The 6th Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference will be held over the 22 – 23 May at The Star Gold Coast, Queensland.

Mr Dylan Walker, A/Manager, Disaster Coordination Unit with the Qld Department of Housing and Public Works joins us next month to discuss ‘When there’s nowhere to go, we can help – A partnership approach to housing displaced people after a disaster’.

At the heart of our work in disaster and emergency management are people, our families, our workmates, and our communities. In a time of need, we do what we do so people are protected and supported.

There are some fundamental services we provide to people in disaster-affected communities, basic things, like food, water and shelter. And we can be judged harshly if we don’t get them right. For those people displaced from their homes, accommodation is a basic, but critical, human need. During an extremely distressing time, it provides a place of warmth, rest, security and safety.

In Queensland, multiple agencies (State, local and non-government) play a role in providing emergency accommodation in the immediate, short and medium term. Joining our efforts to provide a reliable, continuous and considerate service to displaced people is essential.

This forum presentation aims to show the arrangements for how temporary emergency accommodation is provided in Queensland. While providing information on one agency’s responsibilities and processes, it will also outline the partnership-type support needed from local councils, non-government organisations and other State agencies.

Through strong relationships and working together for a common outcome, the arrangements have the greatest prospect of success when they’re needed.

For more information on the 2017 Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference and to secure your spot, visit www.anzdmc.com.au.