Greg Ireton

Greg Ireton’s PhD study is investigating the parent-reported changes in child behaviour and development at primary school commencement in communities affected by bushfire and flood compared to unaffected communities. Research on the longitudinal impact of bushfires on the academic achievement of school children identified that children attending schools in affected areas was clearly evidence in the immediate aftermath and subsequent years. This manifested as issues with toileting, as well as language, behavioural and developmental issues. Greg’s research will enable a better understanding of these issues, how long
they are apparent, and the supports and resources necessary to better enable early interventions to reduce long-term impacts on children.

Greg is currently an enterprise fellow in disaster recovery at the University of Melbourne and a disaster recovery adviser, providing a range of community disaster recovery roles on a pro-bono and professional basis. He has been involved in community recovery after many bushfires, flood, tornadoes and droughts.