Familiar Faces Build Resilient Places
Description
Community organisations are often the first to respond and the last to leave in times of crisis.
As heatwaves, floods and other climate-induced disasters become more frequent, how can universities become genuine partners in strengthening local resilience?
The Sydney Policy Lab and the Sydney Environment Institute invite you to the launch of a new report on how universities and local communities can work together before, during and after crisis.
Becoming Familiar Faces: How Universities Can Become Allies in Community-Based Responses to Climate Disasters asks a practical question: How can a public university show up as a trusted partner, not just in an emergency, but in the years leading up to one?
Join us for a lively panel discussion with leading resilience practitioners and community advocates across the community, university and local government sectors, as we explore ways that universities can activate their people, networks, expertise, resources, and infrastructure to strengthen local resilience.
On the night
Key findings and practical recommendations
Perspectives from leading community, university and local government voices
Discussion on next steps
Networking over light refreshments
Who should attend
Community organisations and leaders
Local and state government staff
Emergency and health practitioners
University staff and students
Researchers
Anyone interested in climate resilience, adaptation or disaster recovery
Image credit: Maythee Voran via Shutterstock.
Speakers
Dr Kate Harrison Brennan (Chair)
Dr Kate Harrison Brennan is Director of the Sydney Policy Lab at the University of Sydney. The Sydney Policy Lab is the university’s community-centred, multi-disciplinary policy laboratory. Kate previously served as Head of Policy & Design at the Paul Ramsay Foundation, was CEO of Anglican Deaconess Ministries, and was an adviser to former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. A NSW Rhodes Scholar, Kate has seen the positive impact of good policy and partnerships to help to break cycles of disadvantage across Australia.
Maddy Braddon
Maddy Braddon is a Lismore-based community organiser with nearly a decade’s experience across local and national non-profits focused on climate resilience, environmental education and disaster recovery. With academic experience in rural mental health and community wellbeing research, her work is grounded in evidence-based, equitable approaches to climate adaptation. Since 2017, she has been instrumental in grassroots flood recovery mobilisations in Lismore, strengthening participation in community-led initiatives toward a climate-safe future. Maddy is the Communications Officer at Resilient Lismore.
Dr Joshua Bird
Joshua Bird is Director of Policy & Programs at Western Sydney Community Forum, leading social justice initiatives across Western Sydney using a rights-centred approach to address systemic inequity. With over 20 years’ experience across the Asia-Pacific, he has held senior roles across the government, academic and not-for-profit sectors focused on human rights and community development. A qualified lawyer, he holds a PhD from the University of Sydney and lives in South-West Sydney with his family.
Laura Minchella
Laura Minchella is Senior Sustainability Manager at the University of Sydney. She leads operational initiatives supporting the University’s Sustainability Strategy, including emissions reduction toward its net zero target, waste reduction and recovery, climate resilience in the built environment, and behaviour change programs that support sustainable decision-making. Laura is currently leading the development of the University’s Climate and Nature Transition Plan with the Sustainability team, creating a pathway for coordinated action on climate risk, infrastructure resilience, and community-focused climate adaptation.
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