Our Creating Safe and Inclusive Emergency Evacuation Centres Report is a practical guide to strengthening safety, accessibility and inclusion in Emergency Evacuation Centres. 

Developed through extensive consultations with community representatives, advocates and specialist organisations, this report provides evidence-informed recommendations to help create Emergency Evacuation Centres that are gender-safe, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and accessible to all.  

Download the full 58 page report to access key findings, practical recommendations and implementation guidance. 

We also have a range of summary factsheets , a domestic and family violence reference sheet, and accompanying reports which you can view and download from the section below.

Image description: Report cover featuring our Inclusive Futures Artwork by Jacq Moon © 2026 Gender and Disaster Australia. 

Image description: Creating Safe Shelter Spaces factsheets © 2026 Gender and Disaster Australia. 

When disaster strikes, everyone deserves to feel safe. People seek refuge in emergency shelters when their lives and homes are at risk. These spaces must provide safety, dignity, and inclusion for everyone. 

However, some individuals face heightened risks, such as: 

• Women escaping violence 

• Children vulnerable to abuse 

• People at risk of sexual assault 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding parents 

• LGBTIQASB+ individuals and families who experience discrimination or lack inclusive facilities 

By planning ahead and understanding how gender and intersecting identities influence safety and wellbeing, councils and emergency managers can create shelter environments that truly protect all members of the community. 

In Victoria 

The Creating Safe Shelter Spaces Project (Victoria) works with all Victorian councils to ensure emergency shelters protect every person, not only from the physical threat of disaster, but also from risks that can arise within the refuge itself. 

Through this project, Gender and Disaster Australia partners with councils to: 

• Assess emergency shelters through a gender-sensitive lens 

• Participate in local emergency shelter exercises and provide live feedback 

• Offer practical tools and guidance to help councils create inclusive and safe environments during emergencies 

This initiative is fully funded through the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund and is available free to all Victorian councils. Its goal is to reduce risk and improve safety for women, children, LGBTIQASB+ communities, and other gender-intersecting groups during times of crisis. 

In New South Wales 

The Creating Safe Shelter Spaces Project (NSW) focuses on strengthening gender and inclusion awareness at the state level.

In partnership with NSW government departments, Gender and Disaster Australia is delivering evidence-based online training and resources designed to embed gender-sensitive approaches across emergency response operations. 

This project aims to: 

• Build understanding of gender and intersecting identities in emergency shelter management
• Equip emergency service personnel and state agencies with practical tools and strategies to improve inclusivity in Emergency Evacuation Centres. 
• Ensure emergency shelters actively promote safety and dignity for all community members, with particular attention to the needs and experiences of women, children, and gender-intersecting groups 

Find out more 

To find out more about the project, contact: Emma Harvey, Creating Safe Shelter Spaces Project Officer
Email: e.harvey@gadaustralia.com.au