In the town of Lismore, the recent NIDR Gathering became a powerful reminder of the strength that emerges when communities take charge of their own futures. Against the backdrop of cultural landscapes on Bundjalung Country, participants came together to share stories of resilience and hope.

This year’s gathering was different. It wasn’t just about expert presentations or research findings or evidence of “doing to” communities. It was a space where hearts and minds converged – where people showed up as their whole selves, bringing with them the vulnerabilities that trauma enforces on us. The voices of those most impacted by disasters were front and center, showcasing how communities can forge their own path to recovery and strength. The self-determination was palpable.

Centering Self-Determination in Disaster Recovery

In the past, many disaster recovery efforts have been driven by external organisations, government agencies, or NGOs. While these efforts play crucial roles, the NIDR Gathering in Lismore underscored that no one understands a community’s needs and strengths better than the people who live it.

Through workshops, panel discussions, and yarning sessions, Lismore residents and participants from across nations shared how they’ve shaped their own recovery strategies. From organising grassroots disaster preparedness initiatives to setting up local relief networks, the emphasis was on ownership—reclaiming the power to make decisions that affect their present and future.

One of the key lessons from stories shared at the gathering was that resilience isn’t something that can be delivered from the outside. It is cultivated from within, nurtured by local knowledge, cultural ways of knowing, shared experiences, caring for one another and a stanch commitment to ensuring that future generations are safer and stronger.

Community-Led Resilience in Action

Lismore’s story of disaster recovery is an outstanding example for community-led resilience. After being hit by severe flooding in 2022 a thriving network of community initiatives driven by residents determined to protect their people, culture and future emerged.

At the NIDR Gathering, local leaders shared the impact of their collective work. From localised flood mapping projects to the establishment of evacuation centres that provide both physical and emotional support during crises, the community was not waiting for others to save them—they were saving themselves.

Stories of community-led resilience from other regions echoed Lismore’s experience. Whether it was fire-affected communities in regional Victoria or flood-ravaged towns in Queensland, the message was clear: resilience thrives when those on the ground have the resources, support, and autonomy to lead their own recovery.

Moving Beyond Recovery

As the NIDR Gathering concluded, it became evident that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back or ‘building back better’ —it’s about doing better. The discussions in Lismore illuminated the importance of shifting from a reliance model to one of continuous, community-led resilience building. This means addressing issues of systemic racism, investing in local leadership and organisations, amplifying Indigenous knowledge systems, and ensuring that future disaster response efforts are led by communities themselves.

The gathering also highlighted the need for government agencies and NGOs to serve as allies rather than directors. By offering resources, facilitating connections, and enabling communities to lead, these institutions and organisations can support the development of thriving, self-determined communities that are more prepared for whatever challenges the future may bring.

A Strong, Just, and Thriving Future

As we reflect on the NIDR Gathering in Lismore, we are reminded of the power that comes from within. Communities like Lismore are demonstrating that self-determination and resilience are inseparable. By enabling individuals to lead, buidling connections and sharing across varying ways of knowing, we are building not just disaster-resilient communities, but strong, just, and thriving futures – for generations to come.

National Indigenous Disaster Resilience (NIDR) is a research program within Monash University’s Fire to Flourish. Established in 2022, NIDR has quickly established itself as a leading national research centre, and the only research centre dedicated to investigating and quantifying the impacts major disaster events have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.