This event is proudly hosted by the QUT Centre for Environment & Society and the QUT Centre for Justice.

When booking, you can attend one or both sessions.

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.

10:45am for an 11:00am start	Welcome
11:00am - 12:00 noon	Facilitated panel discussion
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Networking lunch and Poster presentation

💡 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