Indigenous Approaches Highlighted at NIDR Gathering
The National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Gathering (NIDR Gathering) 2026 began on 5th May at the Wangun Amphitheatre in East Gippsland. The event focuses on Indigenous-led approaches to disaster management and resilience.
This three-day event aims to move discussions out of traditional conference rooms onto Country. It emphasises firsthand Indigenous experiences and knowledge in emergency management and recovery.
Associate Professor Bhiamie Williamson, NIDR’s programme lead, stated, “Governments no longer have the luxury of responding to increasing threats of climate change in a slow or incremental way. Meeting the scale of the challenge must start by listening to the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.” He highlighted the disproportionate impacts of disasters on these communities and their crucial leadership in recovery efforts.
The gathering provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the inherent strengths of Indigenous communities. Williamson said, “This is an opportunity to come together to recognise and celebrate the inherent strengths of Indigenous communities and ask what we might learn from the resilience of our communities as they continue to stand up despite the deeply embedded discrimination in modern Australia.”
Workshops and Activities
Throughout the gathering, attendees will engage with Indigenous leaders and disaster specialists. Keynote addresses, workshops, and panel discussions will cover themes such as youth involvement, mental health, and community-led recovery initiatives.
Nick Ashburner, CEO of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, stressed the urgency of re-evaluating mainstream disaster responses. “This conversation is incredibly relevant to what we are all experiencing at the moment. Energy insecurity around the world and the unstable price of fuel affects our most vulnerable communities first,” Ashburner said.
Immersive On Country activities are a highlight of the gathering. Participants learn about cultural land management practices such as cool burning, guided by local Indigenous leaders. The event partners with Jagun Alliance, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, and East Gippsland Shire Council.
Oliver Costello, Executive Director of Jagun Alliance, emphasised the critical role of Indigenous knowledge in building disaster resilience. He remarked, “What Indigenous communities have been doing—caring for Country through fire, through water, through deep knowledge of place—that’s at the heart of disaster resilience.”
The event, continuing until 7th May, offers media representatives free access and opportunities for on-site filming and interviews. Delegates will also hear from international Indigenous leaders and disaster specialists, with keynote addresses focusing on Indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction.
Workshops explore themes including youth and disasters, mental health, and community-led recovery. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively in discussions and learn from the experiences shared.
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 11:04 am
