Lessons in Disaster, Launceston, April 2026

Our training strengthens the capacity of local government, health, community and emergency sectors to understand the relevance of gender stereotypes and inequalities in a disaster context.

• Understand gender and disaster and why violence against women can increase during and after disaster.
• Unpack how gender inequality during and after disaster distinctly impacts women, men and LGBTIQA+ people.
• Learn how applying an inclusive gender-lens can lead to world-leading disaster recovery.

Led by expert trainers and delivered nationally by two of our 50+ expert trainers from every State and Territory. For this session, you'll be guided by Anjelina van Rooyen and Carole Owen.

Anjelina (Anj) van Rooyen has a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Social Work. She approaches and understands her work through a feminist lens (structural, intersectional). Anj currently provides trauma-informed family violence counselling and education for Engender Equality.  Anj began working in women’s specialist services in 2014. Since this time, Anj has been delivering education and training in prevention of, and responding to, family violence and gender-based issues. Anj resides in Ulverstone, Tasmania.

Carole Owen has worked in senior roles in Public Health for more than thirty years, with a particular interest in health promotion and priority population groups. Carole managed community recovery programs for the Tasmanian government after the 2013 and 2019 bushfires and represented Tasmania on the national Social Recovery Reference group. She has been involved in Gender and Disaster Australia for many years and is a trainer for their Lessons in Disaster program. Carole works at the University of Tasmania as part of the ISLAND Disaster Resilience – After Disasters research team. Carole is currently working on a PhD on community-led disaster recovery.

Testimonials

'This was the best training I have attended in some time. Incredibly relevant and practical. Great at broadening considerations and explains ‘why.’'

'All those who work in the Emergency Management space - preparedness, response, relief or recovery - should complete this training. Incredibly thought provoking.'

What to Expect

• The training will run from 9.30am to 5.00pm.
• You'll receive a link to download and print the Participant Guide in your Eventbrite confirmation email.
• A light lunch will be provided.
• Please register via Eventbrite so your accessibility and dietary requirements are captured. Please note, we'll do our best to accommodate all requests, but we can't guarantee every request will be met.

This training is Free of Charge thanks to funding by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.