QUT and QDRA present: Disaster Resilience Together

This event is proudly hosted by the QUT Centre for Environment & Society, the QUT Centre for Justice, and the Queensland Disaster Research Alliance (QDRA).

When booking, select which of the three sessions you will attend.

Navigating Uncertainty: From Reliance to Resilience

Disasters are no longer rare interruptions—they are recurring realities. Yet we still find ourselves surprised, unprepared, and uncertain.

Please join us for a provocative panel discussion to explore how communities, governments, and individuals can shift from reactive reliance to proactive resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and unpredictable disasters. Through the lens of South East Queensland’s recent experiences with floods and a cyclone, we will examine the evolving roles and responsibilities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

This event brings together experts, practitioners, and community voices to unpack the complexities of disaster management in a changing world. The dynamic panel conversation will explore:

• Who leads, who supports, and how do we share responsibility across government, community, and individual levels?

• Where are the gaps that leave us vulnerable—even when disasters are predictable?

• How can we build systems, infrastructure, and community capacity that adapt and endure?

Speakers

• MC: Professor Amisha Mehta (Lead, Resilient Communities and Infrastructure Theme, QUT Centre for Environment & Society)

• Moderator: Professor Vivienne Tippet (Chair, Queensland Disaster Research Alliance)

• Panellists:

  • Cr Matt Constance (Councillor for City of Moreton Bay and Chair, Local Disaster Management Group)

  • Jimmy Scott (General Manager Resilience and Recovery, Queensland Reconstruction Authority)

  • Melinda McInturff (Community Resilience Coordinator, Community Plus+)

  • David Grant (Queensland State Disaster Coordination Centre Meteorologist, Bureau of Meteorology)

  • George Hodgson (Director, National Emergency Management Agency)

  • Kate Retzki (Director Research and Communication, Office of the Inspector General Emergency Management)

  • Dr Monica Taylor (QUT Centre for Justice and School of Law)

Research Showcase

A research poster display will be presented on The Cube, showcasing disaster-related research by QUT experts. These researchers will be available for informal discussions during the lunch following the panel session.

QDRA Workshop: Shaping compelling Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) applications

The Queensland Disaster Research Alliance (QDRA) will host a workshop for interested representatives from Queensland and Local Government, nonprofit organisations, and universities to support the development of quality applications for projects to support attraction of Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) funding into Queensland.

The DRF is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative for enhancing disaster resilience and reducing risk across the country. Launched on 1 July 2023, the DRF commits up to $1 billion over five years, allocating $200 million annually to support projects that help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from natural hazards such as floods, cyclones, and bushfires.

Administered by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with state and territory governments, the fund prioritises initiatives that improve understanding of disaster impacts, strengthen community and infrastructure resilience, and reduce future recovery burdens.

The workshop will be facilitated by representatives from QDRA and Articulous Communications.

💡 Before we talk resilience, join us the night prior and spark your curiosity at the

QUT Excolo! Grand Final Pitching Competition.

Come and see the brightest ideas take the stage! Thursday 20 November, 4pm - 7:30pm

https://events.humanitix.com/qut-commercialisation-club-excolo-pitching-competition-grand-final-2025