We are pleased to announce Ms Julie Molly, Director, Social Engagement at Volunteering QLD as a keynote speaker at the 5th Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference which will be held at Jupiters Gold Coast, QLD on the 30-31 May 2016.

Ms Molloy will speak on the subject of ‘Volunteering in disasters’.

Volunteers’ responding to a crisis situation is one of the most distinct expressions of the human condition and one that exemplifies the innate desire to help each other. It is also among the most visible faces of volunteerism.

The emergency volunteering sector is made up of hundreds of thousands of volunteers across Australia and perhaps the clearest interpretation of authentic social capital is in the altruism displayed by volunteers during times of crisis. Volunteering in major disaster scenarios is viewed as the best of society, often in the most difficult of circumstances. Increasingly, this takes place spontaneously, outside any organized setting. Mostly those offering to help do so in the very early days of disasters and as it is unfolding. But the sad reality is that help is as needed during the first few days as much, if not more in weeks and months afterwards.

This presentation will explore some of the causes of these emergent behaviours; however, it will acknowledge the contribution of volunteerism extending far beyond immediate response. We will also look at a range of volunteer actions that should be considered in light of societal trends, to extend the capacity of the Emergency Volunteering sector and bolster the critical roles volunteers currently perform across disaster management, from preparedness through to prevention and mitigation, as well as response and recovery.

Julie has more than 18 years’ experience as an educator and consultant, with strong roots in community education, community development, adult education and is also a TAE qualified Trainer, Assessor.

Julie has worked in a variety of sectors internationally including non-profit, local and national governments, private and corporate in the UK, Canada, the US, the Caribbean, the Netherlands and Australia.

Julie has been developing and managing more than 20 state-wide and interstate initiatives, projects, events and services. Furthermore, in addition to the multi award winning Step Up: Building Community Resilience program, she has further developed and manages the innovative Emergency Volunteering CREW (Community Response to Extreme Weather) service, facilitating and enabling more than 30,000 emergency volunteers. These initiatives continue to garner national and international interest which has seen some of them roll out into new jurisdictions with new project partners.+

Julie is engaged in progressing a more inclusive volunteering agenda, highlighting the strong linkage between building resilient communities and the importance of safer, inclusive community participation. Julie passionately collaborates in strategic policy development and research focusing on community resilience to disasters, emergency volunteering and episodic volunteering and is actively involved with many related reference groups, committees and panels.

The 5th Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference will be held at Jupiters Gold Coast, QLD on the 30-31 May 2016. The Conference theme ‘EARTH, FIRE and RAIN’ will continue to examine issues that impact preparedness, resilience, response and capability.

To register for the conference CLICK HERE. Early Bird Registrations Close: Monday 18 April 2016.

Delegates may also wish to attend the 2016 Australian and New Zealand Search and Rescue Conference (ANZSAR); Land, Sea & Air which will follow the Disaster and Emergency Management Conference on 1st June discussing the issues and challenges in Search and Rescue and continue the support of professional development in new training, techniques and requirements.
Special discount rates are being offered to those that wish to attend both Conferences.