ABSTRACT
Drawing on empirical findings from the Illawarra region of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia, this chapter begins by problematizing notions of who belongs in the Australian landscape and whose narratives, experiences, and practices count, as Australia reckons with the unfolding climate crisis of the 21st century. The chapter shows how exploring these questions can help reveal the lived experiences and everyday practices of safety among women from diverse refugee backgrounds who resettle in regional and rural areas prone to climate-related hazards across Australia. In undertaking this analysis, the chapter goes beyond the task of situating differential vulnerabilities to highlight and understand transformative practices of care—for self and community. It seeks to demonstrate how an intersectional approach to climate research and policy can contribute to transforming social relations for safe refuge in the 21st century.
