The Bushfire Memories Exhibition

Abstract

Research Background The Fire Memories research project, funded by the State and Commonwealth governments, aims to build community resilience to disasters by gathering and sharing first-hand experiences of the community responses to the 2019-2020 bushfires. The first phase concerned the collection of bushfire memories through interviews with community members, the second phase is the building of the pavilion hosting a Bushfire Memories Exhibition and the last phase is about guidelines co-creation with the community. The Bushfire Memories Exhibition showcases the first results of this research to share memories, increase awareness, foster discussion and build collective learning.

Research Contribution The Bushfire Memories Exhibition is the 2nd tangible outcome to be produced for this research project. The innovation lies in the new knowledge that has been produced based on social capital, a first in dealing for bushfires recovery and recognised at a very high level by the officials and community members (around 50+ persons) that came to the launch of the exhibition.

Research Significance The Bushfire Memories Exhibition was launched by Andrew Colvin from the Prime Minister Cabinet, National Coordinator of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency, showing the significance of the project and its outcome. Other key stakeholders included the CEO from Qld Reconstruction Authority, and Peter Binks Griffith University VC deputy Engagement. So far, more than 500 persons have visited the pavilion since 26/02/2021. The high coverage by the media also shows the significance of this research outcome (Channel 7, Channel 9, The Global Herald, Gold Coast Bulletin, etc.)