Australia has been known for decades as the land “of droughts and flooding rains”, but as the frequency and severity of droughts and floods increasingly impact lives and livelihoods, we consider how decision-makers at all levels can respond to this worsening situation with policy tools.

Please join us on the morning of Thursday 11 September at ANU in Canberra or online for the ANU Disaster Solutions Update 2025.

Dr Jason Alexandra will present the Update, exploring how we can break out of the disaster-recovery cycle and accelerate planning for a changed climate. We will then host two panel discussions – the first on flood solutions and the second on drought resilience.

Then UNICEF Australia and Deloitte Access Economics will join us to launch their report "The economic and social impacts of disasters on children and young people" in Australia.

Hear from distinguished speakers:

Professor Lachlan Blackhall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), The Australian National University

Dr Jason Alexandra, Research Fellow, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions

Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley, Lead, Disaster Solutions in the ANU School of Engineering and former Head of Disaster Solutions at ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions

Dr Kirsty Wissing, Research Fellow, ANU School of Culture, History & Language

Tony Webster, Visiting Fellow, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions
Carolyn Hall, CEO, The Mulloon Institute

Professor Lorrae van Kerkhoff, a Professor at the Fenner School of Environment and Director of the ANU Institute for Water Futures

Dr Hannah Feldman, Research Fellow, ANU Institute for Water Futures and ANU School of Cybernetics
Dr Steven Lade, ARC Future Fellow, ANU Fenner School of Environment & Society

Katie Maskiell, Head of Policy and Advocacy, UNICEF Australia

Nishadh Rego, Head of Climate, UNICEF Australia
David Rumbens, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics
Lincoln Ingraville, UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador

Download the program here.

Please note the event date and time has changed. It will be held on Thursday 11 September. For in-person attendees, the doors will open at 9am and the event will run until 1.30pm including a light morning tea and lunch. For online participants, the event will run from 9.30-1pm.

Contact the host of ANU Disaster Solutions Update 2025: A land of drought and flooding rains. Policy for prevention.