Lessons in Disaster, Gold Coast, 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 session, you'll be guided by:

Holly Pakula is an experienced Social Worker with 22 years in mental health, specialising in crisis, trauma, and Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). She has held senior roles in high-pressure environments, including the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, and has been deployed to disaster-affected areas to provide human social support services to community members impacted by trauma and crisis. Since joining the Gender and Disaster team in 2023, Holly has delivered engaging, interactive training, drawing on her extensive experience to aid in the learning experience. She brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and training experience, with a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment that empowers participants to develop their skills and confidence in responding to those impacted by disaster.

Iris Vukelic (she/her) is a senior health professional that lives and works in Meanjin | Brisbane, Queensland since 1996. She is known for her leadership in post disaster mental health recovery. Currently, as the Assistant Director of Nursing, she leads the team implementing large scale outreach programs that address the psychological and emotional needs of individuals and communities impacted by disasters and severe weather events. Throughout her studies and professional career across government and non-government sector, at the core of Iris’s leadership is a deep passion for equality, human rights, and social justice. She upholds these values by advocating for equitable mental health care, dismantling access barriers, and promoting inclusive practices. Iris actively supports diversity, cultural sensitivity, and protection of dignity. She brings extensive experience as a presenter and skills as a therapy and educational group facilitator. Iris Vukelic’s career integrates her commitment to and principled advocacy for change, equity, gender equality, and human rights.

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.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Gender and Disaster Australia