East Gippsland Shire Council will host the 2025 Rising Strong Forum on Friday, June 6, at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub, marking five years since the devastating Black Summer Bushfires of 2019–20.
The forum will bring together community representatives, agencies, and organisations to reflect on our shared recovery – celebrating progress, acknowledging challenges, and shaping a more resilient future together.
Recovery is a long and complex journey, and East Gippsland’s communities have shown remarkable strength and unity in the years since the fires. The forum will be emceed by award-winning broadcaster and journalist Tracee Hutchison, who will share personal reflections on supporting East Gippsland’s recovery and pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts of local volunteers.
Mayor Cr John White said the forum is an important opportunity to recognise how far the region has come.
“The Rising Strong Forum is a testament to the courage and resilience of East Gippsland. While we reflect on the trauma of the Black Summer fires,
we also celebrate the determination and connection that have carried us forward,” Cr White said.
“By bringing people together to share knowledge and
experience, we empower communities to make more informed decisions at every stage of the disaster cycle. Let’s come together, learn from each other, and keep building resilience.”
The event will feature disaster recovery experts, local representatives with lived experience, and inspiring stories from East Gippsland’s recovery journey.
One of these stories is the creation of the East Gippsland Emergency Dashboard – a practical collaboration between Council and partner agencies.
“This platform is a cornerstone of our commitment to proactive disaster management,” Cr White said.
“It gives real-time updates and localised preparedness information to help people make informed decisions before, during and after a crisis.”
The forum will also welcome a guest from the Maori Disaster Research Centre in New Zealand, bringing valuable international insights into community-led resilience. Council’s Aboriginal Cultural Recovery Project team will also share updates on cultural impact and healing.
Program highlights include:
– Community-centred preparedness
– Economic diversification and tourism resilience
– Innovative healthcare and delayed trauma support
– Practical guidance for navigating post-disaster challenges.
