AWE Newsletter August 2025

Promoting, supporting and recognising women in emergency management and disaster resilience

AWE News

Support the AWE Recognition Awards
Nominations for the 2025 AWE Recognition Awards are now open—celebrating and honouring the outstanding contributions of women in emergencies. Scroll down for details.
We’re currently seeking support to cover the cost of printing and postage for this year’s Awards. If you know of an organisation that may be interested in sponsoring this important initiative,
please get in touch at [email protected].
Your support helps us honour and amplify the incredible impact of women across the sector.

AWE Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to AWE members Teresa Simcox, Consultant, and Pip Dixon from Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, for receiving an AWE & Disastrous Leading in Disaster Recovery Scholarship. Congratulations also to Erica Bell from Coast Guard St Kilda and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, for receiving the final AWE & University of Melbourne Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship for 2025.
These three outstanding AWE members are driving positive change in disaster recovery across Australasia and we can’t wait to follow their journeys and see the impact they continue to make. Well done to all, and huge thanks to Disastrous and the University of Melbourne for helping build the skills and knowledge of our AWEsome members.

AWE at AFAC/ADRC 2025

Are you attending AFAC/ADRC in Perth later this month? Don’t forget your AWE badge! Wearing your AWE badge is a great way to connect with fellow members, spark conversations, and show your support for gender equity in the sector.
Let’s make AWE visible!
We also invite all AWE members, friends and allies to attend our AWE Networking Breakfast at 7am Wednesday 27 August at Basilica in Perth’s CBD. See below for details or Book now!

Shaping the future of AWE – Strategic planning in progress

AWE is currently undertaking a strategic planning process to help guide our next phase of growth, connection, and impact. We’re reflecting on what matters most to our members and identifying the priorities that will strengthen gender equity, leadership, and inclusion across the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.
To help inform this important work, we’ll soon be releasing a new Member Survey – your opportunity to share your voice, experiences, and ideas for the future of AWE. Whether you’re new to the network or a long-time member, we want to hear from you. Your feedback will directly shape our goals, programs, and advocacy priorities in the years ahead. Watch this space – survey coming soon!

Gender and Emergency Management Guidelines – have your say

 

Since 2016, the Gender and Emergency Management (GEM) Guidelines have played a vital role in reducing the gendered impacts of disasters across Australia. A national review is now underway – and your input is essential. If you work or volunteer in emergency services, community organisations, health, housing, or disaster recovery, we invite you to complete this survey and share your insights. Help shape a more inclusive and gender-responsive approach to emergency management – and please share the survey across your networks to ensure all voices are heard.

Together, we can help make future disaster responses safer, fairer, and more inclusive.

Watch now – Gender equality in Emergency Services

Catch up on the latest Emergency Services Foundation webinar featuring Dr Niki Vincent, Victorian Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector. In this powerful session, Dr Vincent and ESF explore the realities of gender inequality across the emergency services sector – sharing candid reflections, thought-provoking insights, and pathways toward a more equitable future. We love Dr Vincent’s important message: Real progress lies in structural change y shifting systems, mindsets and workplace cultures to create environments where women can thrive.
Don’t miss this important conversation helping driving change across our sector.

AWE Recognition Awards

The 2025 AWE Recognition Awards are now open!
The Australasian Women in Emergencies Network (AWE) is delighted to announce the third annual AWE Recognition Awards!
The AWE Recognition Awards are open to women who work, volunteer, study, research, have experience, or are interested in emergencies and disaster resilience across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. This includes women from all sectors involved in emergencies, whether big or small, paid or unpaid, encompassing emergency services, community and not-for-profit organisations, governments and agencies, universities and schools, and the private sector.
The Awards are an opportunity to shine a light on emergency management and disaster resilience to highlight and celebrate the remarkable women we work with. We will formally recognise and honour those who inspire us and make a profound difference in emergency management and disaster resilience across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
We’re looking for women who contribute across a range of areas including:
  • Planning and preparation
  • Response, relief and recovery
  • Policy and practice
  • Community resilience building
  • Education and training
  • Research
  • Volunteering
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Supporting other women in the sector
  • Supporting women, gender equity and AWE
This year we are including a category to acknowledge the allies of women in the emergency sector.
If you know someone who is making an important contribution in one of these areas, meets the selection criteria, and embodies the AWE values, we encourage you to nominate them for an AWE Recognition Award.
Award nominations close on Monday 18 August 2025
Award Ceremony, online on Tuesday 16 September 2025, 12noon

AWE Events

AWE AFAC/ADRC 2025 Networking Breakfast
AWE invites women and allies to join us for an informal, early morning breakfast in Perth before the opening keynote of AFAC/ADRC 2025! Come along to connect with others working in disaster resilience, recovery, and emergency management over a relaxed meal before diving into Day 1 of the conference.
7:00am–8:15am Wednesday 27 August
Basilica
161 St George’s Terrace, Perth
Cost: Pay-your-own-way
 This breakfast is open to all women and gender minorities in the sector – as well as supportive friends and allies. It’s a great opportunity to meet others, especially if you’re attending solo or new to the conference.

AWE Mentoring Program

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Mentoring Public Speaking Workshop last week, and a special mihi (thank you) to our courageous presenters: Claire Charleton, Masha Bychkov, and Rebecca Lawton, for sharing their time, talents, and authenticity with us.
The session was a fantastic reminder of the power of connection, community, and the magic that happens when we step up and speak from the heart. Whether you’re just finding your voice or looking to sharpen your delivery, we hope you left the workshop feeling supported, inspired, and a little braver. Highlights included:
Tips for powerful public speaking: We shared practical strategies to help you speak with clarity and confidence — from breathing techniques and power stances to knowing your purpose and preparing strong openings and closings.
Reflections on authentic voice: We explored the challenge of finding your own speaking style, not just mirroring others. Authenticity, empathy, and valuing diversity were key themes, as was drawing inspiration from strong leaders navigating complex environments.
The EBI feedback framework: Our presenters bravely delivered short presentations, and the group practiced giving kind, specific, and useful feedback using the Even Better If approach, a valuable skill for mentors, mentees, and leaders alike.
 Key Messages That Resonated
·       “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Rebecca
·       Claire’s call to make safety education engaging and interactive for Tamariki (children)
·       Masha’s reflection on courage: sometimes, the hardest part is just unmuting yourself
 Recommended by Mentors
·       Jefferson Fisher – The One Word All Liars Use
·       Ron Idles – The Five S’s of Prep
·       Christina Feldman – The Quest of the Warrior Women
What’s Next?
Mentoring pairs will continue working towards their goals over the coming months. We’ll be in touch soon with details for our final wrap-up workshop in September, where we’ll celebrate the journey and look ahead to 2026.
Thinking about joining the next AWE Mentoring Program cohort, either as a mentor or mentee? Find out more and register your interest here: www.awenetwork.org.au/mentoring

AWE Member Profiles

Dr Blythe McLennan
Natural Hazards Research Australia
Dr. Blythe McLennan is an exceptional researcher, and a tireless advocate for disaster research that makes a real-world difference. In her role at Natural Hazards Research Australia, she works behind the scenes to ensure research is useful, usable, and used—supporting others with creativity, clarity, and care. Blythe is known for her ethical judgment, problem-solving skills, and deep commitment to helping researchers overcome hurdles and deliver impactful work. A trusted advisor and clear communicator, she brings diligence and insight to every project she touches. Though rarely in the spotlight, Blythe’s influence is profound and far-reaching across the emergency management sector. Blythe received an Outstanding AWE Recognition Award for her impact on knowledge development and advancement in the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.
Mandy Maglaras
CFA Victoria
Mandy Maglaras is a passionate and visionary leader in community safety, serving as Community Capability Service Delivery Coordinator for CFA’s South West Region. Recognising gaps in fire safety support for at-risk groups, Mandy led the creation of the Residential Advice Visit Service, delivering life-saving home visits to hundreds of vulnerable households. Her innovation, adaptability, and determination saw over 1,400 smoke alarms installed across 720 homes, even amid the challenges of COVID-19. Mandy’s leadership has shaped local and Statewide programs, earning her team the 2022 Spirit of CFA Award. Mandy also exemplifies AWE’s values through her integrity, and deep community commitment. Mandy received a Commended AWE Recognition Award for her contribution to knowledge development and advancement in the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.
AWE Member Profiles showcase the diversity, skills, and experience of our members. They also highlight the vast range of roles, paid and volunteer, that make up the emergency and disaster resilience sector. This year, we’re featuring the recipients of the 2024 AWE Recognition Awards.

AWE Australian Chapters

AWE VIC
AWE Port Melbourne Breakfast Catch-Up
8.30am Monday 29 September 2025
Rock, Paper, Scissors, 36/138 Rouse St, Port Melbourne
Come along for a gentle coffee/breakfast and informal chat with other AWE members. Parking is easy, so pop in on your way to work. Please RSVP to Kathy at [email protected], or just decide to join us on the morning.  All welcome!
Details and more dates here.
AWE Yarra Ranges Breakfast
AWE members living or working in or around the Yarra Ranges and outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne are invited to come along to breakfast at Hutch & Co, 251 Main Street Lilydale at 8.30am on the third Wednesday of each month. Email Amanda at [email protected] to let us know if you can make it.

AWE New Zealand

Kia ora AWE whānau!
We’re keeping the energy going with a mix of engaging in-person and online events across Aotearoa. Here’s what’s coming up – we’d love to see you there!
AWE New Zealand Monthly Breakfast
Join AWE for breakfast on the first Tuesday of every month in Wellington. Drop in to Dillinger’s from 7:30am – have a coffee or breakfast before work and connect with AWE members and others in our sector. Book now!
AWE NZ Online Catch Up – September 2025
New Zealand has experienced multiple significant emergency events in just the past few months. It’s a timely reminder of how important it is to connect with peers, debrief, and support one another through shared experiences.
Join AWE NZ for an online catch up in early September. This informal session is a chance to reconnect, reflect, and learn together. We’ll be joined by a special guest speaker who will offer insights and spark meaningful conversations.
Whether you’re working or volunteering in emergency management, disaster resilience, or related fields — all AWE members are welcome. Come along, bring a cuppa, and join us for an hour of connection and conversation.
Date: Wednesday, 10 September from 7pm-8pm
Location: Online (Zoom link provided after RSVP)
RSVP now on Humanitix – we look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any specific news or information to share with other AWE NZ members, or queries,
please forward them to AWE NZ Chapter Lead Amy.

AWE Pacific

Please note that AWE Pacific is taking a temporary pause from regular activities due to capacity challenges.
We’ll keep you updated on any developments, and welcome your support or expressions of interest if you’d like to be part of shaping AWE Pacific’s future. Please email us at [email protected] to arrange a discussion.

Women in Emergencies for Climate Action

The Women in Emergencies for Climate Action meetings are a great opportunity to meet, learn from and support other AWE members working in climate related roles, or with an interest in climate action. We all learn from each other at every meeting. Make sure you register the dates for the upcoming meetings in your diary and come along and share and learn with us. Meeting dates and registration details can be found here.

Professional Development

FREE bushfire health course!
Bushfires and Your Health is a short course offered by the University of Tasmania covering the physical and mental health impacts of bushfires and bushfire smoke, and what you can do to reduce your risk. Through seven engaging modules, you’ll learn about:
  • How bushfires affect your physical and mental health
  • The dangers of bushfire smoke
  • Practical strategies to reduce your health risks
  • Actions you can take before, during, and after a bushfire event
Two courses are being held this year in September and October.
Gain valuable knowledge, earn a completion certificate, and take action to protect your health in a changing climate. Enrol now — it’s free!

Sector News & Resources

729 ways Australians adapting to climate change: From changing land use to bushfire preparedness, the new Australian Adaptation Database has captured more than 700 climate adaptation initiatives across Australia according to this article.
AJEM July 2025: The latest edition of the Australian Journal of Emergency Management is out now. Check out the great article on masculinity, culture and disaster resilience.
Community-Based Disaster Learning Review: This new Practice Guide sets out the principles and processes to conduct a review that is community-owned and strengthens community disaster resilience.
Complexity in disasters: This research article explores how the current phased approach fails to address the non-linear nature of disasters, and how adaptive system principles can help address complexity in disasters.
HowWeSurvive’25: Check out this event on 2 September in Sydney celebrating one year of UNSW’s HowWeSurvive and exploring people-centred disaster risk reduction and global and local good practice.
Local government in disasters: Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain acknowledges the growing role of local government in disasters, reflecting findings in the recent Interim report into local government sustainability.
Multicultural emergency preparedness: Check out this series of short videos that shares lived experience by, and provides easy tips for multicultural communities to prepare for emergencies.
Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative: CSIRO is undertaking a project to understand flood risk factors in the Northern Rivers region of NSW and identify flood mitigation options.
NZ natural hazards activity book: Check out this natural hazards information and activity book full of puzzles, activities, pages to colour in, and answers to some curious questions. Help children understand how to stay safe and have fun doing it!
Sergeants in disasters: This paper examines how police sergeants with two distinct emergency management roles leveraged their authority, relationships, and knowledge to support the effective management of the Black Summer bushfires.
Women: Unsung heroes: This article explores how women’s efforts during and after disasters is overlooked despite them playing essentials role in sustaining their communities.
What we’re watching: Check out The Days, a Japanese series depicting the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident from the perspectives of government, corporate organisations and those who put their lives on the line. Now streaming on Netflix.
If you’ve got news or resources you would like shared in the AWE Newsletter, please email us the details by the end of the calendar month in time for publication the first week of each month.

Sector Events

2025
26-28 August           AFAC/ADRC 2025 (Perth)
If you are attending any of the major events this year and would like to meet up with other AWE members, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll help you to connect.

About AWE

The Australasian Women in Emergencies Network (AWE) promotes, supports and recognises the contributions of women in emergency management and disaster resilience across Australasia.
To become an AWE member, please visit www.awenetwork.org.au/join-us.
AWE acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. AWE acknowledges the injustices committed against First Nations people and recognise Sovereignty has never been ceded. Australian land always was, and always will be Aboriginal land.
AWE recognises the unique role of Māori, and embraces the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti), NZ’s foundation document confirming Māori as tangata whenua, the first people of Aotearoa, New Zealand. It recognises that they have tino rangatiratanga (absolute authority or sovereignty) over their lands, resources, and taonga (treasured possessions) while embracing the three guiding principles of the Te Tiriti – partnership, participation and protection.
AWE acknowledges, values and celebrates the rich diversity and intersectionality of our members, workplaces and communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, respectful and safe network, where people of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, abilities and experiences feel they belong and are empowered and able to strive and thrive.
Newsletter Contributions: The AWE Newsletter is published monthly and is distributed to more than 2300 AWE members across Australasia. For contributions, queries or to let us know what you would like to see in the newsletter, please email us at [email protected]. Check out past Newsletters here.

Australasian Women in Emergencies Network