First Aboriginal Roundtable on disaster resilience

THE first NSW Policy Roundtable on Aboriginal Disaster Resilience brought more than 100 First Nations leaders and organisations together with government agencies last week.

Aiming to shape a more culturally informed and co-designed approach to disaster management, the event was held in partnership with the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience (NIDR) program at Monash University.

The roundtable focused on lived experiences, strengthening relationships, and identifying practical opportunities to embed Aboriginal knowledge and leadership across preparedness, response and recovery, following similar gatherings held in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

Participants heard from Indigenous knowledge holders, emergency agencies and community representatives on disaster impacts, cultural perspectives, gaps in current arrangements and pathways for long-term reform.

Insights from the day will directly inform the development of an Aboriginal Emergency Management Action Plan for NSW and ongoing work under the State Disaster Mitigation Plan.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said Aboriginal people knew which solutions worked best for their communities in responding to natural disasters.

“We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement solutions, in partnership with government,” Harris said.

“This roundtable is an excellent example of Aboriginal people leading and the government learning in an area of critical importance.”

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said the event was about listening to communities who have endured repeated disasters and who know what works on their Country.

“We recognise that government can do more. This roundtable is the first of many steps to ensure Aboriginal voices are at the centre of how we plan for and respond to disasters,” Saffin said.

“Their wisdom and leadership will guide how we build stronger, safer and more culturally grounded approaches across NSW.”

NIDR program lead, Associate Professor Bhiamie Williamson, said the roundtable was about Aboriginal communities leading the conversation.

“First Nations people hold deep knowledge of resilience, recovery and caring for Country,” Williamson said.

“By placing Aboriginal voices at the centre of disaster risk and reduction, we ensure government policies and funding to build resilience are not only inclusive but genuinely effective in protecting lives, culture, and heritage.”