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Our tribute to Kevin Tolhurst

Bushfire Resilience Inc. honours the late Dr Kevin Tolhurst
 AM, 
one of Australia’s leading fire scientists.

Bushfire Resilience Inc. honours the late Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM one of Australia’s leading fire scientists.

Kevin was widely respected amongst government agencies and the communities where he worked. His bushfire knowledge was grounded in a practical understanding and experience of the forestry industry. He had a central role in many post-bushfire enquiries.

An academic researcher with a rare communication gift, Kevin was in demand as a presenter and travelled the country, conveying with urgency the most effective methods of preparing a community or a property for the threat of bushfire. He was his own man when it came to media interviews or articles.

Kevin was a generous supporter of those who sought his help and this extended to BRI. He presented on numerous webinars and was always there with feedback and encouragement. Kevin was a gentle man, a wonderful mentor and good friend to many. BRI’s resources of bushfire safety information stand on the platform built by the expertise of giants like Kevin Tolhurst. And for Kevin, it was never just his formal expertise. The respect paid to him came from his generosity in the time he gave to communities and how he shared his knowledge.

His work on modelling the spread of fires and testing the simulations against observed fires preceded the massive advances in computing capabilities and data availability on the variations and complexities of factors influencing the spread of bushfires. Kevin Tolhurst’s legacy is that the rest of us now understand that we need to know how bushfires spread and what the consequences can be for where we live.

Kevin was widely respected by Australian and international organisations and there is universal agreement that his passing is a significant loss not just to those who loved or knew him but to the whole community.

Thank you Kevin Tolhurst

2024 Webinar Series

Prepare for bushfires and hazardous weather

Our webinars are presented by eminent subject matter experts

Learn what your family can do to reduce your risks.

Register above so you can ask questions before or during the webinar and so we can send you a link to webinars, recordings and website updates.

Know about insurance for bushfire, storm or flood events - avoiding the pitfalls

Thursday 17 October 7.30-9.00pm AEDT
  • Annabelle Butler, Hollard Insurance Australia
  • Peter Gartlan, Financial Counselling Australia
  • Denis Nelthorpe AM, Consumer Lawyer

Insurance and financial challenges after bushfire, storm or flood - when things go wrong

Monday 28 October 7.30-9.00pm AEDT
  • Annabelle Butler, Hollard Insurance Australia
  • Peter Gartlan, Financial Counselling Australia
  • Denis Nelthorpe AM, Consumer Lawyer

Houses & best practice bushfire risk reduction

Tuesday 12 November 7.30-9.00pm AEDT
  • Justin Leonard, CSIRO
  • Kevin Hazell, Town Planner
  • Mark Holland, Country Fire Authority

Understanding our changing bushfire weather

Thursday 28 November 7.30-9.00pm AEDT
  • Justin Leonard, CSIRO
  • Kevin Parkyn, Bureau of Meteorology
  • Mika Peace, Bureau of Meteorology

Davey Pump Raffle

Support our raffle for a chance to win a Davey single impeller Firefighter pump model 5165H valued at $1,900

Your support will enable us to continue to provide crucial information to households at bushfire risk

Get your tickets today!
1 for $5
3 for $10

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
1 ticket $5

3 Tickets $10

Topics  that are practical, helpful and relevant

Our webinars involve the best presenters and panel members in Australia and include a robust audience engagement. Below you will find topics from our webinars that are practical, helpful and relevant.

How houses are destroyed

Learn how fire attacks your home and what its like from the house's perspective.

Taking action to become safer

How to harden an existing house.

Davey Pump Raffle Winner

The winner of the Davey Pump Raffle is Quentin Addison of St Andrews Victoria
Drawn by Cr Frances Eyre, Mayor of the Shire of Nillumbik with Malcolm Hackett OAM at 1pm AEDT 15 Nov 2022

Viewer participation and ratings

Our webinars are well attended and are highly regarded. Please register above to join our email list so you can be kept informed

Viewer participation

Average number of  viewers per webinar
245
22%
Viewers responding to Pre webinar survey
1,700
60%
Viewers responding to Feedback survey
42%
3%
Viewers inspired to take action
95%
Steady
Number of subscribers
3,500
65%
Watched a recording or video
11,500
41%

Viewer ratings

Overall session
87% excellent or very good
Information relevance
85% excellent or very good
Participation in future events
99% very likely or likely
Recommend to others
97% very likely or likely

Viewer participation and ratings

Our webinars are well attended and are highly regarded. Please register above to join our email list so you can be kept informed

Viewer participation

Average number of  viewers per webinar
165
22%
Viewers responding to Pre webinar survey
170%
60%
Viewers responding to Feedback survey
62%
3%
Viewers inspired to take action
95%
Steady
Number of subscribers
2,092
65%
Watched a recording or video
4,015
41%

Viewer ratings

Overall session
93% excellent or very good
2%
Information relevance
91% excellent or very good
1%
Recommend to others
99% very likely or likely
1%

Bitesize Topics from our Resource Hub

Our Resource Hub contains a wealth of expert information and includes many Bitesize topics to help you target the specific bushfire risks that may apply to your home and property

Decks

Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
A stairway may provide your only escape route

Subfloor

Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
It doesn’t matter how bushfire resilient your home is, it will fail if you store flammable items under it.

Embers

Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
Embers are the most prevalent cause of house loss

Gas cylinders

Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
BAL-40 house destroyed by flaring gas cylinders

Water tanks

Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
Plastic tank affected by radiant heat

Treated pine

Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
CCA treated pine presents a significant fire risk

Roadmap to our webinar topics

Our webinars involve the best presenters and panel members in Australia and include a robust audience engagement. Below you will find topics from our webinars that are practical, helpful and relevant.

Webinar dates for 2022

July 20
August 3
August 17
September 7
September 21

Neighbourhood and community

How climate change will affect bushfire risk, and what actions you can take - an evidence based analysis.
Know your country, know your property, know the risks and know what to expect. How topography and fuel load affects your risk

House and property

How houses are destroyed by bushfire. Identifying the problems
How to harden and existing house. Actions you can take to protect your home.

Black Saturday 2009 Horses

Simon Bray, equine veterinarian
Kathy Brown, horse owner
Tim Calkin, equestrian
Sue Leslie, equestrian
Andrew McLean, horseman, educator
Jonna McLean, equestrian

2023 Webinar Series

Pets and bushfires – what do we know?

Get practical, best practice information about preparing, managing and caring for your pets before, during and after a fire.

7.30-9.00pm AEST Wed 9 August
  • Dr Mel Taylor, Macquarie University
  • Dr Rachel Westcott, South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management Inc

Getting ready for an El Niño summer

7.30-9.00pm AEST Tue 22 August
  • Craig Lapsley, Innovation Pro Pty Ltd
  • Parvathi Subramaniam, The University of Sydney
  • Dr Danielle Clode, Flinders University

Reducing risks for people and houses

7.30-9.00pm AEST Thu 31 August
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO

Grass fire and bushfire behavior

7.30-9.00pm AEST Wed 13 September
  • Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM, University of Melbourne
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO

Safety actions for the fire season

7:30-9:00pm AEDT Wed 4 October
  • Craig Lapsley, Innovation Pro Pty Ltd
  • Jamie Mackenzie, Red Flag - Real Time Leadership Solutions
  • Steve Pascoe, Resident, Strathewen Victoria

2022 Webinar Series

2022 Webinar Series

In response to viewer feedback this year’s series will cover topics such as horses and bushfire and why kids should get involved in the family bushfire plan.

Our previous webinars have been well attended and 95% of our viewers said the presenters inspired them to take action to reduce their bushfire risks.

Once again we have assembled a team of eminent presenters and experts who will discuss the various issues, strategies and actions to get bushfire resilient.

Our webinars give you information about fire preparation to assist in better decision making. Our presenters are experts in fire science, fire behaviour and the best safety strategies for households living with fire risk.

Be inspired to take action to reduce your bushfire risks. Register now to be informed about our free webinars and the suite of Bitesize videos we will create during the 2022 series.

In response to viewer feedback this year’s series will cover topics such as horses and bushfire and why kids should get involved in the family bushfire plan.

Our previous webinars have been well attended and 95% of our viewers said the presenters inspired them to take action to reduce their bushfire risks.

Once again we have assembled a team of eminent presenters and experts who will discuss the various issues, strategies and actions to get bushfire resilient.

Our webinars give you information about fire preparation to assist in better decision making. Our presenters are experts in fire science, fire behaviour and the best safety strategies for households living with fire risk.

Be inspired to take action to reduce your bushfire risks. Register now to be informed about our free webinars and the suite of Bitesize videos we will create during the 2022 series.

Horses and bushfire – what do we know?

Does your horse have its bushfire plan sorted?
Every horse needs one, you better help!

7:30pm-9:00pm AEST Wednesday 20 July
  • Dr Kirrilly Thompson, University of Newcastle
  • Dr Andrew McLean, Equitation Science International
  • Dr Chris Heislers, Veterinarian
  • Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM, University of Melbourne

Your vegetation – what you need to know

Learn about landscaping and how the selection and placement of vegetation can make a difference

7:30pm-9:00pm AEST Wednesday 10 August
  • Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM, University of Melbourne
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
  • Dr Peter Ashton, DELWP
  • Nick Guyett, Surf Coast Shire

Why get kids involved in the family bushfire plan

Expert presenters describe why and how to get your kids involved in bushfire preparations

7:30pm-9:00pm AEST Wednesday 7 September
  • Michelle Roberts, Australian National University
  • Dr Rob Gordon OAM, Clinical Psychologist
  • Dr Briony Towers, Co-director, LEADRRR
  • Jane Hayward AM PSM, Principal Strathewen Primary School

Understand your bushfire risk

Kevin Tolhurst, Justin Leonard and Ian Bennetts will explain how the fuel load and topography of your locality and property and the design of your house affects your bushfire risk.

Ian will describe BBCA’s Star Rating System app that will enable you to determine your house’s risk.

7:30pm-9:00pm AEST Wednesday 21 September
  • Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM, University of Melbourne
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
  • Dr Ian Bennetts, Bushfire Building Council of Australia
  • Jeff Emmerton, Bushfire Building Council of Australia

Your last resort options

Even the best laid plans sometimes don’t work out. What are your survival options if this happens to you?

7:30pm-9:00pm AEDT Wednesday 5 October
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO
  • Dr Jim McLennan, La Trobe University
  • Dr Rob Gordon OAM, Clinical Psychologist

Interviews

We have a number of interviews in our resource hub. The interviews are grouped into topics as shown below and are available as both video and downloadable pdf transcriptions.

Webinar dates for 2022

July 20
August 3
August 17
September 7
September 21

Kids and bushfire plans

Rob Gordon , Clinical Pyschologist
Molly, Anouska and Alexander, Year 6 Students Kangaroo Ground Primary School

Black Saturday 2009 Residents

Adam Lewis, Strathewan resident
Steve Pascoe, Strathewan resident

Black Saturday 2009 Horses

Simon Bray, equine veterinarian
Kathy Brown, horse owner
Tim Calkin, equestrian
Sue Leslie, equestrian
Andrew McLean, horseman, educator
Jonna McLean, equestrian

2021 Webinar Series

Our 2021 webinars explored common household bushfire risks with a specific focus on water tanks, pumps and sprinklers. We also presented about the human challenges and how to prepare both physically and emotionally. We highlighted the importance of knowing the triggers to take action and the importance of having sheltering options included in your bushfire plan.

Reduce your house and property risk

7.30pm Wednesday 21 July 2021
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO

Get water ready: Tanks, pumps and sprinklers

7.30pm Wednesday 4 August
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO

Your physical and emotional preparation

7.30pm Thursday 19 August 2021
  • Dr Danielle Clode, Flinders University
  • Dr Rob Gordon OAM
  • Dr Jim McLennan

Triggers to take action

7.30pm Wednesday 1 September 2021
  • Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM, University of Melbourne
  • Dr Katharine Haynes, Macquarie University
  • Dr Danielle Clode, Flinders University
  • Dr Raphaele Blanchi, CSIRO

Your sheltering options

7.30pm Wednesday 15 September 2021
  • Dr Raphaele Blanchi, CSIRO
  • Dr Katharine Haynes, University of Wollongong
  • Dr Chloe Begg, CFA

2020 Webinar Series

Our 2020 webinars focused on how houses are destroyed by bushfires and what actions could be taken to harden up your house. We also looked at climate change and how to factor it into your bushfire plan. Our experts from the insurance and building industries talked about getting your insurance right and what you need to know about rebuilding

How houses are destroyed by bushfires

7.30pm Tuesday 27 October 2020
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO

How to harden an existing house

7.30pm Thursday 5 November 2020
  • Dr Justin Leonard, CSIRO

Getting your insurance right

7.30pm Tuesday 10 November 2020
  • Denis Nelthorpe, Consumer Lawyer
  • Clare Cordingley, Insurance Council
  • Helda Sidaoui, Suncorp
  • Georgina Dircks, IAG

Understanding rebuilding

7.30pm Thursday 19 November 2020
  • Rosa Zouzoulas, Nillumbik Shire Council
  • Julie Bowyer, Cardinia Shire Council
  • Mark Holland, CFA
  • Peter Collina, Victorian Building Authority
  • Renae Ahern, Nillumbik Shire Council
  • John Ginivan, Strategic Planner
  • Kevin Hazell, Bushfire Planning

Make better decisions about bushfire risk in our changing climate

7.30pm Thursday 26 November 2020
  • Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM, University of Melbourne
  • Michael Vermeulen, CFA

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