Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Studies at CDU

19/05/2026

Inaugural national fire report highlights extent of ‘second largest’ fire year in the past decade

An inaugural report from Australia's most comprehensive and detailed fire mapping database has found 2025 to be the second largest fire year in the past decade, driven by severe weather and storm-related ignitions.

19/05/2026

CDU students join disaster relief efforts following flooding

Charles Darwin University (CDU) students will play a critical role in supporting flood- and cyclone-affected communities in the Top End thanks to a new partnership between the University and the NT Government Department of Children and Families (DCF).

18/05/2026

Jaiden, a proud Nyikina man born on Larrakia country, has always been passionate about helping others and learning from diverse cultures. With the flexibility to balance his studies alongside work, Jaiden is preparing to make a meaningful impact in global disaster response.

At CDU, we believe it’s your differences that make all the difference. So, we’ve made it easier for you to connect to the university regardless of your background or experience. You’ll make lifelong friends as you learn lifelong skills – online, on campus and on Country. And with flexible part-time and full-time study options, you can fit learning around your lifestyle and stay connected to the things that matter to you. You’ll get all the support you need to connect your passion to a career you care about.

Jaiden, a proud Nyikina man born on Larrakia country, has always be...

16/05/2026

24/04/2026

Oklahoma and Northern Territory Partnership for Disaster Resilience

Dr. Rodney Eksteen, Senior Lecturer in Humanitarian, Emergency, and Disaster Management, has published a featured article in the Autumn 2026 issue of National Emergency Response, the official journal of the Australasian Institute of Emergency Services (AIES). The article, titled “Oklahoma and the Northern Territory Partnership for Disaster Resilience,” explores the parallels between these two regions in managing rural and remote emergencies. Drawing on a 2025 immersive study tour involving Oklahoma State University and Charles Darwin University, Dr. Eksteen discusses the integration of innovative technologies and Indigenous "Caring for Country" practices as a blueprint for strengthening community resilience. You can read the full article on pages 28–31 of the journal via the following link:https://www.aies.net.au/content/media/ner/national_emergency_response_vol_39_iss_1_autumn_26.pdf

20/04/2026

Students studying social work and humanitarian aid are completing placements during the ongoing emergency response operations in the Northern Territory.

We’re building a stronger Territory workforce, starting with real experience on the ground. Through our partnership with Charles Darwin University, students studying social work and humanitarian aid are completing placements with our Welfare Group during the ongoing emergency response operations. ...

14/04/2026

Re-Setting the Humanitarian System through Humanitarian Studies

Authors/Contributions from: Adriana Stibral, Thea Hilhorst, Palash Kamruzzaman, Mihir R. Bhatt, Khayal TrivediAt a time when the global humanitarian system is under extraordinary strain, the HOISA’s panel discussion on “Status of Humanitarian Studies: A View and Beyond” brought together leadin...

28/03/2026

A partnership between OSU and CDU represents a strategic investment in the future workforce of emergency management. “I have seen how these international exchanges challenge students to look past centralised, resource-heavy models”, Dr Rodney Eksteen, a HEDM Senior Lecturer at CDU.

When we think of the Oklahoma* in the American Midwest and the Australian Top End, the immediate similarities might not seem obvious beyond the red dust that co

27/03/2026

Join Indigenous researchers, artists and philosophers for a powerful seminar exploring how Indigenous art and knowledge guide climate healing and action. This presentation shares a two phase research journey that centres Indigenous art voices as tools for communication, cultural renewal, and resilience in the face of climate change.

People. Policy. Place. Seminar Series 2026Title: Healing For Country, From Country, Through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ArtPresenter: Sharna Motlap...

25/03/2026

Some residents moved amid threat of flooding are under public guardianship due to reduced mental capacity. NT public guardian says they ‘would have been very frightened’