5 years on from COVID-19: lessons learned from history and preparations for

This event aims to explore the historical responses to pandemics and how these lessons can guide future preparations and policy-making. It will look at various dimensions such as public health policies, societal trust, emotional impacts, Indigenous and community health issues, and scientific advancements in understanding infectious diseases.

In commemoration of five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this seminar is dedicated to delving into the historical lessons that can contribute to public health. As part of History Week run by History Council of NSW, the discussion will prioritise historical analysis to better understand the roots and ramifications of pandemic responses, leveraging these insights to shape more informed future strategies.

The event will feature a multidisciplinary exploration into the relation between past pandemics have influenced and been influenced by governance, public trust, emotions, and scientific innovation, and how these historical insights are crucial for improving contemporary public health approaches. Discussions will address the critical dynamics of public and institutional interactions during health crises, assessing how historical trust in these bodies has shaped the societal and emotional responses of communities.

The seminar will examine the role of scientific development in public health, looking back at the history of immunology and medical technologies that have emerged in response to past pandemics. A special focus will be placed on the importance of equitable health care, particularly analysing past interventions in Indigenous and multicultural community health and how these can produce better health policies moving forward.

Through a historical lens, this event seeks to underline the significance of learning from the past to avoid repeating previous mistakes and to better prepare for future health crises. The discussions aim to draw on diverse academic perspectives to offer a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between historical events and present-day challenges, fostering a foundation for a more resilient health infrastructure and better political and social responses in medical emergencies.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia