East Gippsland will host a major national event next month, with leaders, researchers and community representatives set to gather on Gunaikurnai Country for the
2026 National Indigenous Disaster Resilience (NIDR) Gathering.
The three-day event will run from May 5 to 7 at the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) site in Kalimna West, bringing together participants from across Australia to share knowledge,
build connections and strengthen disaster resilience initiatives.
Organised by National Indigenous Disaster Resilience, the gathering will focus on Indigenous-led approaches to emergency management, community recovery and caring
for Country.
The event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops, alongside a range of cultural and on-Country activities designed to deepen understanding of Indigenous knowledge and practices in disaster mitigation and recovery.
Participants will include representatives from government, emergency services, research institutions, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Indigenous ranger groups and land and water management bodies.
A highlight of the program will be optional on-Country experiences, including visits to Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, cultural tours, and hands-on activities such as bush medicine workshops and traditional practices.
A welcome reception on May 5 will
officially open the gathering, celebrating Indigenous leadership and collaboration in
disaster resilience.
The event is being delivered in partnership with organisations including Jagun Alliance, GLaWAC, Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust and East Gippsland Shire Council.
Organisers say the gathering aims to strengthen awareness and support an Indigenous-led conversation around disaster resilience, particularly as communities continue to face increasing environmental challenges.
The event is expected to attract participants from across the country, providing both a national platform for knowledge-sharing and a local opportunity to highlight the work being undertaken in Gippsland communities.
