The NSW Government has hosted the state’s first Policy Roundtable on Aboriginal Disaster Resilience, bringing together more than 100 Aboriginal leaders and organisations with government agencies to shape a more culturally informed and co-designed approach to disaster management.

Held at Australian Hall in partnership with the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience (NIDR) program at Monash University on Thursday 27 November, the roundtable focused on sharing lived experiences, strengthening relationships and identifying practical opportunities to embed Aboriginal knowledge and leadership across preparedness, response and recovery.

The Roundtable is a joint initiative of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Premier’s Department, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and NIDR, following similar gatherings held in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Insights from the day will directly inform the development of an Aboriginal Emergency Management Action Plan for NSW as well as ongoing work under the State Disaster Mitigation Plan.

Participants heard from Indigenous knowledge holders, emergency management agencies and community representatives, with discussions centred on disaster impacts, cultural perspectives on resilience, gaps in current arrangements and priorities and pathways for long-term reform.

The NSW Government continues to work closely with Aboriginal communities across the state to strengthen resilience, improve understanding of emergency management arrangements and support locally led approaches to preparedness and recovery.

A summary of insights and recommendations from the roundtable will be provided to government and shared with participants.

The State Disaster Mitigation Plan is a pioneering plan, the first of its kind in Australia, to reduce the risk of disasters in NSW. The Plan supports the state government’s commitment to making communities safer, more resilient and better prepared to face the challenges of disasters caused by natural hazards. Find out more about the Plan here - https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/disaster-adaptation-plans/guidelines/state-disaster-mitigation-plan

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said, “Aboriginal people have a deep connection to Country and know what solutions work best for their communities in responding to natural disasters.

“We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement solutions, in partnership with government.

“This roundtable is an excellent example of Aboriginal people leading and Government learning in an area of critical importance.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “Aboriginal people bring deep knowledge, strength, and lived experience to disaster resilience. Today was about listening to communities who have endured repeated disasters and who know what works on their Country.

“We recognise that government can do more. This roundtable is the first of many steps to ensure Aboriginal voices are at the centre of how we plan for and respond to disasters.

“I am grateful to everyone who was a part of these important conversations. Their wisdom and leadership will guide how we build stronger, safer and more culturally grounded approaches across NSW.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer Kate Meagher said, “We know some First Nations communities face unique risks and challenges in disasters. That means we have a responsibility to work in partnership to make sure emergency systems are accessible, culturally respectful and genuinely aligned with community needs and priorities.

“Today’s roundtable is about creating space for practical, honest conversations, including what hasn’t worked in the past, so we can build better partnerships going forward.

“The RA is committed to strengthening our engagement with Aboriginal organisations and knowledge holders across the State, and ensuring their insights help guide future planning, policy and investment.”

NIDR program lead Associate Professor Bhiamie Williamson said, “This roundtable is about Aboriginal communities leading the conversation. First Nations people hold deep knowledge of resilience, recovery, and caring for Country. 

“By placing Aboriginal voices at the centre of disaster risk and reduction, we ensure government policies and funding to build resilience are not only inclusive but genuinely effective in protecting lives, culture, and heritage.”