Our work
At NIDR, Indigenous people are at the centre of defining priorities, shaping partnerships and driving practical action in disaster resilience. We work with Indigenous communities, peoples and organisations to learn from their experiences with disasters, land management and caring for Country. This knowledge supports us to advocate for Indigenous excellence and leadership in Australia's disaster system.
Current work
Foundations in Indigenous Disaster Resilience
This two-year project is translating Indigenous experiences of major environmental disasters into practice and policy.
Colonial Load and Cultural Conflict
This project will improve our understanding of colonial load and cultural conflict for First Nations workers in emergency management, land management and disaster resilience.
Policy Roundtables
NIDR is hosting a Policy Roundtable in Aboriginal Disaster Resilience in each state and territory to build relationships between governments and Indigenous communities, and to inform priority reforms.
NIDR Community of Practice
The NIDR Community of Practice brings people together to share research, practice and policy updates, and to advance Indigenous leadership in disaster management systems.
Closing the Gap in Emergency Management
NIDR is raising awareness, tracking progress and proposing meaningful actions governments can take to Close the Gap in Emergency Management.
NIDR Gatherings
NIDR’s cornerstone biennial Gatherings are strengthening disaster resilience through Indigenous-led partnerships with government.
NIDR Gathering 2026
NIDR Gathering 2024
Completed work
First Nations women, cultural fire knowledge, wellbeing and memory
NIDR evaluated the first Australian Women-in-Fire Prescribed Fire Training Exchange program and found significant benefits for the wellbeing of First Nations women firefighters.
Aboriginal Communities and Emergency Services in South Australia
This project enhanced resilience and preparedness for communities, culture and Country across South Australia.
Experiences of Aboriginal People in 2022 Victoria-South Australia Floods
NIDR explored and recorded the ways that Indigenous and non-Indigenous experiences differed during these floods.