ASCSA: Communicating bushfire science and risk

Event date: Monday 14 November 2011 - 06:00pm to 07:30pm
Program: ASCSA.
Bookings have closed for this event.

Bushfires are vital and natural processes that initiate cycles of vegetation succession and help maintain ecosystem viability. However, if misused they can cause tremendously adverse impacts on the environment and human society.

We looked at the science of bushfires; their behaviour from ignition, growth and spread, to impacts on structures and human lives. We heard how such information is used in in risk management of bushfires to maintain healthy and productive ecosystems and to ensure that the potential and actual threats to health and safety, property and other assets are minimised or avoided.

Our speakers were Mike Wouters, Senior Fire Ecologist at Dept of Environment & Natural Resources and Fiona Dunstan, Manager Community Education & Public Warnings with the SA Country Fire Service.

Mike has worked in various fire-related roles for 25 years. He is an applied scientist, and has strong interests in the underpinning of fire management with good science, and in engaging land managers and the community with the relevant science to achieve better social and environmental outcomes. Mike now leads the Fire Science, Ecology and Knowledge areas of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Fire Management Program and is also an active ‘end-user leader’ of the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre.

Fiona is responsible for the coordination and delivery of the CFS’s public awareness campaigns, website, social media, education and public warning messages to South Australian residents living in high fire risk locations. Fiona brings many years of experience in working within the field of adult education and in working with communities to help develop long-term behaviour change.

Australian Science Communicators (ASC) is a network of over 400 people working in science and technology communication across Australia and overseas. It has been
running since 1994.

Members include journalists and broadcasters employed by major media outlets, freelance writers and consultants, scientists, teachers and public affairs officers working for research organisations, laboratories and universities. Australian Science Communicators are drawn together by a desire to improve skills, exchange ideas and build synergies, and in general to advance the profession of science communication.

To join visit: www.asc.asn.au. Membership is also available at the door of events.

Adult: $10, Concession: $5 (please pay at the door)

RiAus and ASCSA members: Free

In association with the South Australian branch of Australian Science Communicators.