Lessons in Disaster, Melbourne CBD, February 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.

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 Zoe Francis and Steve O'Malley.

Zoe Francis (she/her) is a leader of strategic primary prevention and health promotion work, for equitable health and wellbeing outcomes. Areas of expertise include training facilitation, strategy development, stakeholder management, needs analysis, research, planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. Zoe is deeply committed to facilitating strategic learning for effective systems/ sub-systems change work. Zoe is co-author of four journal articles published in international peer-review publications.

Steve O’Malley AFSM (he/him) is a Senior Leading Firefighter. An operational firefighter for more than 30 years, Steve is an experienced trainer and passionate presenter on gender, diversity and inclusion and passionate advocate for a more equitable and fairer society for all. A long-standing presenter and advocate for prevention of violence against women, as well as the Pat Cronin Foundation’s ‘End the Coward Punch’ campaign, Steve has developed a reputation for driving critical cultural change, influencing policy, and achieving high levels of institutional support.

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 5.00pm.
• 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 but we may not be able to meet all dietary requests.

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Host or Publisher Gender and Disaster Australia