Social networks and disaster resilience

Recovery Matters webinars get to the heart of key issues that are important in disaster recovery.
Join us for the third webinar in a series further exploring the 10 Years Beyond Bushfires Report.

AIDR is pleased to partner with the Australian Red Cross and University of Melbourne to further explore the Beyond Bushfires: Community, Resilience, and Recovery study.

Social Networks and Disaster Resilience

Social connectedness and social support are rightly viewed as essential for mental health and wellbeing. However, a much more complex picture quickly emerges in the wake of a disaster. This webinar will present insights and research findings from social network analysis in communities affected by the Black Saturday bushfires and discuss implications for practice. It will also explore the relationship between people and nature, and how social networks relate to adaptive and transformative action to environmental change.

 
Guest speakers

Dr Colin Gallagher is a research fellow in social network analysis in the Centre for Health Equity at the University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, as well as a member of MelNet, the social networks laboratory of Melbourne and Swinburne Universities. His primary interests lie in how social networks within disaster-affected communities contribute to social capital, resilience, and wellbeing. His current work focuses on how person-to-person social relationships influence posttraumatic mental health and wellbeing, and the role of local community groups in recovery processes.

Dr. Michele Barnes is a Senior Research Fellow and ARC DECRA Fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University. Her research draws on theories and methods from sociology and economics to contribute a better understanding of the linkages between people and nature that underpin complex environmental problems. Dr. Barnes’ current research uses a network lens to understand climate change adaptation, transformation, and resilience in coastal communities; with study sites in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Kenya. She is committed to research impact and regularly engages with policymakers and practitioners to work toward a sustainable future for both people and ecosystems.

Webinar host

Amanda Leck, Executive Director, AIDR

10 Years Beyond Bushfires is supported by funding partners: The University of Melbourne, Australian Red Cross, the former Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, and Emergency Management Victoria. The research is also supported by Phoenix Australia and the Social Research Centre.

Who should attend?

Anyone with a role or interest (paid or voluntary) in supporting disaster recovery is welcome to attend.

Recovery Matters webinars will assist people who are newer to recovery to learn from experts as they get up-to-speed with good practice, and more experienced recovery workers to build, refresh and reflect on their practice as applied in current circumstances.

Are you interested in sharing your expertise?

Please email events@aidr.org.au to register your interest in speaking at a future Recovery Matters webinar.

Register