The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National Local Roads and Transport Congress is traditionally the go-to event for anyone wanting insights into our complex transport connectivity challenges.
The 2020 event in Wagga Wagga will be no different.
But in deference to a year like no other – when ALGA was forced to cancel its National General Assembly for Local Government – this year’s Congress has been expanded to encompass natural disaster impacts, recovery and resilience.
The two-day conference on 16-17 November includes a distinguished line-up of speakers, including Major-General Andrew ‘Hocks’ Hocking.
Hocks was posted to the National Bushfire Recovery Agency in January, and since then has visited dozens of fire-affected communities to ensure they get the support they need.
At Congress, he will recount some of the many recovery journeys now underway – and discuss how the experiences of impacted local communities are helping build disaster resilience and ensuring future disaster responses are quick, targeted, and effective.
Also booked to appear at Wagga is aeromedical specialist Dr Richard “Harry” Harris, whose role in the miraculous rescue of 12 Thai children trapped in an underground cave in 2018 earned him the 2019 Australian of the Year Award.
Patty Kinnersly, an architect of the new violence prevention toolkit for local government, will discuss the need for all governments to remain vigilant about violence against women, particularly during the pandemic – while Dr Neryl East will show local government leaders how to communicate with influence, including during natural disaster events.
Congress proceedings will be livestreamed for delegates unable to attend in person. Register now alga.asn.au/events/national-local-roads-and-transport-congress-2020/
*Copy supplied by ALGA
