In early 2022, Lismore experienced its most severe flood on record, causing significant damage throughout the Northern Rivers region. Emergency services, government authorities, and regional communities joined forces to ensure effective communication during the crisis. The event highlighted the urgent need for dependable telecommunications systems, particularly in regional areas prone to extreme weather events. Recognizing this, CIN is co-hosting with NSW Smart Sensing Network a collaborative effort with local communities and telecommunications experts to develop innovative solutions for worst-case scenarios, hosted in conjunction with Network member Southern Cross University on their Lismore campus. By leveraging expertise and cooperation, we can proactively address telecommunications challenges in disaster-prone areas.

The program will include speakers from: network university members, first responders, government entities, and regional stakeholders in the connectivity space. The goal of the symposium is to collaborate on what needs to be addressed to improve the resilience of the local community. This event will draw on the transdisciplinary expertise of our members and the local knowledge of regional professionals in order to innovate connectivity in greater regional NSW. The findings from the symposium will then go on to inform future CIN calls for research proposals where up to $100,000 will be awarded to sensing for disasters projects.

CIN encourages attendees to book accommodation at the Ramada Hotel & Suites, while CIN will handle transportation from accommodation in Ballina to Southern Cross University.

Invitations have been sent out via email to network members, please contact us if you believe yours has been missed.

Click to download proposed agenda.