Disaster expert flags need for crisis workers

A crisis training expert who recently returned from Bangladesh after assessing  the training needs of aid agencies in response to the Rohingya refugee emergency, will hold a public seminar at Charles Darwin University.  

RedR Australia capability director Emma Kettle will discuss the practice of standby roster deployments and the use of civilian specialists in disaster preparedness and response, during the event at Casuarina campus on Wednesday, 28 March. 

“We need to tap into the next generation of aid and development workers,” Ms Kettle said. “It’s important for people whose work or study is not necessarily aid-focused to know there is a need for crisis workers in areas including child protection, sanitation, health and logistics.”

Ms Kettle, who was the first Master of Emergency and Disaster Management graduate at CDU, has worked in more than 20 countries to design and deliver training.

According to UNHCR, more than 671,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh. 

RedR Australia, in collaboration with the Bangladeshi Government, has deployed 15 specialists to support United Nations agencies and local aid organisations since August, 2017. 

The camp at Cox’s Bazar is the largest refugee settlement in the world.

“We work to preserve the dignity of people who have lost everything, and contribute to projects including setting up spaces for children to play, and equitable food distribution so people know their families won’t starve,” Ms Kettle said.

“These deployments last for three to six months in challenging conditions and require physical and mental resilience.”

CDU Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management theme leader, Associate Professor Akhilesh Surjan said the seminar would provide information for civilians who wanted to engage with relief efforts before, during and after disaster or conflict. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, 28 March, from 2.30pm – 3.30pm, at the Northern Institute, Yellow Building 1, Level 2, Room 48 (Savanna Room). 

Please RSVP, E: thenortherninstitute@cdu.edu.au

For more information on RedR Australia, visit W: www.redr.org.au