Disaster experts to unite for inaugural readiness symposium
South East Queensland Health Disaster Readiness Symposium 2026
The inaugural South East Queensland Health Disaster Readiness Symposium will bring together experts, practitioners and decision-makers to strengthen collaboration, build capability and improve readiness for future crises.
Following years marked by severe flooding, storms and a global pandemic, the South East Queensland Health Disaster Alliance will host its inaugural Disaster Readiness Symposium on 24 and 25 September 2026.
Under the theme Preparedness 360: Navigating Crisis Before It Strikes, the symposium will explore how agencies can strengthen disaster readiness, response and recovery through collaboration, knowledge sharing and practical learning.
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Senior Staff Intensivist Associate Professor Anthony Holley AM said the event would provide an important opportunity for professionals across the disaster management health sector to connect, share insights and strengthen partnerships.
Associate Professor Anthony Holley AM discusses the upcoming South East Queensland Health Disaster Readiness Symposium
“No single organisation can manage a major disaster alone,” Anthony said.
“This symposium brings together experts from across the disaster response spectrum to share knowledge, challenge assumptions and identify ways we can work more effectively together when communities need us most.”
Day one will feature keynote presentations from internationally recognised disaster management experts, examining emerging risks, future challenges and evidence-informed approaches to disaster response.
The second day will focus on practical application, with participants taking part in interactive workshops designed to translate research, planning and strategy into action.
“Attendees will hear from leaders in preparedness, response and recovery before putting those lessons into practice through realistic, multidisciplinary scenarios,” Anthony said.
“When emergencies occur, success depends on people understanding how to work together before a crisis unfolds. That’s why opportunities to train and learn across agencies are so valuable.”
Drawing on his experience in disaster response leadership roles across Metro North Health and the Australian Defence Force, Assoc Prof Holley said strong relationships and shared understanding were critical to improving outcomes during major incidents.
“We never know when the next disaster will occur, but we can be ready for it,” he said.
“The more people from across emergency response disciplines we include, the stronger our planning, partnerships and shared understanding before an event, leading to a more effective response when it matters most.”
Supported by Metro North Health and the Jamieson Trauma Institute, registrations are now open for professionals working across emergency management, health, government, community services and related sectors.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.