time, these activities were supported by a large Australian Defence Force contingent. Many emergency management teams were also supplemented by international colleagues, thus forming integrated and multi-agency teams. In such response environments, team leaders applied learning and experience they had developed in operational settings to be effective in response and recovery efforts. The human capacities of leaders are different and are founded on recruiting, cultural background, training, education and experiential opportunities. Recognising each person's leadership capacity can be difficult and can reduce the efficiency of response and recovery. This paper examines current options and arrangements that exist through national and international certification systems. The purpose is to establish a simple and recognisable understanding of emergency managers' skills. This paper draws from research that examines the human-capacity leassons from past events that develop future emergency managers.
Abstract: Florec, Veronique; Rogers, Abbie An effective way to reduce the impacts of natural hazards on communities is by mitigating the risks. However, mitigation requires time and resources, which are usually limited. To use resources effectively, planners and managers are best prepared when they know their options and which of these options provides the best value for money. When there is not enough information, or an analysis would take several months or years to complete, having access to quick economic analyses in weeks rather than months would be very useful. This paper describes a Quick Economic Analysis Tool, developed at the University of Western Australia, to conduct quick analyses. A case study is used of two prescribed burn annual rates and are compared with results of an in-depth analysis of the application of different prescribed burn annual rates over the long-term that took several years to complete. The results from the quick analysis, despite a few differences, were comparable to results from an in-depth analysis and provided enough information to determine the value for money that each prescribed burn annual rate generated. This study showed that the quick analysis tool would allow fire managers to identify options worthy of business cases and to capture the information needed to increase confidence in their decisions.
Abstract: Eriksen, Christine; McKinnon, Scott; de Vet, Eliza This paper reviews findings from a research project examining the role insurance cover (or the lack thereof) plays in disaster recovery. It considers the implications of insurance within a shared-responsibility model for emergency management and disaster mitigation policy and practice. A key finding shows how insufficient understanding of Bushfire Attack Level ratings is exacerbating the problem of underinsurance. The insurance industry has the ability to improve community recovery through greater disaster preparedness efforts. What is needed in Australian emergency management policy is an increased emphasis on disaster mitigation spending, as well as a more holistic understanding of recovery, in which insurance is understood as one tool within a complex process.
Abstract: Littleproud, David Australia is facing disasters, which are increasing in both their frequency and intensity. Driven by a changing climate, these disasters require a coordinated, collaborative and national response to reduce impact and severity.
Abstract: Beccari, Benjamin Local governments are important actors in achieving the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (UNDRR 2015). While they play a key role, their level of action on disaster risk reduction varies substantially and the evidence base to explain this variation is limited. This paper reviews three strands of research that improve this evidence base and recommends further research. Data on local government action is generally limited or unavailable, although some survey work has generated valuable insights. Promising theoretical models from the public administration literature could be more strongly applied to disaster risk reduction. Research over the past few decades shows quantitative evidence for a range of factors that influence local government action including disaster events and risk, leadership, political system, advocacy, community characteristics and local government characteristics and resources. Avenues for further data collection, theoretical development and action research are explored.
Abstract: Lukosch, Heide Games can help us prepare for emergencies and manage crises as they enable players to experience emergency situations in a safe and interactive way.
Abstract: Sexton, Jane; Davies, Gareth; White, Kate In the early hours of 23 May 1960, an earthquake and tsunami struck Chile. There were no morning television shows and newspapers had already been printed for the day. Tsunami warning systems for Australia did not exist and there were no tools nor knowledge to help Australia prepare. Thankfully, we live in different times.
Abstract: Glassey, Steve Review(s) of: Animal management and welfare in natural disasters, by James Sawyer and Gerardo Huertas, PUBLISHED BY Routledge, ISBN 978-1-138-19066-5.
Abstract: Patch, Bethany As Australian communities recover from one natural hazard and prepare for the next one, there are important questions to ask about which areas are most exposed to possible loss of life, landscape and property.
Abstract: Patch, Bethany An understanding of disaster resilience will help communities better prepare for, absorb and respond to natural hazards. A newly launched website helps explain and measure resilience so that we can adapt and transform our communities for the better.
Abstract: Gissing, Andrew; Bibby, Neil Australia needs to be ambitious in its thinking about readiness for major bushfires; in particular, how future bushfires are managed and fought. Bushfires over 2019-2020 caused 35 fatalities, widespread disruption and significant damage with 3093 homes being destroyed and major damage to community infrastructure. We must learn from this experience.
Abstract: Weir, Jessica Whether cultural burns are the answer or not, depends on the question. During the Australian summer of 2019-20, Aboriginal peoples' landscape fires-often called cultural, traditional or Aboriginal burns-were central in discussions about bushfire responses. Aboriginal peoples have traditionally lit 'cool' fires to reduce the occurrence of hot fires and for other reasons. But what question is really being asked about cultural burning'
Abstract: March, Alan; Riddell, Graeme; de Moraes, Leonardo Nogueira; Stanley, Janet; van Delden, Hedwig; Beilin, Ruth; Dovers, Stephen; Maier, Holger The challenges facing settlements relating to bushfire require integrated approaches that manage risks across a wide range of factors. This paper sets out a framework demonstrating how urban planning, when coupled with appropriate decision support and future scenario testing, can reduce risks relating to bushfire while considering future growth. Examples of how planning can modify aspects of risk in association with scenario testing are included. Five main categories of risk reduction treatments are shown. The paper contributes to risk reduction by providing practical mechanisms for risk avoidance and treatment via urban and land-use planning systems combined with forward scenario testing to guide existing settlements and future growth.
Abstract: Ripley, Sam; Kaiser, Lucy H; Campbell, Emily; Shadwell, Josef; Johnson, David; Neely, Dan In 2018-2019, the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office in New Zealand, in partnership with Te Hiranga Ru QuakeCoRE, ran a series of workshops on the five recovery environments (built, cultural, economic, natural and social) to develop the region's recovery framework. To get balanced and diverse perspectives, workshop attendees included representatives from central and local governments, iwi1, community groups, businesses, not-for-profits and academia. This paper uses a case study to highlight the challenges and opportunities of a collective partnership approach to preevent planning. The workshop outputs are used to develop a regional recovery framework and to improve emergency management engagement before and after an emergency event. This paper demonstrates and evaluates a novel approach for engaging stakeholders about pre-event recovery planning. This can guide similar efforts for Civil Defence and Emergency Management agencies in other locations in New Zealand as well as elsewhere.
Abstract: Huggins, Thomas J; Langer, ERLisa; McLennan, Jim; Johnston, David M; Yang, Lili This paper examines media commentary related to wildfire risk in Aotearoa-New Zealand following two large-scale wildfires that affected urban and rural areas of the country in 2017 and 2019. Surrounding commentary is considered using an established model of disaster risk that highlights the relevance of increased wildfire scale and effects. The model reinforces that increasing numbers of vulnerable dwellings amplify future wildfire threat. The result resembles a 'multi-headed beast' of increased risk, one that can be met with a robust set of fire management interventions. Emergency planning frameworks in Aotearoa-New Zealand need to bolster the wildfire risk awareness of landholders as well as local community capacities to manage the potentially elevated levels of overall wildfire risk.
Abstract: Bajracharya, Bhishna; Hastings, Peter Stakeholder engagement is an important part of planning for emergencies and disasters. This paper describes and discusses the processes of engagement, particularly information sharing, between local government disaster managers, land-use planners and the developer of a large master-planned community in Logan City in South East Queensland. Due to its large scale and importance for the local economy, this development has been designated as a Priority Development Area by the Queensland Government, meaning that approval processes are managed by the state rather than the local government. This study found that local disaster managers are keen to promote strategic disaster planning by improving their engagement with state-level planning, development and assessment processes governing priority development areas. Collaboration with local 'place managers' emerges as a potential way forward. A better understanding of the roles, responsibilities, accessible information and opportunities for collaboration across stakeholders and between disaster management and planning frameworks can facilitate improved outcomes for emergency and disaster management.
Abstract: Owen, Christine; Krusel, Noreen; Bethune, Loriana One of the challenges facing disaster risk reduction is the gap between research and practice. Despite the considerable investment in publicly funded and commissioned disaster risk reduction research, the application of research findings to operational practice often lags, if implemented at all. This paper addresses the need to understand the antecedents of implementation and identifies activities involved in the research utilisation process. This paper reports on findings that led to the development of a research utilisation maturity matrix that encompasses four levels of maturity being: basic, developing, established and leading. This study involved collaboration and discussion with emergency services practitioners and a conceptual model of the elements needed to support implementation of research was identified. This model suggests that the four elements play key roles in effective implementation. The study gathered information from emergency services practitioners and their stakeholders about the meaning of the research findings and what, if anything, needed to change. The study's findings can help emergency services personnel assess organisational practices to improve research utilisation within the emergency sector and contribute to greater disaster risk reduction outcomes.
Abstract: King, Jonathan; Longman, Jo; Matthews, Veronica; Bennett-Levy, James; Bailie, Ross S; Carrig, Steve; Passey, Megan In 2017, areas of northern New South Wales experienced significant flooding as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Such events are likely to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. There is a current gap in the literature investigating the effects of indirect disruption caused by flooding (e.g. loss of access to health and social care for people who have not had their property inundated) on mental health. A survey was conducted of flood-affected communities across northern New South Wales six months after the event to investigate relationships between the flood and adverse mental health outcomes. Responses were used to investigate associations between indirect disruptions and psychological morbidity. Respondents who reported indirect disruption were significantly more likely to report experiences consistent with probable post-traumatic stress disorder than those who did not report any disruption. Those who reported a loss of health and social care or a disruption to their utilities were more likely to experience adverse mental health outcomes. This study showed that indirect disruption due to flooding is associated significantly with adverse mental health. Post-disaster recovery managers might consider allocating mental health support for people who have experienced indirect disruptions.
Abstract: Thomas, Kristie-Lee; Kaiser, Lucy; Campbell, Emily; Johnston, David; Campbell, Hamish; Solomon, Rana; Jack, Helen; Borrero, Jose; Northern, Ali On 15 August 1868, a great earthquake struck off the coast of the Chile-Peru border generating a tsunami that travelled across the Pacific Ocean. Wharekauri-Rekohu-The Chatham Islands, located 800 km east of Christchurch city, was one of the worst affected locations in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Tsunami waves, including three over six metres high, injured and killed people, destroyed buildings and infrastructure and affected the environment, economy and communities. Advancements in disaster risk reduction systems and technology have significantly advanced since then, as has Aotearoa-New Zealand's capacity to be ready for and respond to earthquakes and tsunami. However, collective memory of this event and other tsunami events has diminished. In 2018, a team of scientists, emergency managers and communication specialists collaborated to organise a memorial event on the Chatham Islands and coordinate a multi-agency media campaign to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1868 Arica tsunami. This paper describes the purpose and variety of contexts in which anniversary memorial events are held. The 1868 Arica tsunami event and the design and components of the 150th anniversary memorial event are examined to detail the educative function this memorial held and potential improvements for future memorial events. The importance of commemorating centennial disaster anniversaries using memorial events is highlighted as it raises awareness and increases community preparedness for future events: 'lest we forget and let us learn'.
Abstract: Pokharel, Suresh; McDonald, Kirsten; Saxby, Anna Plan International and Arup developed the 'Child-Centred Urban Resilience Framework' to involve vulnerable groups in planning processes. The framework guides organisations to design, plan and implement community resilience activities in urban settings.
Abstract: Mizutori, Mami In Australia, and around the world, disasters disproportionately and often severely impact on children and youth. New international guidelines have been developed and refined to give worldwide access to expertise, communities-of-practice and networks of disaster risk reduction practitioners.
Abstract: Gampell, Anthony; Gaillard, JC; Parsons, Meg; De, Loic Le The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai Framework), the New Zealand National Disaster Resilience Strategy and the Australian National Strategy for Disaster Resilience fully integrate the concept of education into the overall goal of disaster risk reduction (DRR). While the links between the two overarching strategies could be more significant, especially considering the social construction of disasters, the flexibility offered by both curricula to how teachers approach the subject allows for a stronger inclusion of DRR activities. While it is acknowledged that children are greatly affected by disasters, the perspectives of children are often the least heard and included in DRR. Research into the use of disaster video games as learning tools brings together the perspectives of teachers and students to consider how to foster children's participation in DRR and support the aims of the Sendai Framework. This paper summarises a video game research project using three series of case studies. This process has led to genuine and meaningful outcomes based on the needs of teachers and students and offers a potential pathway to address gaps in policy and practice to reduce the risks associated with disasters.
Abstract: De, Loic Le; Gaillard, JC; Gampell, Anthony; Loodin, Nickola; Cadag, Jake In recent years, new forms of participatory mapping have emerged that foster the participation of children in disaster risk reduction. Participatory mapping enables children to produce insightful representations of their local area, including their perceptions of hazards, vulnerability and capacities. This caters for a diversity of knowledge and perceptions on hazards and disaster. Such maps provide a way that children can participate in decision-making processes about disaster risk reduction with adults. Furthermore, technology and games using devices such as global positioning systems, mobile phones, digital cameras, virtual reality and video games provide opportunities to conduct participatory mapping with children. This paper reviews different forms of participatory mapping and their purpose and associated strengths and weaknesses in children's participation in disaster risk reduction activities. Drawing on case studies of participatory Minecraft and LEGO mapping, this paper discusses new opportunities and related challenges to conducting participatory mapping with children.
Abstract: Treichel, Pia The effects of climate change are particularly acute for children. Not only do these effects pose risks to children's health, safety and survival in the near term, their younger age means they will be exposed to the increasing consequences into the future and for a greater proportion of their lives. As such, children are often presented in climate change debates, research and practice as being especially vulnerable and in particular need of support. However, this can lead to the portrayal of children as passive victims. This paper provides an overview of adaptation research and practice literature concerning children and young people, with a particular focus on whether and how child-centred responses to climate change can contribute to building the resilience of households and communities. In light of the increasing recognition of the roles of children and young people in climate advocacy, it is timely to consider how to more effectively include children in climate change adaptation action more broadly, and the consequences for them and their communities.
Abstract: Jiwanji, Alefiyah; Paci-Green, Rebekah; McFarlane, Kate This article presents trends in policies related to comprehensive school safety in the Pacific region. Seven Pacific Island countries were surveyed in 2017. The majority had enabling policy environments that support school safety as well as specific policies supporting safe facilities, school disaster management and disaster-related education. Yet policy gaps were identified in all these areas. Respondents identified ongoing challenges such as poor integration of disaster management and education policies, a failing to address comprehensive school safety responsibilities, a lack of targets and indicators and resource scarcity. This survey provides insights into how to improve the design and implementation of policies used for risk reduction and resilience in the education sector of the Pacific region.
Abstract: Gissing, Andrew; Langbein, Foster This summer's Australian bushfire crisis has stirred commentary around disaster mitigation investments and their efficacy. The Australia Government recently released a 'National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework' with a key priority being accountable decision-making.
Abstract: Grant, Nicola; McCredie, Vicki Towamba is a small village of around 150 people west of Eden in New South Wales, with a further hundred living in outlying areas. Towamba Public School has 21 students and an enduring tradition of community volunteering and participation, supported by an active, strong and forward-thinking Parent and Citizens Association.
Abstract: Little, Brigid Disaster resilience education enables students to develop the knowledge and skills to take protective action before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
Abstract: Masters, Jessica Exposure to disaster is unfortunately common for children. To help children and young people affected before, during and after these events, Emerging Minds and the Australian National University developed resources that provide information and activities to help people work with children during traumatic times.
Abstract: Okita, Yosuke; Shaw, Rajib The network of international search and rescue teams, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), has had a classification system since 2005 known as the INSARAG External Classification (IEC). The purpose of IEC is to ensure that all the international urban search and rescue teams acquire the minimum operational standards set by INSARAG. The National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) of Indonesia is applying for IEC certification in November 2019 with support from Singapore. This paper reviews the IEC process for BASARNAS and critically evaluates the effectiveness of IEC as a tool for urban search and rescue capacity building. Through the preparation for IEC, the internationally deployed BASARNAS team successfully strengthened its search and rescue capabilities. The IEC process identified gaps in current levels of operation and INSARAG requirements. Having an IEC-classified team in Indonesia would lead to strengthening capability of domestic first responders.
Abstract: Pokharel, Suresh; Archer, Frank The world is rapidly urbanising. In 1950, only 30 per cent of the world's population lived in urban areas. That proportion has increased to 55 per cent in 2018 (United Nations 2018a) and is predicted to reach 68 per cent by 2050 (United Nations 2018b). Governments are struggling to cope with the pace of urbanisation as well as maximising the opportunities urban centres can offer. In Australia, urbanisation has created issues including economic, environmental, social infrastructure, waste disposal, energy and natural resources. The United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat- III), held in October 2016 in Quito, Ecuador, generated the 'New Urban Agenda' (United Nations 2016a) that is a shared vision of the global community and a global framework for sustainable urban development and urbanisation for the next 20 years. This paper discusses the main features of the 'New Urban Agenda', its development, key elements and relationships. The paper highlights Australia's role in implementing the New Urban Agenda and considers how Australian cities are preparing for sustainable and equitable growth.
Abstract: Kaiser, Lucy; Boersen, Kate Recent events in Aotearoa New Zealand, such as the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016, highlight the need for comprehensive and inclusive disaster education programs that are geographically and contextually relevant. Disaster risk reduction activities in Aotearoa New Zealand have historically adopted a top-down, expert-driven approach. They have also employed relatively homogenous methods for how communities in New Zealand can prepare for and respond to disasters. As a result, the inclusion of Maori communities and voices within traditional disaster risk reduction planning has been sparse. In addition, there is a lack of preparedness materials for tsunami designed specifically by Maori with Maori community needs front and centre. This paper documents a pilot education project taking an inclusive approach to increasing the knowledge and preparedness of tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) in coastal areas of Aotearoa New Zealand that are vulnerable to tsunami. Research was undertaken to develop a toolkit with kura kaupapa Maori (Maori-language immersion schools) and schools located in tsunami evacuation zones in Hawke's Bay, on the east coast of the North Island. A Maori-led, bi-cultural approach to developing and running the activities was taken. The aim was to create culturally and locally relevant materials for akonga (students) and kura kaupapa Maori as well as giving akonga a proactive role in making their communities better prepared for a tsunami event.
Abstract: Bird, Deanne A disastrous fire at the Hazelwood coal mine in 2014, and subsequent government inquiries, revealed the inequalities and disadvantage experienced by communities in the Latrobe Valley. Following the inquiry, the Victorian Government implemented a place-based approach to support people's health and wellbeing, particularly the Latrobe Valley's youth. In December 2019, a six-month project culminated in the inaugural Latrobe Youth Film Festival Red Carpet event. The Latrobe Youth Film Festival project is a collaboration between Latrobe Youth Space, We Are Latrobe and the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services Latrobe Health Innovation Zone team. The project's primary aim was to promote the voice of young people in matters that are important to them. This paper outlines the development and implementation of the project.
Abstract: Haritos, Costa A range of high quality initiatives were celebrated at the 20th Resilient Australia Awards, with a focus on child-centred disaster education and empowerment to action. The line-up of national winners featured community engagement, local government partnerships and other initiatives that captured strength in the face of disaster.
Abstract: Gribble, Karleen Emergency plans should account for the special needs of vulnerable groups to mitigate the risks they face and to provide appropriate assistance. Australian research has examined the vulnerability of children, particularly infants.
Abstract: Glassey, Steve Emergency management has come a long way over the past decade in recognising the intrinsic link that humans have with animals. Including consideration for animals throughout the phases of risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery has significant benefits for animal welfare and also for the safety and wellbeing of humans.
Abstract: Marsh, Alexandra Following the North and Far North Queensland Monsoon in January 2019, the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council has undertaken recovery activities. This case study looks at the recovery planning techniques used by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the local community.
Abstract: Osuchowski, Monica Forums on Understanding Disaster Risk were held across Australia in October 2019 as part of a national discussion on climate and disaster risk.
Abstract: Parkinson, Debra Disasters, like the current bushfires in Australia, place pressure on men to be silent and stoic protectors, which makes them reluctant to seek help. What does this mean for families in such terrible times'
Abstract: Vahanvati, Mittul In 2018, the Tarnagulla Alternative Energy Group in regional Victoria took steps to plan futures for their town and its local community that strengthened resilience to the many challenges in the area including those from climate change. Believing that 'anticipation strategies work against known problems, while resilient strategies are better against unknown problems' (IFRC 2012, p.5) the group turned to the RMIT Climate Change Transformations group to unpack the meaning of resilience as it related to the town and community. The purpose was to produce a locally-focused Resilience Action Plan. Despite an international consensus and media propagation of resilience as a silver bullet to address future uncertainties, the concept remains contentious and challenging to implement. This paper considers how the various framings of resilience - the 'conceptual' (in literature) and the 'operational' (in policy) - relate to the Tarnagulla community's lived experience and the implications. The comparison allows to unpack a mixture of the complexities in understanding the nature of values, preferences, expectations, capacities, contested knowledge, as well as, the uncertainties. Study findings show that communities are best placed to frame their resilience, collectively and from a 'systems' perspective, and that implementing actions, which may require radical change, hinge on a political voice and sustained support from policy makers
Abstract: Koksal, Kubra; McLennan, Jim; Bearman, Christopher Due to the attractiveness of living in a natural environment, more people are likely to reside in urban-bush interface areas that expose them to dangers from bushfires. Surveys conducted after fires over 2009-2015, indicated that many residents in urban-bush interface areas under-estimate their bushfire risk and do not prepare adequately for these events. For this study, householders living in urban-bush interface areas of Melbourne completed an online survey that showed that the attractiveness of the natural environment setting was the major reason for living in the location. The majority of respondents indicated bushfires as a negative feature of living in the urban-bush- interface. Compared with findings from post-bushfire surveys during 2009-2015, a greater number of respondents had a bushfire survival plan to evacuate as well as being prepared to evacuate if threatened. However, one in eight householders planned to 'wait and see' how a fire developed before taking action. Also, levels of activities to reduce house vulnerability to bushfire were low. For some householders, this was because they believed such preparations would be ineffective and, thus, pointless. This unpreparedness presents challenges to emergency management organisations and, in particular, fire agencies.
Abstract: Taylor, Maureen; Ryan, Barbara; Johnston, Kim A Community engagement programs in Australia are widely adopted by emergency management organisations as one way to get communities to recognise hazards and risks and prepare for emergency events. However, evaluation of these programs remains a challenge. A study with 30 community engagement practitioners and managers from Australian emergency management organisations, councils and not-for-profit organisations was undertaken to examine how they use measurement and evaluation of community engagement for preparedness. The findings suggest that while community engagement teams understand the importance of measuring the effects of engagement efforts and preparedness activities, most still do not link engagement activities with higher-level engagement outcomes that influence communities.
Abstract: Hayes, Peter; Bearman, Chris; Thomason, Mark; Bremner, Peter The demands on teams coordinating emergency management at state and regional levels can be considerable. These teams may be supporting multiple incidents and are prioritising resources, liaising with other organisations and managing public interests. Also, during large-scale emergencies, teams will be working under conditions of stress and fatigue, which are known to impair cognitive processes such as memory and decision-making. This paper describes a checklist-based cognitive aid that can be used by teams to help retain their focus on tasks that need to be completed. This checklist is based on a hierarchical task analysis that was developed with emergency management agencies using observations, subject matter expert advice and prototype piloting. The checklist is a simple, straightforward set of prompts that help managers keep track of operational tasks and, thus, helps to reduce mental workload and improve cognition. The checklist can be used as a prompt to help emergency managers address the tasks they have oversight for, as a training and development resource, and as a diagnostic and monitoring tool to assess how well a control centre is operating. This can be assessed in real time and through the after-action review process. The checklist is a flexible tool that can help people better manage emergency response activities.
Abstract: Glassey, Steve; Thompson, Eric When earthquakes and other natural hazards strike, it is not only humans that can become trapped in collapsed structures. This paper details current international practice of structural search markings used after disaster events. It also explores developing search markings to include markings for animals so that rescuers also take note of the presence and status of animals rescued from the location. Historically, companion animal owners have been known to consistently breach cordons to search for their animals. Currently, disaster search marking systems do not accommodate the rescue status of animals being removed or that are still trapped. An animal-specific search marking system is recommended and decision makers within search marking bodies should consider adoption or development of such marking systems. The availability of an animal search marking could reduce confusion during human-focused rescue efforts and contribute to the legitimisation of technical animal rescue as an independent discipline.
Abstract: Ogie, Robert; Pradhan, Biswajeet Social vulnerability is a widely recognised way of assessing the sensitivity of a population to natural hazards and its ability to respond to and recover from them. In the traditional approach to computing social vulnerability, the emphasis is mainly on the weaknesses only (e.g. old age, low income, language barriers). This study presents a strength-based social vulnerability index that identifies the strengths that communities have that help minimise disaster risk exposure. The strength-based social vulnerability index method is compared with the traditional approach using various statistical procedures like the one-sample T-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. This is performed through a case study measuring the social vulnerability for the 108 suburbs of Wollongong in New South Wales. The results show there is a significant difference between the values obtained from measurements using the strength-based social vulnerability index technique and those generated by the traditional approach. The implications of the results for emergency and disaster management are broadly discussed.
Abstract: Every, Danielle; Pedler, Alana; Collyer-Braham, Sarah This paper reports on the outcomes of a collaborative, strengths-based program developed to improve the preparedness of people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather in South Australia. The program, Out of the Storm, provided resources for dealing with heat, cold and storms that were co-designed by people experiencing homelessness, emergency services and health provider representatives and volunteer graphic designers. The program employed peer outreach workers who delivered 278 emergency kits and maps and who conducted 466 conversations about extreme weather with other people in experiencing homelessness in South Australia. This paper outlines the Out of the Storm program, including how principles of Trauma-Informed Extreme Weather Resilience Education were incorporated. This evaluation demonstrated that the Out of the Storm activities gave people access to relevant information and weather-protection items and built confidence, opportunities and social connections within the community and with emergency services organisations and health providers.
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