Climate-Smart Adaptive Resilience and Engagement for Animal Evacuation
A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle have been awarded $468,000 as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant to assist communities in recovery and resilience in the wake of the 2019-20 fires.
The project, called "Climate-Smart Adaptive Resilience and Engagement for Animal Evacuation", will be led by Professor Temitope Egbelakin, of the School of Architecture and Built Environment who will act as the project’s Chief Investigator.
The project aims to upgrade and extend animal sheltering facilities by using and collating the logistical data required to better protect the wider regional agricultural sector and vulnerable communities. The project will support affected communities' economic recovery and resilience through skills-development programs, engaging communities and experienced volunteers, farmers, landholders, and welfare services across the Hunter region.
In order to better safeguard the larger regional agricultural sector and vulnerable people, the project aims to upgrade and expand animal sheltering facilities and compile logistical data required. By involving communities, skilled volunteers, farmers, landowners, and welfare services throughout the Hunter region, the project will help the economic recovery and resilience of the affected communities.
A cross-disciplinary approach is being undertaken, with Professor Mark Stewart (School of Engineering), and Dr. Kirrilly Thompson (School of Medicine and Public Health). Also, part of the project is Mr Robert Henderson from Hunter Local Land Services and Dr Temitope Omotayo of Leeds Beckett University, UK.
Professor Mark Stewart
Dr Kirrilly Thompson
Project Partners
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.