Rebuilding Cities After Disasters and Conflicts

Event Overview

This seminar brings together researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers to explore approaches for facilitating effective housing recovery and reconstruction in disaster and conflict contexts. The event will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and collaboration to explore strategies that support resilient and sustainable recovery within the housing sector.

The keynote presentations and panel discussion will draw on lessons from diverse international contexts to examine the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for housing recovery. The session will explore how governments, communities, industry practitioners, and researchers can work together to support resilient and sustainable rebuilding, from emergency and temporary accommodation to long-term housing reconstruction. Drawing on insights from previous recovery efforts, the discussion will highlight lessons and strategies that can be adapted across a range of disaster and conflict scenarios through a multi-hazard perspective.

Moderator: Professor Matt Duckham

Professor in Geographic Information Science in the School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Prior to moving to RMIT University in 2015, he was Professor of Geographic Information Science at the University of Melbourne, Australia

Presenters and Panelists

• Professor Julie Lawson

Adjunct Professor working on how post-war housing recovery can support long-term social inclusion, climate resilience and affordable housing system reform, drawing on European and Ukrainian experience.

• Julianne Tice

Climate Change Policy Advisor at Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).

• Dr Mittul Vahanvati

Program Manager and Senior Lecturer in RMIT's Sustainability and Urban Planning. Recognised for her research in disaster resilience of the housing system, longitudinal research on build back better or housing.

• Lucy Manne

Disaster Resilience Policy Advisor at the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).

• Saman Homaeifar

Melbourne-based urban designer, architect and artist with an Iranian background and a people-centred approach to design and art, Lead Design Integrator, Aurecon.

Program

3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Welcome and registration
3:45 pm – 3:50 pm  Opening remarks
3:50 pm – 5:00 pm Presentations, Panel Discussion, Audience Q&A
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm –Networking (Refreshments and beverages will be provided)

Format: Hybrid (in-person and online attendance available)

Host

This event is organised as part of Social Sciences Week 2026 and is hosted by the Urban Futures and Housing@RMIT Network, RMIT University.