Research increasing preparedness

Child-centred disaster risk reduction education, resilience and Indigenous culture were all topics of discussion at a public forum held during Red Cross Disaster Preparedness week in Adelaide.

The CRC partnered with the Red Cross to host three sessions featuring CRC researchers: Dr Jessica Weir (University of Western Sydney); Dr Melissa Parsons (University of New England) and Dr Briony Towers (RMIT University) on 28 and 29 September.

The forum focused on how research is making a difference to communities in disaster prone areas and sparked discussion surrounding what communities can do before, during and after a natural hazard occurring.

“By holding such state and local events, it enables stakeholders and partners, especially those in regional locations to attend, participate, share knowledge and contribute to the CRC’s research,” said CRC Core Research Program Manager Dr Desiree Beekharry, who attended the workshop.

Dr Weir presented research from her CRC project on Hazards, culture and Indigenous communities, Dr Parsons spoke about the development of the Australian Natural Disaster Resilience Index and Dr Towers spoke about her research on disaster resilience education for children.

Over 30 people attended the event, which was held at Red Cross House.