The wake of the devastating Victorian bushfires of 2009 was met with a massive public outpouring of emotion and support and an equally powerful wave of criticism of existing defence mechanisms and political rhetoric that produced the ‘we will rebuild’ mantra. Nine months on, we will reflect on the progress and lessons learnt thus far and the ongoing longterm recovery process. What are the prospects for the longterm recovery and rebuilding of devastated communities? Are vulnerable communities any better prepared for this summer? How might built environment professionals respond to the challenge of planning and designing for areas at risk? These are just some of the questions that we will discuss in our November edition of Words@bldg50.

Instead of the usual presentation, we will have 4 speakers who will each present their views on the topic. The panel consists of:

DR SUSIE BURKE BA(Hons), PHD, MAPS. A psychologist working at the Australian Psychological Society. A significant focus of her work in the Public Interest Team at the APS is looking at the role that psychology can play in helping us understand the causes, impacts and solutions to climate change and other environmental threats, including natural disasters.

GREG BOX Manager of Arts, Culture & Heritage, Shire of Yarra Ranges. Greg oversees six cultural facilities, a cultural development program, an indigenous collection, public art and festivals and events. He was in control of Healesville Relief Centre on Sunday, 8 February.

PETER HOGG Architect, Director of Architeam Cooperative and founding member of Architects Against Climate Change. Peter developed a design for a ‘Brutalist Bushfire Bunker’, a climate responsive, low energy house that may be able to survive an intense bushfire and keep its inhabitants safe.

BEATRIZ MATURANA Architect, MA in Urban Design. President of Architects for Peace. Beatriz has worked in community development in countries including Nicaragua and East Timor, and is a passionate advocate for social justice. Her paper ‘Victoria’s Bushfires: isn’t it time to reflect on new urban strategies?’ was written in response to the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

Chair ANTHONY MCKINNENY Practicing urban artist, studio leader in the RMIT Art in Public Space program and Coordinator, Cultural Planning and Development at the City of Knox. Anothny has worked in the developing world in the area of cultural restoration after human-made and natural disaster.

As part of the Bushfire Panel discussion, an exhibition of design projects for areas affected by the bushfires this year will be presented on the night. These projects showcase different responses and solutions to the reconstruction process.