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Darwin Stakeholder Forum showcases diverse research on Larrakia Country — from firefighter health to flood forecasting and cyclone resilience.
In July, researchers and emergency management leaders gathered at Northern Territory Parliament House for Natural Hazard Research Australia’s (the Centre) Stakeholder Forum, an interactive event focused on sharing knowledge and expertise.
Co-designed research shaping real-world impact
The Centre’s collaborative end-user approach ensures its research is not only relevant but actionable. Acting Commissioner Collene Bremner of NT Fire and Emergency Services underscored its value, stating:
“As an emergency management leader, I’ve used and implemented Centre research to support staff decision making, enhance operations and strengthen overall planning and knowledge.”
Commissioner Bremner highlighted the Territory’s unique hazard profile, including bushfires in the dry season, flooding and cyclones in the wet and extreme heat and drought. Navigating this complexity, said Commissioner Bremner demands a “data-informed, tailored and adaptive” strategy grounded in robust research.
The stakeholder forum spotlighted the compounded challenges faced by remote communities, where limited resources and infrastructure heighten vulnerability. Commissioner Bremner reflected on the 2023 Northern Region Floods, which forced the evacuation of over 500 residents from Kalkarindji, Daguragu and Pigeon Hole, damaging homes and critical infrastructure.
Protecting firefighter health and wellbeing
Dr Kiam Padamsey of Edith Cowan University presented research developed in partnership with firefighting professionals, supported by a Centre PhD scholarship. Drawing on his own experience as a volunteer firefighter and working alongside the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA, Dr Padamsey gave voice to firefighter concerns about bushfire smoke exposure.
His findings revealed that smoke levels encountered by firefighters “would likely trigger a stop-work order in any other industry”. Risks included contaminated clothing, inadequate respiratory protection and cross-contamination challenges such as at home.
Dr Padamsey proposed practical measures include:
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Mandatory showering and clothes laundering post-deployment
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Education modules on smoke exposure risks.
Image: Dr Kiam Padamsey
“If we protect firefighters’ health, we can build a more robust future workforce,” he said, noting one of the sector’s greatest challenges are declining workforce and volunteer numbers and an ageing demographic.
Forecasting flood months ahead
Senior Research Scientist Dr Wendy Sharples from the Bureau of Meteorology shared progress on the Centre’s Long-range flood outlook project. The initiative is developing computer models capable of predicting flood potential at different time scales.
Dr Sharples is working on the upcoming season, one to three months’ timeframe. The prototype, co-designed with emergency managers and tested across six different locations, demonstrated promising results.
“Flood likelihood and extent of inundation could be projected three months in advance,” Dr Sharples explained.
This research is especially timely, with the First National Climate Risk Assessment first phase report identifying northern Australia should expect increased rainfall, more often, and for longer durations in the future.
“Potential applications include data feeds into the AFAC flood outlook, seasonal briefings, national situation room briefings and data provisioning for emergency managers more broadly,” said Dr Sharples.
Cyclone response study highlights more lessons
A/Prof Geoff Broughton from the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University brought decades of experience to the forum having investigated severe wind events in Australia and the Pacific. His presentation on the Tropical Cyclone Alfred study insights and future implications emphasised how the investigation was a step towards more resilient communities everywhere.
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Image: A/Prof Geoff Boughton
A/Prof Broughton illustrated the cyclical relationship where “damage investigations inform research and research informs practice – codes, standards”and highlighted the future implications if a similar event were to occur in Darwin.
He explained how seemingly minor issues like water ingress can have major consequences for fire safety panels, building habitability, and insurance costs – even in buildings designed to cyclone standards.
The team are looking forward to our next and final stakeholder for the year at the end of October in Perth. If you have any questions, please contact Partnerships Director, Sarah Mizzi, sarah.mizzi@naturalhazards.com.au