VIC Technical Event. Tackling the Pendulum Swing: managing and mitigating the flood-to-drought interface.

29 Mar, 2023 |

5.30pm-8.00pm |

AECOM Tower 2/727 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008

Registrations have now closed.

Please contact natashas@awa.asn.au if you have any questions.

The AWA Victorian Branch is pleased to host its next Technical event, Tackling the Pendulum Swing: managing and mitigating the flood-to-drought interface.

Australia has long been known as a land of flooding rains and droughts. Yet the last three years of flooding, fires and drought reaffirm that we need to brace our communities for an exacerbation of such hydrologic extremes in a changing climate. The Victorian Branch and Young Water Professional committees invite you to their upcoming Technical Event, Tackling the Pendulum Swing: managing and mitigating the flood-to-drought interface. This event will explore the evolving impacts of climate change on Australia climate, and consequently the water industry. This event will engage a panel of industry professionals with expertise spanning flooding, droughts, and the space between such hydrologic extremes.

Through a series of presentations and Q&A, you will gain an insight into reflections from the frontline of Victoria’s volunteer-driven emergency response, and floodplain risk management. You will also have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, share your own experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions to the challenges of flood recovery.

Whether you are a seasoned flood-professional or new to the field, this event is a must-attend for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest science and understanding of extreme flooding. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from experts and connect with other professionals in the industry. Register today and join us in making a difference to the lives of those impacted by floods.

Some questions to ponder in the meantime:
As we exit La Nina, what's on the horizon?
How can we improve flood awareness and education of risk prior to and during extreme events?
What lessons are there to learn from the industry and other states that we could apply here in Victoria?

Event Details

Date	Wednesday 29 March, 2023
Venue	AECOM, Tower 2/727 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
Time	5.30pm - 8.00pm
Keynote Presentations	Dr Faye Bendrups OAM, Vice Chair National SES Volunteers Association Faye Bendrups is a volunteer SES emergency frontline responder, leader and advocate. During the 17 years she has volunteered for VICSES, she has served in multiple leadership roles, dedicated thousands of hours to strengthen local communities, and developed local, national and international networks to support SES volunteers. Faye will offer expertise on flood resilience and recovery in an urban context, and how we can best prepare for their increased frequency into the future.
	Ben Tate, Regional General Manager at Water Technology Ben is the Victorian Regional General Manager at Water Technology, and a flood risk specialist. Ben leads one of the largest flood risk consultancy teams in Australia, working with public and private clients to understand and manage their flood risk. Ben also assists emergency services during flood events by providing advice on likely consequences of flooding and suggested actions to help communities respond to a flood.
	Rory Nathan, Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources in Infrastructure Engineering at the University of Melbourne Throughout a 40-year career in engineering and environmental hydrology, Rory has held a range of advisory and consulting roles for government agencies and the private sector. Rory has focused on hydrological issues relevant to environmental water management, and the investigation of engineering systems that are dependent on the natural variability of hydrological conditions.