Attending the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference: Cultural Heritage in Focus

Last week, I attended the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference in Sydney, an event that showcased and celebrated work from across the country. The theme this year, focusing on a systemic disaster risk mindset, aimed to shift the conversation beyond reactive measures to a more integrated approach that builds resilience at every level of society.

For me, the highlight of the conference was the opportunity to present a poster on a subject close to my heart—Cultural Heritage and Disasters. The forum provided an invaluable platform to engage with experts and practitioners from various sectors, all of whom are working towards creating safer, more resilient communities.

Why Cultural Heritage Matters in Disaster Resilience

As someone deeply invested in the intersection of cultural heritage and disaster preparedness, I firmly believe that safeguarding our history and culture is an integral part of building resilience. Our cultural heritage—be it historic sites, traditions, or indigenous knowledge—embodies the spirit of our communities. Yet, all too often, this crucial aspect is overlooked in disaster risk reduction efforts.

My poster highlighted the importance of collaboration between cultural heritage and emergency management sectors, drawing on examples from past events such as the Yarloop bushfires in Western Australia, where vital pieces of our heritage, including the Yarloop Railway Workshops, were lost. These tragedies underline the need for a more proactive approach in protecting our cultural assets.

Key Takeaways

1. Holistic Risk Mindset: The conference reinforced the idea that disaster resilience must be systemic. This means looking beyond immediate risks and addressing the broader systems—economic, social, and environmental—that contribute to vulnerability. In this context, cultural heritage plays a dual role: not only as something to be protected but also as a source of knowledge and strength in recovery efforts.

2. Cross-Sector Collaboration: One of the standout themes of the event was the emphasis on collaboration. From government agencies to local communities, non-profits, and private businesses, disaster resilience requires a multi-faceted approach. I had the chance to engage with professionals across these sectors, sharing insights on how cultural heritage can be integrated into broader resilience frameworks.

3. Indigenous Knowledge: Another important focus was the value of Indigenous knowledge in disaster resilience. Indigenous communities have long practiced methods of environmental management and risk mitigation that can inform and enrich modern approaches. This is particularly relevant to my work in South Australia, where rich Indigenous histories and traditions are intertwined with the landscape.

4. Innovation and Adaptation: A recurring theme was the need to embrace innovation. Whether it's through new technologies or adapting traditional practices, the conference reminded us that flexibility is key to surviving and thriving in the face of disaster.

Attending the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share to build a safer, more resilient future for all Australians. I’m excited to continue contributing to this work in my capacity, ensuring that our cultural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.

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