Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery Senator Tony Sheldon will convene a panel of experts to discuss how we need to change our approach to disaster management. We know that floods and fires will get worse in the future - we can reduce the impact if we act now.
When: Sunday 16th October, 10am-11am
Where: Lower Town Hall 1
Speakers
Linda Scott, President of ALGA and City of Sydney Councillor
Linda was first elected on City of Sydney Council in 2012 after a community preselection As a City of Sydney councillor, she has won funding for action on climate change, increased support for affordable housing and those experiencing homelessness. As President of the Australian Local Government Association, Linda represents Australia’s 537 local governments on the National Cabinet alongside the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers. Linda has been active in advocating for more money for Councils in disaster mitigation.
Graeme Kelly OAM, Secretary of the United Services Union
Graeme’s 25 year history with the USU and the former Federated Municipal and Shire Council Employees’ Union (MEU) saw him hold positions as both Organiser in the Metropolitan Region, OHS Officer and Manager of the Southern Region. Additionally, Graeme was a Director of Local Government Super from 2011-2013 and is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Local Government Reform. Graeme is the 10th General Secretary of the MEU/USU since the Union’s creation in 1903. Under Graeme’s leadership, the United Services Union covers Local Government and Energy workers who have frontline roles in rebuilding after the devastation of floods and fires.
Arthur Rorris, Secretary, South Coast Labour Council
Arthur Rorris is a long-term union activist on the South Coast and has been Secretary of the South Coast Labour Council for over 20 years. The South Coast Labour Council assists unions and unionists as the registered Trade Council from Wollongong, the Illawarra, and the South Coast. The South Coast Labour Council’s recent Union Towns conference covered the role of unions in responding to and adapting to the impact of disasters.
Joe Hedger Deloitte Partner, Indigenous Services Group
Joe is a very proud and respected Bundjalung man with family and cultural ties to the community of Baryulgil on the far north coast of NSW. Joe is also a senior partner that leads Deloitte’s Indigenous Services Group focused on working with clients and First Nations communities to solve complex problems. In early 2022 he was involved in some of the immediate flood recovery efforts in Northern NSW and has continued to provide ongoing support to affected communities and organisations as part of the rebuilding process. He is also leading efforts to draw attention to the need for greater prioritisation for Aboriginal communities in relation to disaster management and is a strong advocate for community-led approaches that empower locals to be the leaders of their own recovery.
