The best and brightest minds from around the country will pitch innovative solutions to a wicked problem in disaster management at the Disaster Challenge Final in Melbourne on Thursday 12 October.
Hosted by Natural Hazards Research Australia in collaboration with Victorian universities and emergency management organisations, the Disaster Challenge Final showcases three finalist teams of early career researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students responding to the wicked problem:
In the midst of disruption, chaos and calamity, how can resources from across society be accessed and connected in new and innovative ways to improve disaster response and link those who have the resources and supports with those that are most in need?
A wicked problem is one that is urgent, but difficult to solve because of incomplete, contradictory or changing requirements that are often difficult to recognise or evaluate.
Held on the eve of the United Nations International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Disaster Challenge Final will take place on Thursday 12 October from 4-6pm AEDT at the Greek Community of Melbourne, 168 Lonsdale Street. Media passes are available.
Natural Hazards Research Australia CEO Andrew Gissing said the Disaster Challenge Final showcases the benefits of combining new thinking with existing expertise.
“The Disaster Challenge celebrates innovation and actively engages the next generation of researchers in Australia,” Andrew said.
“As the risks of natural hazards increase, collective and innovative solutions are needed. Disaster management is full of wicked problems and these ideas can help to take Australia forward, highlighting the power of collaborative research in disaster response.”
The three finalist teams are:
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Climate Day: Disaster preparedness in high schools | Maya Walton, Chloe O’Brien and Kathy Tran (University of Technology Sydney) The team is creating a day for education and awareness for high school students. ‘Climate Day’ would be an immersive educational experience to alleviate young people’s climate anxiety.
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Empowering youth-led engagement in community resilience | Lydia Wardale Lydia’s concept will foster social cohesion to strengthen community-based resilience through a youth-led education program.
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Flood vulnerability index for Brisbane City | Dr Catherine Kim, Kaitlyn Brown, Dr Aiden Price, Tace Stewart (Queensland University of Technology), Dr Richard Cottrell (University of Tasmania/University of Queensland), Dr Kate Saunders (Monash University/Queensland University of Technology) and Dr Jess Hopf (Oregon State University) The team focuses on using data to develop a Flood Vulnerability Index for Brisbane City to predict flood risk, increasing the public’s awareness of flood impacts beyond inundation and enabling better preparedness and response.
United Nations International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction keynote
The Disaster Challenge Final will also feature a keynote presentation from Andrew Coghlan, Head of the Emergency Services at the Australian Red Cross. An important day on the international calendar, the theme for this year's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is Fighting inequity for a resilient future. Andrew will address the critical role research has in building a disaster resilient future and why, with the evolving effects of climate change, the human impacts of disasters must be at the forefront of thinking.
For those unable to attend in person, the Disaster Challenge Final will be livestreamed. Visit disasterchallenge.com.au to register.
The 2023 Disaster Challenge is coordinated by Natural Hazards Research Australia and is hosted with support from universities and emergency management organisations in Victoria: the Australian Red Cross, AFAC, the Country Fire Authority, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, the Inspector-General for Emergency Management Victoria, Monash University, RMIT University, the University of Melbourne and the Yarra Ranges Council.
For media passes, interviews and further information contact Nathan Maddock, Communications Manager, Natural Hazards Research Australia. 0410 998 600 or nathan.maddock@naturalhazards.com.au