AIDR Handbooks submitted for EMA approval
The Systemic Disaster Risk Handbook and the Disaster Resilience Education for Young People Handbook have both been signed-off by their Working Groups, Steering Committees and the AIDR Handbook Advisory Group.
Both Handbooks were submitted for approval at the end of June 2021 to the Director-General Emergency Management Australia as suitable for acceptance into the Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection.
Systemic Disaster Risk Handbook
The Systemic Disaster Risk Handbook works from the premise that current approaches to disaster risk reduction are being challenged in a world of more frequent and interconnected hazards. As the population and economy continue to grow, increasing exposure is creating complex interdependencies that are leading to more systemic vulnerabilities. The Handbook has been developed to promote and guide consideration of systemic risk and resilience analysis as part of any review, update or development of contemporary practical instruction or risk assessment processes.
The work to develop the Handbook was undertaken by a project team consisting of a Working Group of subject matter experts and key stakeholders from the across the disaster risk reduction and resilience landscape in Australia; and a Steering Committee of cross sectoral thought leaders and influential stakeholders. Jillian Edwards, of Beyond Business as Usual, was engaged as the Handbook Writer and Katelyn Samson was the AIDR Project Manager. An additional reference group of thought leaders and subject experts were consulted throughout the Handbook process for their particular insights and expertise.
AIDR will be launching the Handbook during the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference on 6 August 2021 with a panel discussion on Shifting mindsets and making good decisions for disaster risk.
AIDR is interviewing a series of leaders and planners from across the disaster risk reduction landscape. In these interviews, AIDR is exploring how leaders and planners are grappling with climate and disaster risks and the mindset they take to making decisions in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
Disaster Resilience Education for Young People Handbook
The purpose of the Disaster Resilience Education for Young People Handbook is to provide guidance for those seeking to engage young people in learning and action for disaster risk reduction and resilience. It outlines the principles, approaches and core elements of effective DRE for young people. Through participation and education, young people can act as agents of change noting that responsibility for disaster resilience is shared, and appropriate disaster resilience education takes place in the context of broader strategic policy and action.
The Handbook is also closely aligned to AIDR’s Education for Young People Program and reflects the vision outlined in Disaster Resilience Education: Young Australians for a disaster resilient future.
The work to develop the Handbook was undertaken by a project team consisting of a working group of subject matter experts from a cross-section of stakeholders in Australia including education, disaster resilience, emergency management and services, humanitarian organisations, health and research organisations. AIDR’s Youth Reference Group and the Disaster Resilience Education Strategy Group was also consulted throughout the process. Neil Dufty, of Molino Stewart Pty Ltd, was engaged as the Handbook writer. Ella Wilkinson was the AIDR Project Manager.
The Disaster Resilience Education for Young People Handbook is expected to be launched at this year’s National DRANZSEN Forum and at the Australian Geography Teachers Association Conference in Hobart late September.
AIDR acknowledges and thanks all those involved for their time, effort and support in the development of the two Handbooks.