Join this October Hazardous Webinar to catch up with our three Disaster Challenge finalist teams and find out where their ideas could take them.
12:00pm - 1:00pm AEDT, 21 October 2025
Speakers:
- Team Thriving coastal futures - Huon Valley Council, Australian National University, University of Tasmania, Australian Maritime College, NRE Tasmania and Centre for Marine Socioecology
- Team Digital twin - RMIT University
- Team Verge to vital - Griffith University
- Prof Cheryl Desha - Natural Hazards Research Australia (host)
In conversation with Science and Innovation Director Prof Cheryl Desha, unpack why this diverse group of untraditional disaster and resilience peeps took the plunge and put their ideas forward, as well as how their idea could be put into practice to support infrastructure resilience around Australia.
Join the guided audience discussion to get even more out of this session and add your knowledge and experience to support the next generation of natural hazards researchers in their next step.
Meet the teams
Thriving coastal futures in southern Tasmania
Dr Malcolm S. Johnson (Huon Valley Council and Centre for Marine Socioecology), Bianca Suarez (Australian National University and Centre for Marine Socioecology), Edith Shum (University of Tasmania and Centre for Marine Socioecology), Kianna Gallagher (University of Tasmania and Centre for Marine Socioecology), Hevi Kurnia Hardini (Australian Maritime College and Centre for Marine Socioecology), Rosie Katunar (NRE Tasmania and Centre for Marine Socioecology)
This project empowers the Garden Island Sands community to manage coastal erosion through an integrated approach where locally led nature-based solutions strengthen social wellbeing and transform governance. This Tasmanian pilot leverages innovative partnerships between Council and communities to develop novel infrastructure adaptation, creating a replicable model for coastal community resilience nationwide.
A digital twin for real-time flood insights
Ryan Turner (RMIT University)
Innovation into data-driven solutions is required in response to increases in the frequency and intensity of flooding events in Australia. A Digital Twin for urban floods integrates real-time data into a dynamic interactive 3D model, to inform flood response and increase community awareness – enhancing both physical and social resilience.
From verge to vital: People-powered green spaces for climate and disaster resilience
Evelyn Liew (Griffith University), Anjalee Panditha (Griffith University), Sebastian Bernal Garcia (Griffith University)
Transforming underused public spaces into smart, nature-based infrastructure that reduces disaster risks like floods and fires. Co-designed with communities and Indigenous groups, the solution uses native plants, smart technology, and local stewardship to protect people and ecosystems, fostering safer, greener, and more connected rural Australian communities.