Panel: Insights From Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire – Ex Tropical Cyclone Jasper - A local Government and Community Perspective
Tracks
Norfolk Hall | In-Person Only
| Monday, July 22, 2024 |
| 11:35 AM - 12:35 PM |
Overview
Collin Sivalingum, Australian Red Cross; Kiley Hanslow; Liz Drumm, Local Government Association Of Queensland; & Glenn Bell, Central Highlands Regional Council
Speaker
Collin Sivalingum
State Emergency Services Manager,
Australian Red Cross
Panel: Insights From Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire – Ex Tropical Cyclone Jasper - A local Government and Community Perspective
Abstract
Queensland, as the nation's most disaster-impacted state, faces the grim reality of increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The 2023/2024 disaster season left no community untouched, with devastating bushfires, persistent cyclones, and relentless storms wreaking havoc. Recognizing the pivotal role of Local Government , Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements emphasize their leadership in guiding communities through the impacts of environmental crises.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper, unleashed a deluge, inundating the Wujal Wujal region with record-breaking rainfall, crippling infrastructure, and evacuating and isolating communities.
As Wujal Wujal residents relocate to other areas across the state, community Elders express concerns regarding the impacts on cultural identity and the loss of social capital in these areas. The Cyclone destroyed almost every building in the community.
The region faces a long recovery.
CEO, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Counci, Kiley Hanslow's exemplary leadership in orchestrating a locally led response has been instrumental in ensuring the community receives appropriate support amidst overwhelming circumstances. Additionally, the Local Government Association of Queensland's (LGAQ) Council to Council support program (C2C) has played a vital role in providing surge capacity and resources, facilitating seamless assistance from peer councils.
In this panel presentation, CEO Kiley Hanslow will share insights into the challenges faced and the importance of community-led responses. Liz Drumm, Lead Disaster Management LGAQ, will discuss the significance of capacity-building within local government and the role of the C2C in advocating for and providing essential resources during crises. Glen Bell, an experienced practitioner from Central Highlands Regional Council, will offer firsthand accounts of the invaluable support it provides.
The panel moderated by Collin Sivalingum, State Manager Emergency Services Australian Red Cross who will delve into the vulnerabilities faced and the necessity of pre-established teams.
This promises to be an insightful exploration of effective strategies, collaborative partnerships, and community resilience.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper, unleashed a deluge, inundating the Wujal Wujal region with record-breaking rainfall, crippling infrastructure, and evacuating and isolating communities.
As Wujal Wujal residents relocate to other areas across the state, community Elders express concerns regarding the impacts on cultural identity and the loss of social capital in these areas. The Cyclone destroyed almost every building in the community.
The region faces a long recovery.
CEO, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Counci, Kiley Hanslow's exemplary leadership in orchestrating a locally led response has been instrumental in ensuring the community receives appropriate support amidst overwhelming circumstances. Additionally, the Local Government Association of Queensland's (LGAQ) Council to Council support program (C2C) has played a vital role in providing surge capacity and resources, facilitating seamless assistance from peer councils.
In this panel presentation, CEO Kiley Hanslow will share insights into the challenges faced and the importance of community-led responses. Liz Drumm, Lead Disaster Management LGAQ, will discuss the significance of capacity-building within local government and the role of the C2C in advocating for and providing essential resources during crises. Glen Bell, an experienced practitioner from Central Highlands Regional Council, will offer firsthand accounts of the invaluable support it provides.
The panel moderated by Collin Sivalingum, State Manager Emergency Services Australian Red Cross who will delve into the vulnerabilities faced and the necessity of pre-established teams.
This promises to be an insightful exploration of effective strategies, collaborative partnerships, and community resilience.
Biography
Collin Sivalingum is a trained member of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) – Field Assessment Coordinating Team (FACT), responsible for field assessment to determine response and recovery strategy after a disaster. FACT Team members are deployed across the world at short notice from Federation Head Quarters in Geneva.
Collin has extensive management consultancy and project management experience and has worked in most countries in Africa and all countries in Sub-Sahara Africa and parts of Europe. Much of his humanitarian and aid work was in communities, where he experienced firsthand human suffering and highly displaced communities.
He is an IFRC Preparedness for Effective Response Facilitator for the Asia-Pacific Region, assisting Red Cross national societies in the region with the development of disaster management strategy and plans.
Besides being a Commander for Red Cross Emergency Operations, Collin is also a Board Member for CASSI; a disability support organisation that supports clients in Queensland and New South Wales, a founding member and President of Woodlands Community Inc.
He is currently the State Emergency Services Manager for Queensland Red Cross and is part of various strategic disaster management forums, working across disaster preparedness, response and recovery activities.
