AHHA 2020 SIDNEY SA X AWARDS
LIZ DRUMMOND Science Communicator, The Australian National University
What is the role of universities during a crisis? Advocacy and collaborating beyond campus during Black Summer 2019/20
The Australian National University Bushfire Impact Working Group, led by Professor Robyn Lucas and Dr Arnagretta Hunter and Patricia Turner, Chief Executive of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, were jointly awarded AHHA’s 2020 Sidney Sax Medal for outstanding health leadership.
2020 has the unfortunate distinction of providing ample opportunity to address the role of universities during a crisis. This year, bushfires incinerated an area equivalent to England, destroyed thousands of buildings, killed or displaced an estimated three billion animals, and 33 people tragically lost their lives fighting them. Then there was the smoke — engulfing whole cities, with Canberra recording the world’s worst air quality for several days in a row. Researchers from across the Australian National University (ANU) understood they had a major role to play in protecting the physical and mental health of our communities. Professor Russell Gruen, Dean of the College of Health and Medicine, quickly established the Bushfire Impact Working Group, bringing together academics from public health, psychology, clinical medicine, as well as climate scientists, disaster risk scientists and science communications experts. ‘We recognised an immediate need for evidence-based health communications on bushfire smoke that was accessible to communities,’ says Professor Lucas, founding Chair of the group. While academics are sometimes mocked as working in ivory towers, the actions of the group went well beyond the walls of their institution. The team rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside the community. Experts in air pollution and science communication mobilised to fill the gap in reliable information for affected and worried people. This information was translated into multiple languages and disseminated widely to culturally diverse communities.
The Health Advocate • FEBRUARY 2021
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