Lessons in Disaster, Melbourne CBD, November 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 Zoe Francis and Stuart O'Brien.

Zoe Francis (she/her) is the Acting Manager of Women's Health and Wellbeing at Women's Health in the South East (WHISE), and has been a trainer at Gender and Disaster Australia since 2023. Based in south-east Melbourne, Victoria, she leads strategic primary prevention and health promotion initiatives to advance equitable health and wellbeing outcomes. Zoe's expertise includes training facilitation, strategy development, stakeholder management, needs analysis, research, planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. She is committed to facilitating strategic learning to support effective systems change and is the co-author of four articles published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Stuart 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.