• Melissa Pexton: Empowering Communities Through Recovery
    Jun 26 2025

    Deputy Commissioner of the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Melissa Pexton shares the recovery story of Fitzroy Crossing, a remote community devastated by tropical cyclone Ellie in 2022 / 2023.

    Located 400 kilometers east of Broome, this region faced unprecedented flooding that challenged traditional emergency management approaches.

    In this episode, Melissa shares how the recovery process focussed on community empowerment, provided economic opportunities to local Aboriginal businesses and harnessed community leadership. Over 90 Aboriginal businesses were contracted to deliver recovery works, securing more than $90 million in contracts. This strategy not only rebuilt physical infrastructure but also created significant economic opportunities, with local workers trained and employed in reconstruction efforts.

    A key lesson from the recovery effort was understanding the community context and allowing local leaders to guide the recovery process. Key insights from the discussion include the critical role of cultural navigation, the need for robust community discussions, and the importance of creating long-term sustainable recovery strategies.

    Disaster recovery can be a transformative process that goes far beyond rebuilding infrastructure – join Andrew, Josh and Mel as they discuss the recovery efforts in the Kimberley.

    Volunteers clean up flood affected properties in Fitzroy Crossing
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    45 mins
  • How the world empowers informal disaster volunteers
    Mar 24 2025
    The community is playing an increasing role in disaster response and recovery efforts. In this episode, Andrew and Josh discuss travelling around the world to disaster affected communities to understand new approaches for mobilising communities during disasters - as part of Andrew’s Churchill Fellowship.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Steve Gibson: From War Zone to Humanitarian Work
    Sep 19 2024
    NZ Navy veteran Steve Gibson shares his experience and discovers the realities of working in humanitarian aid.
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    42 mins
  • From Crisis to Candidacy
    Aug 25 2024
    Following the destructive Marshall Fire in Colorado, local resident Jenn Kaaoush co-founded Superior Rising to support disaster victims before running for public office.
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    50 mins
  • Prof Mo Hamza - Why we can't call them 'Climate Refugees'
    Jun 17 2024
    Professor Mo Hamza discusses the impact of climate change on human mobility.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Brenden Winder - Beyond the Rubble: The Christchurch Earthquake Recovery
    May 16 2024
    The head of Emergency Management with Christchuch City Council shares his experience following the Christchurch Earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
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    47 mins
  • Dr Debra Parkinson & Steve O'Malley - Addressing Domestic Violence in the Aftermath of Disasters
    Apr 14 2024
    Research shows domestic violence rises in communities impacted by disasters. Experts from Gender & Disaster Australia discuss why and how this can be addressed.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Dr Philip Stone - The Reality of Dark Tourism
    Feb 11 2024
    Dark tourism expert Dr Philip Stone discusses what motivates people to visit areas impacted by disasters and considerations for disaster memorialisation
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    43 mins