Lessons in Disaster, Bendigo, October 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 2-minute 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 session, you'll be guided by:

Dr Karen Anderson (she/her) is the Health Promotion Manager at Women's Health Loddon Mallee and has been a trainer with Gender and Disaster Australia since 2024. Based in Victoria, Karen has over 20 years of experience in public health and health promotion. She completed a PhD in health promotion workforce development in 2012 and received a CAPHIA Scholarship Informed Teaching Learning Award in 2022. Karen co-leads the Women in a Changing Society portfolio, applying an intersectional gender lens to climate change, disasters and emergencies. She is passionate about empowering women and elevating rural women's voices.

Dr Nicole Johnson (she/her) is the Senior Health Promotion Coordinator at Women's Health Loddon Mallee and has been a trainer at Gender and Disaster Australia since 2024. Based in Victoria, she has extensive experience as a researcher and academic in health promotion, with expertise in applying an intersectional gender lens to disasters and climate change and capturing lived experience.

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.