Lessons in Disaster, Melbourne, June 2026

Our training strengthens the capacity of local government, health, community and emergency sectors to understand the relevance of gender stereotypes and inequalities in a disaster context.

• Understand gender and disaster and why violence against women can increase during and after disaster.
• Unpack how gender inequality during and after disaster distinctly impacts women, men and LGBTIQA+ people.
• Learn how applying an inclusive gender-lens can lead to world-leading disaster recovery.

Watch this short video to learn more about the training.

Led by expert trainers and delivered nationally by two of our 50+ expert trainers from every State and Territory. For this training, you'll be guided by Wennie Van Riet and Stuart O'Brien.

Wennie Van Riet (she/her) is the Project Lead-Climate Resilience at GenWest, a women’s health organisation based in Melbourne, Victoria. Wennie has been a Gender and Disaster trainer since 2024. Originally from the Netherlands, she studied Gender and Sexuality Studies and completed a Research Master in Social Sciences at the University of Amsterdam. Over the past decade, Wennie has worked across Melbourne’s not‑for‑profit sector in community development and social justice, supporting migrant and refugee women, people with disabilities, and older Victorians. She leads flood and climate change preparedness work through an intersectional feminist lens, informed by community‑led recovery following the 2022 Maribyrnong River floods.

Stu O’Brien (he/him) is an Associate Trainer with RedR Australia, and has been a trainer at Gender and Disaster Australia since 2024. Based in Victoria, Stu brings experience across international development, emergency response, and programs supporting people seeking asylum. Originally from Melbourne, he has lived and worked in Tanzania, Nepal, Kenya, Nauru, and remote Northern Territory communities. He also volunteers with Australian Red Cross Emergency Services, contributing practical, field‑based expertise to disaster preparedness and response work.

Testimonials

'This was the best training I have attended in some time. Incredibly relevant and practical. Great at broadening considerations and explains ‘why.’'

'All those who work in the Emergency Management space - preparedness, response, relief or recovery - should complete this training. Incredibly thought provoking.'

What to Expect

• The training will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
• You'll receive a link to download and print the Participant Guide in your Eventbrite confirmation email.
• A light lunch will be provided.
• Please register via Eventbrite so your accessibility and dietary requirements are captured. Please note, we'll do our best to accommodate all requests, but we can't guarantee every request will be met.

This training is Free of Charge thanks to funding by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Melbourne Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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