DISACT

31 May 2005

DISACT ('Disaster ACT') was established by cultural and scientific collecting institutions in Canberra to improve disaster preparedness and provide local mutual assistance in the event of emergencies affecting public collections. DISACT sponsors disaster recovery training, conducts quarterly DISACT Network meetings and has a website resource.

Participants include the Australian War Memorial, National Archives of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Screen Sound Australia and a range of other agencies.

Protection of collections through Disaster Preparedness is a goal of all cultural and scientific institutions that hold collections in trust for future generations. The 2003 firestorm in Canberra reminds everyone of disasters that can arise with little or no warning. Preparation is vital; every collecting institution needs a disaster plan.

This must cover three aspects: prevention/preparedness, incident management and recovery.

What can DISACT do for my organisation?

Through mutual assistance, DISACT aims to:

Enhance awareness and standards for disaster management for collections.
Facilitate contacts between specialists and those with disaster management responsibilities for collections.

Provide key emergency contact information.

Develop a centralised list of equipment and materials available for loan.

Arrange joint training in disaster management relevant to collections.

What DISACT can not do

DISACT cannot write your disaster plans, but can provide information to help you.

DISACT cannot purchase supplies and equipment for you, but can give short term loans and assist you to find what you need.

DISACT cannot provide long term disaster recovery services but can provide initial short term assistance until you can engage a commercial provider.



Related links

Enquiries

Joy Suliman
National Project Manager

Tel: +61 02 9217 0347

Email