How can we prepare and build the resilience of urban environments and the people living in them in the face of systemic hazard risks?
Join our August Hazardous Webinar to learn the latest research findings in tackling this increasingly important area and hear from on-the-ground experts who are making a difference in urban resilience to natural hazards.
2:00pm – 3:00pm AEST, 19 August 2025
Speakers:
- Prof Jago Dodson (RMIT University and Natural Hazards Research Australia)
- Dr Annette Kroen (RMIT University and Natural Hazards Research Australia)
- Prof John Fien (RMIT University and Natural Hazards Research Australia)
- Melinda Dewsnap (Resilient Sydney)
- Dr Blythe McLennan (Natural Hazards Research Australia, host)
People and urban environments are exposed to multiple, compounding, and cascading natural hazard risks, which are further complicated by the effects of climate change. Enhancing our understanding of these risks and vulnerabilities is essential for strengthening urban resilience and safeguarding communities from their impacts.
Prof Jago Dodson, Dr Annette Kroen and Prof John Fien, research team members from the Natural hazards and resilience in complex urban systems project will share how urban environments and those who live there can be better prepared and be more resilient to compounding natural hazards, how a complex adaptive systems approach can assist with this, how we can better understand resilience and vulnerabilities, and what needs to be considered when prioritising investments to advance disaster resilience in major urban areas in Australia.
Melinda Dewsnap from Resilient Sydney will highlight key findings that informed the recently launched Resilient Sydney Strategy 2025–2030, emphasising the vital role of community collaboration and inclusive approaches in strengthening urban resilience. Melinda will also discuss how these insights are shaping current efforts to prepare for and respond to compounding natural hazards, and how they can positively influence future resilience initiatives.