Current and previous editions of the AWE newsletter on our website – coming soon!
Welcome to the AWE Newsletter – August 2020
Kath Cooney, AWE Co-Founder and Secretary
Here we are more than halfway through 2020, the year that many are wishing would soon ‘sort itself out’. I take a deep breath and remind myself we are moving into the eight month of global uncertainty, while simultaneously, many Australian communities walk the long recovery road from drought, topped off by one of the most devastating bushfire seasons in Australia’s history. No one is unaffected and sadly, the most vulnerable suffer the greatest impact.
Personally, I never expected I would spend my days glued to phones and virtual platforms. As a volunteer with Australian Red Cross, we have turned all our programs around quickly. We have introduced new technology and quickly learned skills to operate in this space. I am amazed that the compassionate care for which our volunteers are famous, can also be delivered effectively down the phone.
It’s easy to play a type of 2020 Word Bingo when you watch the media, winning with words such as “unprecedented’, ‘flattening the curve’, ‘pivot’ and ‘new normal’, So how do we focus on concerns beyond 2020? While acknowledging that many AWE members work and volunteer in disaster and emergency management, we have made a determined effort to move forward – to create the space and opportunity for AWE members to connect with each other, and with the future. Our AWE mentoring program is consolidating, our Phillippa Woolf Scholarships recipients continue their studies, the Conversation Series thrives and our Committee and Chapter Leads continue their work to support the goals of the AWE Network.
For a relatively new network, we were very proud to be partnered with the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, to develop the Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan at the National Bushfire and Climate Summit 2020. As a signatory to the Plan, we hope that all 165 recommendations will be reflected in the final report of the Bushfire Royal Commission.
So, the AWE Network is still future focused even with our uncertain times. We hope that all members will continue to ‘lean-in’, to support and connect with each other. Take care of you and continue to be kind to others; we are all in a transition of global proportions.
If you would like to share your story or thoughts, we really want to hear from you through this newsletter or our social media platforms on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Email us at [email protected].
Notes of support from our AWE members
“This is a really short note to say that I’m seeing the great AWE events and emails and ‘would if I could’ on most of them – some truly important conversations and interviews happening! I hope you are getting strong engagement elsewhere and didn’t want my silence to be interpreted as disinterest! All the best to the AWE team and thanks for keeping us connected.”
“I had an opportunity to nominate colleagues for a Little Pack of Calm giveaway. The potential prize prompted some thinking and winning (or not) didn’t really matter. In life and work it’s easy to move on, forget to reflect, to say how you feel and to appreciate those around us. For me, this was a small opportunity to STOP, reflect, and acknowledge just a couple of the MANY women who worked so hard over the last few months. Thank you AWE and Hummingly for initiating this and thank you to all the woman (and men) who worked your asses off and continue to do so.”
One of our male AWE members in NZ shared this note and extract around mana wahine:
“I say when promoting the mana of our wahine that: Our cultures are woven into the fabric of societies and how we live, Mana wahine are woven into the fabric of human existence – I wanted to share a snippet around mana wahine too.
Extract from Te mana o te wahine
The most obvious public expression of mana wahine is the customary practice of karanga, the first cry of welcome on the marae. Dr Tutere Wi Repa, in an obituary for his wife in 1929, spoke of the inherent mana of the voice of women: ‘[N]o mua iho ano te mana o te reo o te wahine … ma te wahine e powhiri te manuwhiri, ka maru (the mana of woman’s voice is ancient … the woman welcomes visitors, and protects). https://teara.govt.nz/en/te-mana-o-te-wahine-maori-women/print“
In the News
The Australian Disaster Resilience Index: A system for assessing the resilience of Australian communities to natural hazards
The Australian Disaster Resilience Index was launched in June, hosted by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC in partnership with the University of New England.
You can access the Australian Disaster Resilience Index here: adri.bnhcrc.com.au. The summary report mentioned at the launch is available here.
Technical reports detailing the state of disaster resilience and the design and computation of the Index are also available.
Speakers included AWE member and mentor, Dr Melissa Parsons (University of New England) who led the project, and Mark Crosweller (Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Director; Ethical Intelligence).
For those who missed the launch, there is a recording available on the BNHCRC Hazard Channel where you can find out what the new Australian Disaster Resilience Index is and how to use it.
All are great resources to share with your colleagues or others who may be interested in using the Australian Disaster Resilience Index.
If you choose to share these on social media, please tag BNHCRC and the University of New England (@BNHCRC, @UniNewEngland) and use the hashtag #ADRI2020.
Recovery Capitals (ReCap)
The Guide to Recovery Capitals (ReCap) is now live on the Australian Red Cross website. You can download the guide and find out more about the ReCap project at https://www.redcross.org.au/recap.
The guide has been created through an Australia-Aotearoa New Zealand collaboration, and there will be an edition tailored to each country, although both will have broader relevance to other locations. This edition is designed for use in Australia.
receive updates about the ReCap project (including the release of further resources), or
be invited to provide feedback on the guide via a short survey
Burnet Institute and the University of Melbourne COVID19 Survey
The Burnet Institute and the University of Melbourne are currently conducting research with Australians to understand their experience of quarantine or self-isolation during the COVID19 outbreak. The results of the research are being used to recommend ways we can support people during this time.
We know that all Australian’s are different, and many communities may have specific needs during this time. We are currently conducting interviews with people affected by the 2019/2020 summer bushfires who have also participated or are currently completing quarantine or isolation related to COVID19. Interviews are conducted over the phone or online, and participants will receive a $50 voucher to reimburse them for their time.
If this is you or someone you know, more information about the study can be found on the website.
Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think may be interested, or you can share this Facebook post.
You can directly register your interest to participate online.
For any further questions about the study or recruitment process please contact either Phoebe Quinn ([email protected]) or Dr Angela Davis ([email protected]).
National Bushfire and Climate Summit 2020 – Plan and Recommendations
Over June and July 2020, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA) hosted Australia’s first virtual bushfire and climate change summit to coordinate a national response to the Australian climate and bushfire crises. The 2020 National Bushfire and Climate Summit brought together hundreds of participants from across the country, and the world, to share their experiences, and to formulate recommendations to
address the worsening risk of devastating bushfires fuelled by climate change. The experts agree if we don’t act on climate change, any response to the bushfire crisis will be ineffective.
AWE members participating in the closed door expert roundtable discussions include Elly Bird, Anne Crestani, Lisa Gibbs, Amanda Lamont, Tracey Lund, Kris Newton, Bridget Tehan, Vivien Thomson and Michelle Villeneuve.
The summit and roundtables culminated in the Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan which includes 165 recommendations about bushfire and climate response, readiness and recovery and provides practical ideas for governments, fire and land management agencies and communities to help us mitigate and adapt to worsening fire conditions.
Recommendations cover everything from tackling the climate crisis, to dealing with more dangerous fires due to climate change, managing the landscape, health and wellbeing in the age of climate change, to building a resilient, sustainable and community-led recovery.
AWE Supports Calls for Action on Climate Change with ELCA and Climate Council
On Saturday 1 August this advertisement was published in the Australian newspaper to bring attention to the issues and recommendations outlined in the Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan and also particularly to help ensure their inclusion in the Bushfire Royal Commission.
AWE was represented at the expert roundtables and the AWE logo appears in the ad.
AWE supports all calls for action on climate change to help minimise the risks of extreme weather and natural hazards. Our sector does not want to see a repeat of the devastating, long-term bushfires that took place across Australia in 2019-20.
The AWE Executive Committee are confident the recommendations are robust and actionable. Importantly we know they needed to address the worsening risk of devastating bushfires fuelled by climate change. We hope this report and publicity around the recommendations will expand the numbers and raise the groundswell for change! Should governments agree to adopt most (at least) of these recommendations, it is likely to have a direct (positive) impact on the current 2019-20 bushfire recovery, and also those in the years to come.
AWE Events
Mindfulness and Breathwork Sessions with AWE Member Dr Mac
Want to improve physical, mental and emotional health? And look to restore, manage stress, and grow areas of the brain related to attention, learning and emotional regulation? Tune into these monthly mindfulness and breathwork sessions run with Dr Mac (aka Dr Hannah Macdougall, VICSES).
The sessions will include:
Meditation and mindfulness myth-busters
Weird, wacky, and meaningful insights from research around the world
Experiences of the buffet of mindfulness and breathwork exercises
Q & A’s
No previous experience is necessary.
The sessions will run on the following dates (and will also be recorded for you to catch up on later).
Monday 31st August @5pm AEST
Monday 28th September @5pm AEST
Monday 26th October @5pm AEST
Monday 30th November @5pm AEST
AWE Conversation Series
Join us on the third Thursday of every month for afternoon tea in WA (3pm), last coffee run in SA and NT (4.30pm) after work spritzer in the eastern states (5pm) and an evening cocktail in NZ (7pm).
Conversation #3 – Empowering Aboriginal Women in Land Use Management and Women’s Role in Cultural Burning
Thursday 20th August @5pm AEST
On Thursday 20th August we will be having a conversation with Kayeleen Brown on Empowering Aboriginal Women in Land Use Management and Women’s Role in Cultural Burning.
Kayeleen is a proud Bundjalung and Yuin Koori woman of NSW. She had been actively involved in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for over 20 years and was provided the privilege in 2009 to represent Indigenous Youth at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Affairs in New York.
Kayeleen has worked in senior project and contract management roles for over 10 years in the government and non-for profit sectors. She is committed to caring for country both personally and professionally and developing herself and the capacity of her mob to preserve the environment for our future generations. She is a strong advocate for culture revitalisation through koori language and practice, in particular fire and land management.
Conversation #4 – Women Leading in Climate Change
Thursday 17th September @5pm AEST
On Thursday 17th September join us for a conversation with two women leading the way in climate change action – Amanda McKenzie, Climate Council CEO and Professor Lesley Hughes, Climate Councillor.
Amanda is one of the best known public commentators on the climate crisis in Australia. She is the CEO and co-founder of the Climate Council, an independent climate change education and advocacy body. Previously, Amanda co-founded the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and has served on Renewable Energy Expert Panels for the Queensland and Northern Territory governments. Amanda was the founding Chair of the Centre for Australian Progress and is a former Board Director at Plan International Australia and the Whitlam Institute. She holds an Honours degree in Law from Monash University and an Arts Degree from Melbourne University. Amanda has won numerous awards including being recognised as one of Westpac’s 100 Women of Influence and a finalist in Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year Awards.
Lesley is a Distinguished Professor of Biology and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity & Development) at Macquarie University. Her research has mainly focused on the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems. She is a former federal Climate Commissioner and former Lead Author in the IPCC’s 4th and 5th Assessment Report. She is a founding Councillor with the Climate Council of Australia, a Director for WWF Australia, and a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.s.
AWE Conversation Series – Recordings Available
The recording for AWE Conversation Series # 1 with Ruth Wraith, Child Psychologist and Emergency/Trauma Specialist which took place in June 2020 is now available for you to view. You can watch the recording of Ruth’s conversation here.
What our members said:
I recall Beverley Raphael always speaking highly of you Ruth – so it’s been exciting to see you ‘virtually’ at last!
Such a marvellous approach, Ruth has. It’s been a joy to listen to her wisdom.
Thank you for the opportunity to listen to the conversation.
Thanks Ruth, Margaret and all participants for an insightful session. Much food for thought.
Ruth quotes: “joining the group in their struggle” – “we can think about it this way…. a number of options” – bear decisions going not the way you think it could” – ” important role; to hold the group together”
Thank you Ruth, you are an inspiration!
Thank you thank you thank you!!
Thanks very much for a really interesting conversation! it’s been lovely
The recording for AWE Conversation Series # 2 with Georgie Cornish, Director, State Recovery, South Australia which took place in July 2020 is now available for you to view. You can watch the recording of Georgie’s conversation here.
What our members said:
I was extremely fortunate to listen to this kōrero (conversation) today. There were many insights shared and the discussion was absolutely amazing. If you are looking for a space to seek mātauranga (knowledge) or to network or support the networks of amazing wahine (women) across Australasia in Emergencies – then this the space for you. Georgie Cornish and Amanda Lamont, thank you for the great session. For any Tāne (man), I challenge you to support the voices of our mana wahine in forums like this. In Māori, when ascending on to the Marae the first voice you hear is the karanga (call) of our wahine. It is her voice that welcomes us, it is her voice that protects our mana and connects us. Therefore we must all protect this taonga (treasure).
The network members are really amazing and I loved every minute of the kōrero (conversation). So glad I could join this time. Brilliant session! Stay safe xx
Thanks everyone. My first time!
The conversation has been amazing, thank you all.
Thank you ladies, my first time too! Fantastic work
Thanks Georgie. Really interesting and practical advice.
Thanks for organising the session and leading this discussion Georgie and Amanda.
This was my first Women in Emergencies Network seminar and it was really interesting. Thanks for having me.
Thanks for the interesting and engaging conversation.
Very interesting discussion, i got a lot out of it :)
Fabulous conversation thanks Georgie! And Amanda!
Other News
2020 The Susan Grace Benny Women in Local Government Award Winner Brimbank City Council – Women’s Leadership Programs
Stronger links between communities of women and their local representatives can build better informed and more culturally aware leadership by councils. Recognising that one-size doesn’t fit all, Brimbank City Council has tailored two programs to provide women with opportunities to strengthen their community leadership skills. The programs are the Brimbank First Nation Women’s Leadership Through Art program and the Brimbank Muslim Women Community Leadership program. https://www.regional.gov.au/local/awards/2020/project_summary_susan_grace_benny_women_local_government.aspx
Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements
The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements was established on 20 February 2020 in response to the extreme bushfire season of 2019-20 which resulted in loss of life, property and wildlife and environmental destruction. Read more…
VCOSS at the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements
The Victorian Council for Social Service (VCOSS), peak body for social and community services in Victoria, was asked to give evidence at the Royal Commissioninto National Natural Disaster Arrangements. AWE President Bridget Tehan, in her role as Senior Policy Advisor at VCOSS, gave evidence to the Commission on the disproportionate impact of bushfires and other emergencies and disasters on vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and provided details about the role of community sector organisations in providing support to people and communities following bushfires.
AFAC 40:20:20 gender equity campaign
Fire and emergency service agencies are still predominantly comprised of men, especially at the senior leadership level. As the roles and responsibilities of the emergency management sector become more diverse, so too must the workforce and representation. To support gender equity, AFAC recently launched its 40:40:20 campaign to encourage 40 percent women, 40 percent men and 20 percent either or non-identified participation in AFAC Collaboration Groups.
The Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience presents the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference Knowledge Week to take place virtually over the course of four days (24 – 27 August 2020), with a variety of sessions and special events that you can mix and match to suit your interests and availability.
The core program – featuring the same speakers and presentations identified for the original event in Adelaide – will take place in the afternoons. The program also features special free events and networking.
Laurie Hammond Oration, Dr Alan Finkel, Chief Scientist of Australia
Wednesday 19 August, 4pm AEST
Part of National Science Week, the topic of this annual oration is ‘Fire, flood, storm and cyclone: applying science to the challenge’. Register here.
November 2020
NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 8 – 15 November 2020 with the theme ‘Always was, always will be’. For more information visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/.
Although this year’s NAIDOC week was postponed until November, some councils held virtual celebrations to mark the week when it would normally be held. Darebin City Council promoted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture through talks and events on their website. In Melbourne, the Arts Centre created a digital program which included performances, talks and music from First Nation artists.
North East Emergency Expo and GoFish Nagambie
Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 12 PM – 6 PM
Calling on AWE membes in the region to host a stall or stand at this event. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in participating.
This expo was designed to fight for rural communities. Emergency services will be demonstrating resources, as well as support services and community groups with a variety of interactive displays. There will be children’s activities, networking opportunities, VIP meet & greets, water sports, food and drink and the chance to consult with emergency professionals about preparedness. The event will take place over the same weekend as the Go Fish Nagambie Tournament and Festivial.
Free Entry and a raffle on the day with all funds raised to go to the Nagambie Community specifically for emergency projects and equipment.
Popular Community Builders webinar series 2
Date: Thursday 13th August 2020
Are you a community organisation working to support your community as they recover from the 2019-20 bushfires, or interested in how community organisations can support communities?
Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery Advisors and Mentors Australia (DRAMA) invites you to a new webinar with AWE Members Kris Newton, Manager of NSW’s Mountains Community Resource Network and Anne Crestani, Manager of the NSW Step by Step Recovery Support Service to discuss community activism in the post-disaster community recovery space.
The Community Activism: Supporting your community during disaster recovery webinar will explore how to identify community issues, organise networks and advocate and influence with communities for their needs.
Disaster Recovery Webinar – Bushfire Recovery: Support for Mental Health Clinicians
Friday 14 August 2:00pm – 4:00pm AEST
Please join Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery Advisors and Mentors Australia (DRAMA) for a webinar as we host disaster recovery expert and health professional David Younger.
David will talk about allied health treatment and support strategies in a disaster recovery context. This session will be helpful to allied health professionals from a broad range of backgrounds.
David is a a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience supporting communities affected by natural disasters and emergencies. He also works in private practice with adults and adolescents.
Discussion topics will include:
• Defining disasters, emergencies and recovery
• Understanding protective factors; individual and community
• Early intervention strategies: an overview
• Clinical intervention strategies: an overview
• Supporting community recovery
Online via Zoom – Please register by clicking on the webinar link below: https://lnkd.in/gxwuuPj
During the month of August, Rural Aid is sharing Tales and Lessons from Strong, Enterprising and Sustainable Rural Towns. Each week we’ll head to two towns, often thousands of kilometres apart who have achieved something extraordinary for their community.
Week 1: 6 August 4pm-5pm AEST | How to turn around a community in decline
Week 2: 13 August 4pm-5pm AEST | Reinvent your town’s fortunes through alternative tourism
Week 3: 20 August 4pm-5pm AEST | How to use events to put your town on the map
Week 4: 27 August 4pm-5pm AEST | Bold community campaigns that work in small towns
2020 Conferences Australia New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (ANZDMC) Brisbane, 1 – 2 October 2020
Leadership, Communication and Community Engagement
A Panel of AWE members will be presenting at the ANZDMC Conference on Women in Emergencies – Leading the change and facing the challenge
Emergency Management Conference
6 – 7 October – Melbourne
Evolution or Revolution?
Over the last 20 years, the Emergency Management sector has evolved in many ways. Are we satisfied with our progress or are we going around in circles? EMC 2020 will question how we have adapted and innovated over this period.
If there are other events you are attending, please let us know so we can let other members know about them. It would be great to have an AWE presence at these events, including side events, members wearing their AWE badges, poster displays, presentations, displays. Please get in touch with the AWE Committee at [email protected] if you would like further information on how to get involved.
Job Opportunities
Keep your eye on the AWE Social Media pages for more job opportunities and application closing dates as some are closing outside the monthly newsletter cycle.
Managing your money and your mental health in COVID-19 by women for women COVID-19 has rearranged our lives and communities in so many ways, creating a very tangible link between our money situation and our mental health. So how can we best look after our wellbeing and our finances when times are tough? A new Victorian Women’s Trust podcast, Money + mental health, features comedian Cal Wilson and journalist and filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe getting some sage advice from Georgie Harmann (CEO, Beyond Blue) and Fiona Guthrie AM (CEO, Financial Counselling Australia). Listen now
Social Media Update
AWE has both a group and it’s own page on LinkedIn – you can follow us here https://lnkd.in/fUV7YFe
The AWE Newsletter is published monthly on the first Friday of the month. Please send submissions Submissions are due one week before. For queries or to change your subscription, or to let us know what you would like to see in the newsletter email us at [email protected].
We would love to hear from more of our members, there are many great successes we would love to hear about.
About AWE
The Australasian Women in Emergencies Network (AWE) promotes, supports and develops the contributions of women in emergency management and disaster resilience to help build stronger individuals, communities and organisations.
