Democracy in Disaster Recovery

18 Nov 2011 from 9am to 4pm at Australian Emergency Managment Institute

The following event took place in November 2011

30 people with direct personal relationship to disasters and recoveries around Australia came together to discuss how new forms of democracy can empower communities towards better recoveries.

This group shared stories and experience of different models of post-disaster community consultation. Ideas from around the world were discussed and the literature review case studies were considered. The resounding feeling from the group is that democracy is a fertile area for innovative disaster recovery. The final report from this research project will soon be released and we hope it will move Australia towards a pathway for more sustainable and resilient disaster recovery going forward.

Our thanks to the wonderful people at the Australian Emergency Management Institute who helped such a diverse and warm group of people come together for this important conversation.

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Deliberative Democracy in Disaster Recovery: Improving participation for sustainable outcomes.

Participation involves 2 stages:

1. Pre-workshop familiarisation so we can make the most of the workshop time. You will be asked to sign up for an online discussion to build understanding of where this research is focussing, including deliberation and the concept of "betterment".

2. Workshop at Australian Emergency Management Institute at Mount Macedon Victoria. This will take place on Friday 18 November from 9am to 4pm.

The workshop will explore the potential for deliberation to create better communities than before, exploring the "betterment" concept and how we may build 21st century resilience to climate change
Participants will experience deliberative methods in the workshop.

Attendance:

Participation is free - if you are flying, you will only have to get to Tullamarine for a shuttle to Mount Macedon, which will depart Tullamarine airport at 1930, arriving at AEMI at 2030.  A light supper will be provided. It is recommended that you arrive at AEMI the night before so we can make an early start.

Acceptances to participate are due by 14 October 2011.

To accept, go to:

The Emergency Management Institute Australia website

Fill out the online application form, noting this is not a fee paying course but under the category of "other" as  Deliberative Democracy in Disaster Recovery, Friday 18th November.

You will not be invoiced, as the form suggests because this activity free.  If you have difficulty with the online application form please download the application form and fax it in to Lucy Howard - Fax 03 5421 5272.  Any queries about travel and accommodation, contact Lucy Howard at AEMI on 03 5421 5237 or lucy.howard@ag.gov.au.

Questions about the workshop can be directed to Frankie MacLennan on 03 5183 9130 or Frankie.maclennan@dse.vic.gov.au

If you are flying in on the Friday morning, contact Frankie MacLennan on 0407 867 084 - she may be able to arrange for you to be picked up from the airport. A taxi fare will cost around $120.

The research is sponsored by the Centre for Citizenship and Public Policy University of Western Sydney and supported by Green Cross Australia, the Department of Sustainability and Environment Victoria and the Australian Emergency Management Institute.