Attendance at the International Festival of Ideas about Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) continues to be a remarkable experience.  This conference will most definitely influence the further development of our work.  It is very clear that there are strong benefits in using an ABCD approach to support community resilience and recovery – through both the phases of disaster planning and disaster recovery.  The principles of ABCD are very consistent with the findings of my research into community resilience and recovery.  Community leadership is central, putting the community into the driving seat is essential, as is supporting them when and as they need it, activating community assets, and unleashing community action.  I will be returning to Australia with a number of powerful tools and resources to support communities who want to explore this work and strengthen their resilience in the face of natural disaster.