I know the start of 2020 has been a busy one for many of our members – in particular for those of you who involved with fire risks with the major fires in several Australian states and territories, and more recently those of you involved with responses to COVID-19 (whether at national, local and/or organisational levels). The SRA-ANZ Committee had started planning for a conference in Sydney in November based on the theme “Risk in a hyper‑connected world” to highlight all of the great work you do in these areas. However, following the increasing restrictions of movement within and between countries due to COVID-19, including the government here in Aotearoa New Zealand enforcing a full lockdown, the Committee has decided to cancel this year’s conference.
We considered whether we could move the conference to a web-based format but realised that we didn’t have the capacity to do so at this time. Instead, we want to take the opportunity to provide you, our members, with more regular activities by introducing a regional webinar series. Though to do so, we need your help!
If you would be interested in presenting a webinar (whether that be a full 45 minute slot with 15 minutes for questions, or as part of two or three mini-presentations in the same hour slot), please get in touch. Equally, if there is a risk topic you’ve always wanted to hear more about, please let us know (preferably with someone who you have in mind to provide the presentation). Please also indicate what time(s) you would be able to present or attend these webinars.
As part of our planned activities for this year, we will be sending round a membership survey shortly. Please do respond when you get it as we are keen to hear your views.
And finally, if there you would be interested in helping or joining the committee, we would be grateful for the extra support, particularly if you are a student (undergrad/postgrad) or are outside Victoria, NSW, and Aotearoa New Zealand.
He waka eke noa – we are all in this together
Noho oro mai – stay well and goodbye
Lee Bailey
President
Society for Risk Analysis Australia and New Zealand