Training and professional development resources

This collection offers practical, future‑focused learning that equips individuals and organisations with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex disaster environment.

Contact us to design professional development tailored to your organisation’s needs: events@aidr.org.au

AIDR Programs

About AIDR's offerings

Learn more about courses and events delivered by AIDR

Australian Disaster Resilience Conference

The nation's premier event focused on contemporary disaster resilience practice and research

Lessons Management Forum

Share good practice, learnings, and innovations in lessons management

Volunteer Leadership Program

The program equips emergency sector volunteers with the skills and confidence to grow as leaders

2026 Events calendar

AIDR Masterclasses

Decision Making Under Pressure: New Skills for the New Normal

Enhance your ability to make high consequence decisions

Facilitating Successful Debriefs

Debriefing offers a valuable opportunity to review activities undertaken

Leading Diverse Recovery Teams

Enhance capability to work with diverse stakeholders on complex recovery challenge

Leadership in Adversity

Explore leadership skills for volatile, uncertain, and complex environments.

Leading Multi Agency Teams in Deep Uncertainty

Leaders can enhance their ability to build and lead high-functioning teams in crisis

Managing Organisational Crises

Explore key elements that strengthen executive and board crisis leadership

Meteorology for Disaster Managers

Take your understanding of the weather and natural hazards to the next level

A snapshot of what to expect from the AIDR program

View recordings, read proceedings, and explore resources from previous professional development events.

Leave Nobody Behind webinar series and National DIDRR Forum (2023-2024)

View recordings from the Leave Nobody Behind webinar series on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (2023)

View the Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future webinar recording

National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Summit (2023)

View proceedings from the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Summit

National Recovery Forum (2022)

View the Participant Harvest Report, Graphic Harvest and photos from the Forum held in August 2022

From Risk to Resilience Summit (2022)

View proceedings from the From Risk to Resilience Summit

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (2020)

Learn more about business leaders perspectives about good disaster risk governance

Understanding Disaster Risk Forum Proceedings (2019)

View presentations and videos from the series of national forums held in October 2019

Webinars collection

All our webinar recordings in one place!

Other sector based training and professional development opportunities

Many other organisations and programs in this sector support Australia's disaster resilience. Please explore the following as you develop your skills and knowledge in this space.

Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC)

Provides learning opportunities for many different areas in the sector.

AFAC Learning hub

United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) training

Risk is everybody’s business. UNDRR cannot reduce risk alone.

UNDRR works globally with governments, institutions, the private sector, and civil society to build capacity to mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into sustainable development.

Training | UNDRR

Gender and Disasters Australia (GADAus) training

Increase your capacity to identify, respond to, and prevent the harmful impacts of gendered expectations in disaster.

Training - Gender & Disaster Australia

Resilience Canopy

Become a Canopy Collective Community Resilience Practitioner and help your community connect and strengthen themselves.

The Resilience Canopy | Training

Phoenix Australia courses

Phoenix Australia are world leaders in trauma. Their educational activities support individuals, workforces, and communities to achieve better outcomes after trauma.

All Courses

Animal Health Australia

Hosts a variety of online courses related to emergency animal disease (EAD) preparedness, arrangements, and biosecurity.

Online training courses - Animal Health Australia

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

Offers a wide range of learning events through workshops, seminars, briefings, conferences, public lectures, side events, and online courses.

For more information about categories of courses and events currently offered, explore the full catalogue.

UNITAR | Knowledge to lead

International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)

Certification Program has been a driving force in advancing emergency management as a profession.

How to Certify

VIC - Emergency Management Victoria learning and development page

Offers a coordinated integration of accreditation and endorsement across the sector.

Learning and development | Emergency Management Victoria

NSW - Government Capability Hub

If you work in emergency management, including volunteering, we encourage you to explore these resources to enhance your capability.

Home - Emergency Management Capability Hub

WA - Local Government Association Training Courses

Offers a range of professional development courses that provide the essential knowledge and skills the Local Government sector requires.

Training Courses | WALGA

SA - Local Government Association Training

LGFSG provides a range of training opportunities to build the capacity of the sector.

Emergency Management – LGA South Australia Training

NT - Workforce Training & Development Calendar

The calendar provides a ‘one stop shop’ which advertises training and professional opportunities available to community sector workers that are delivered in the NT and accessed by region.

Events - NTCOSS - Northern Territory Council of Social Service

TAS - Government Training and Development Hub

Professional development courses for TAS staff, external partners, and volunteers.

Training and Development Hub - Department for Education, Children and Young People

QLD - Disaster Management Training

Training for Disaster Management in Queensland under the Queensland Disaster Management Training Framework and the responsibility of the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Under the Framework, QPS Emergency Management Coordinators with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) provide training in conjunction with for councils, government agencies, and NGOs, on the following topics:

Queensland Recovery Plan and recovery governance in Queensland
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)
State Disaster Relief Arrangements (SDRA)
event specific (exceptional circumstances assistance).

Disaster Management Training | Queensland Reconstruction Authority

Related university courses, short courses, modules and/or subjects

Many universities within Australia and overseas offer a diverse range of learning opportunities. This includes master's courses, graduate diplomas, graduate certifications, or content specific subjects within graduate degrees. Explore the variety of options below.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a student just out of high school, what course should I look into?

Disasters are systemic, meaning that all choices related to how we live in the environment affect how we cope when a hazard event occurs. It is these choices that determine if the hazard event like a fire or a flood become a disaster.

For example, the choice about where homes are built. If a house is built directly in a flood plain such as the town of Lismore, the houses and the people are more exposed when a flooding hazard occurs. It becomes a disaster because building in this location meant homes were destroyed by the flood.

This explanation and example are here to demonstrate that any type of learning about how we live in the environment relates to disaster resilience and risk reduction.

However, subjects that are more closely related in this system include:

- Environmental science

Environmental science is the study of how the natural world works and how humans affect it, focusing on ways to protect the planet while still meeting human needs. It combines subjects like biology, chemistry, geography, and earth science to understand issues such as climate change, pollution, loss of wildlife, and the use of natural resources like water and energy. Environmental science helps explain how ecosystems stay balanced, what happens when they are damaged, and what people can do to reduce harm, protect nature, and make sure the Earth stays healthy for future generations.

- Disaster management

Disaster management is the process of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural and human-made disasters such as floods, bushfires, earthquakes, cyclones, and pandemics. It focuses on reducing the damage disasters cause, keeping people safe, and helping communities recover as quickly as possible. Disaster management includes planning ahead (like evacuation plans and emergency kits), responding during a disaster (rescue efforts and emergency services), and rebuilding afterward (restoring homes, services, and livelihoods), with the goal of making communities more resilient to future disasters.

- Policy

Policy is a set of rules, laws, or guidelines created by governments, organisations, or institutions to help guide decisions and actions. In public policy, it focuses on how governments address important issues such as education, healthcare, the environment, and public safety. Policies are designed to solve problems, protect people, and improve how society works by setting clear expectations about what should be done and how resources should be used, helping communities function fairly and effectively.

- Development studies

Development studies is the study of how countries and communities grow and improve people’s quality of life, especially in developing or low‑income regions. It looks at issues such as poverty, education, health, economic growth, gender equality, and access to resources, and examines why some places develop faster than others. Development studies also focuses on finding fair and sustainable ways to reduce inequality, support communities, and help people meet their basic needs while respecting culture, the environment, and human rights.

If disaster resilience is your main interest, these universities stand out:

Australian National University is strong in environment, policy, and disaster studies

Charles Sturt University is best for hands‑on emergency and disaster management

Western Sydney University is ideal for humanitarian and development‑focused disaster resilience

Charles Darwin University is excellent for disaster resilience in the Asia‑Pacific region

If you want to explore courses that explore this topic to look into:

Bachelor of Environmental Science/Environmental Sciences
University of Queensland (UQ), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), University of Western Australia (UWA), Deakin University
Focuses on climate change, ecosystems, environmental risk, and sustainability, helping students understand and reduce the impacts of natural hazards such as bushfires, floods, and droughts.
Bachelor of Emergency Management
Charles Sturt University
A specialised degree covering disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, community resilience, climate change, and risk management.
Emergency Management (courses or majors within degrees)
University of Tasmania
Offers emergency management studies within arts and environmental degrees, with a strong focus on community resilience, governance, and disaster management.
Emergency Management related Undergraduate Programs
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Provides undergraduate study pathways and subjects focused on the principles and practices of emergency and disaster management, including risk, preparedness, and response.
Crisis Management and Disaster Relief (undergraduate unit)
Macquarie University
Focuses on national resilience, crisis coordination, emergency management principles, and disaster response across government and organisations.
Hazards, Climate Change and Disasters (undergraduate unit)
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Explores natural hazards, climate change impacts, disaster risk reduction, and resilience, often taken within science or environment degrees.
Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies
Western Sydney University
Integrates development studies, disaster management, and humanitarian response, with a strong focus on resilience, recovery, and vulnerable communities.
Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development
Charles Darwin University
Combines development studies with disaster response and resilience, particularly in the Asia‑Pacific region, including practical and community‑based learning.
Disaster Response and Recovery (undergraduate unit)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Focuses on inclusive disaster response, recovery planning, and building resilience for individuals and communities after disasters.
Bachelor of Public Policy / Politics / International Relations (with disaster or environment electives)
Australian National University (ANU), University of Queensland (UQ), Macquarie University
Examines disaster governance, climate adaptation policy, emergency planning, and recovery decision‑making at local, national, and global levels.

I am new to the sector, which course is the best place to start?

Simple Advice if you are figuring out where to start

Just curious/no experience:

check out Red Cross EmergencyRedi or CQUniversity Fundamentals micro‑credential
volunteer for SES, Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Aus, Disaster Relief Australia, Country Fire Authority (CFA) or Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Thinking about uni or a career change:

check out the University of Melbourne or UQ short courses
volunteer at SES, Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Aus, Disaster Relief Australia, Country Fire Authority (CFA) or Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Interested in practical emergency roles:

check out TAFE NSW Introduction to Emergency Management
volunteer for SES, Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Aus, Disaster Relief Australia, Country Fire Authority (CFA) or Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Interested in humanitarian or NGO work:

check out RedR Australia short courses
volunteer for Red Cross or Disaster Relief Australia.

Best Short Courses for Beginners in Disaster Resilience (Australia)

Fundamentals of Disaster Management (Online Micro‑credential) CQUniversity: a short, self‑paced introduction covering the basics of disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR). No entry requirements and very affordable, making it ideal for complete beginners.
Disaster Management Essentials (Micro‑credential) University of Melbourne: a fully online, 4‑week micro‑credential introducing key disaster management principles and real‑world disaster scenarios. Designed for people new to the sector and those exploring further study or volunteering.
Foundations in Disaster Recovery (Short Course) University of Melbourne (Melbourne School of Population & Global Health): a beginner‑friendly course focused on how disasters affect people and communities, with a strong emphasis on recovery and resilience. Suitable for students, volunteers, and early‑career professionals.
Building Resilience and Managing Disasters (Short Course) University of Queensland (UQ): a self‑paced online course (about 25 hours) introducing disaster resilience, preparedness, response, and recovery from a policy and governance perspective. No formal entry requirements.
Introduction to Emergency Management (Statement of Attainment) TAFE NSW: a practical, nationally recognised short course that introduces emergency management concepts and how agencies respond to disasters. Very suitable for career‑changers or school leavers.
EmergencyRedi Workshops (Free Community Training) Australian Red Cross: short (1-2 hour), free workshops focused on disaster preparedness, household planning, and community resilience. Excellent for absolute beginners and those considering volunteering.
Emergency Management Capability Hub – Online Courses NSW Government (Resilience NSW): a collection of free and low‑cost online learning resources introducing emergency management arrangements, community resilience, and disaster coordination. Great for self‑guided learning.
Humanitarian & Disaster Response Short Courses RedR Australia: introductory and practical short courses for people interested in humanitarian aid and disaster response, including logistics, safety, and crisis settings. Best for those considering NGO or international work.

I am exploring post graduate opportunities, what courses do you suggest?

If you are looking for a master's course these are a great place to start.

Tip: look at the subject partnerships each university has within the sector and follow one that suit your interests.

UNI Tar

Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development | UNITAR

University of Newcastle

Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience / Degrees / The University of Newcastle, Australia

Charles Darwin University

Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management | Postgraduate Courses | Charles Darwin University

ANU

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management - ANU

Griffith University

Disaster Management and Resilience Building - 7422MED

I am interested in this topic but I want a taste of the subject matter before I fully commit, where should I look?

A simple way to 'taste test' if you want a balanced, no‑pressure approach is to watch a disaster documentary such as:

If that sparked interest, try listening to one of these podcasts:

If you want to keep listening:

sign up to one of AIDRs upcoming webinar events
or explore United Nation Disaster Risk Reduction webinars.

If you are still intrigued, consider:

checking out the 'I am new to the sector' question for further information.

Spotlight course – training you might not know is out there

Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic)

FCVic supports the delivery nationally accredited Diploma of Financial Counselling, which is the required qualification to practice as a financial counsellor in Australia.

Along with the Diploma, FCVic offers a range of Continuing Professional Development opportunities about disaster recovery which includes learning opportunities such as:

- Gender, Disaster and Financial Wellbeing e-learning for workers supporting people recovering from disaster

- Post disaster – Rebuilding resilience and looking after ourselves and clients

- Disaster and Community Recovery workshop

Explore the full range here: CPD Library - Financial Counselling Victoria

FCVic also has a Disaster Recovery Toolkit to guide and support financial counsellors working with people and communities recovering from disaster.

Sections | Disaster Recovery Toolkit

Learn more about FCVic webinars to government staff and community service workers to improve their understanding of the role of financial counselling following a disaster.

Disaster Recovery Project: Update and learnings from recent FCA training - Financial Counselling Victoria

This may also be of interest–UNDRR training on How to Design National Financing Frameworks for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). This training aims to build capacities and increase awareness on how to develop national financing frameworks that foster investments in DRR.

Disclaimer: AIDR may share information about external training and development opportunities relevant to the disaster resilience sector. Inclusion on this page does not imply sponsorship, endorsement, accreditation or partnership by AIDR. Responsibility for the quality, content and delivery of external training rests with the provider.