Lessons in Disaster, Mullumbimby, April 2026

Join us for the Lessons in Disaster training program.

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 Sarah Drury and Alex Grantham.

Sarah Drury works as a contracted trainer for Gad Aus, Our Watch and ECAV and is employed with the ARC Gender Relations team at the Men and Family Centre, specialising in primary prevention of violence, men's behaviour change, and adult education. She is passionate about fighting for the rights of communities that are under attack within oppressive systems and structures, to improve the social conditions for everyone. Sarah loves working creatively as a community capacity builder, educator and group facilitator in both mainstream and LGBTQSB+ communities to help build strength, solidarity, safety and hope in the process of change.

Alex Grantham (she/her) lives on Bundjalung Country in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, an area deeply impacted by recurring climate disasters, including the devastating 2022 floods in Lismore. Her work and writing are shaped by the long-term effects of these events, both personally and across the broader community.

Alex is a social worker, facilitator, and researcher with a background in trauma-informed practice and community-based advocacy. She has worked across frontline services supporting families impacted by natural disasters. Her practice is informed by lived experience and a commitment to social justice, particularly in regional contexts where access to support and visibility remain limited.

Alex joined GADAus in 2025 and is a trained facilitator in gender and disaster, helping build capacity for disaster-affected communities to lead recovery through a gender-informed lens. Her facilitation style is grounded, accessible, and shaped by real-world experience.

She is currently completing her first novel, Floodlight, and is passionate about the power of storytelling to disrupt harmful norms and bring visibility to the often-overlooked emotional labour and resilience of women in rural and disaster-impacted settings.

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 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.