The 2019-2020 fires were catastrophic for biodiversity and communities, they burnt more than 12 million hectares. This extreme event tested the capacity of people and systems across several states to conserve threatened species and ecological communities, and highlighted the urgency for resourcing Indigenous burning practices. It’s clear we need roadmaps to direct conservation decision making during future fire events and to enhance Indigenous aspirations for fire management. This webinar brings together perspectives on what systems or responses are needed to better protect biodiversity and empower Indigenous leadership in the heat of bushfire events.