AWE Newsletter September 2025

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

AWE News

AWE Recognition Awards

Nominations for the 2025 AWE Recognition Awards have now closed. We are thrilled by the number and calibre of nominations we received for this year’s Awards. Each nomination highlights the extraordinary contributions women are making across all areas of the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.
Join us to find out the recipients of the 2025 AWE Recognition Awards! This is a great opportunity to 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.
Get your colleagues together and make it a fun lunch event!
12pm AEST Tuesday 16 September.

Breaking barriers, building brigades

The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) has partnered with TABOO to provide free period products for its members! Designed to support the health, comfort and dignity of volunteers and staff, while encouraging greater participation in the service, more than 1,000 packs will be stocked in fire trucks and command vehicles, with dispensers also installed at major CFS facilities. And in Victoria, CFA’s South East Region is seeing increasing numbers of women stepping into key operational and management roles, while its South West Region has seen more than 30 women undertake specialist training, further building practical skills in an inclusive and supportive environment. AWE congratulates CFS and CFA for recognising and supporting women and applauds their steps towards equity and inclusion for all members.

Building a global network of women leading in fires

Earlier this year, Far North Queensland hosted the 12-day Australian Women-in-Fire Prescribed Fire Training Exchange, celebrating the leadership and knowledge of Indigenous women in fire management. The program brought together women from across Australia and around the world to share skills, cultural burning practices, and diverse approaches to fire management. Participants gained hands-on experience, strengthened cultural connections, and built an international network of women supporting each other in the field. This initiative showcases the vital role Indigenous and non-Indigenous women play in fire management and fosters collaboration across cultures and borders. Watch this inspiring highlights video to see the exchange in action!

Get involved in Emergency Ready Week

In 2023-24 more than 5.8 million people were reached by Australian Red Cross’ Emergency Ready Week campaign. Designed to raise awareness of the need for people living in Australia to be prepared for emergencies, Emergency Ready Week encourages households and communities to take practical steps to get prepared.
This year Australian Red Cross is calling on emergency management and disaster resilience organisations to get involved in Emergency Ready Week 2025 and/or to explore collaboration on an expanded National Preparedness Week in 2026.
Please email Australian Red Cross for more information.

Checking in on ourselves and each other

AWE recognises that we all face challenges at times – and a simple check-in can make a world of difference. Australia’s R U OK? and New Zealand’s All Right? are powerful initiatives reminding us to look out for each other and ourselves. For those working or volunteering in emergency services, the mental health challenges can be unique. The Emergency Services Foundation’s Real Stories series offers honest accounts of trauma and recovery, showing that help and hope are always possible. If you or someone you know may need support, explore R U OK?’s Are They Triple OK?, Phoenix Australia’s Responder Assist, or ESF’s free online hub Supportal for emergency services members and their families. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or colleague – or even yourself – take a moment to check in. You never know how much it might mean.

Correction – AWE Scholarship recipient listing

In our August 2025 AWE Newsletter, we incorrectly stated that Teresa Simcox is an employee or volunteer of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). This is not the case. Teresa Simcox is an independent consultant who contracts to a range of organisations, including FENZ. We sincerely apologise for this misrepresentation and any confusion caused.

AWE Scholarships

Disability-Inclusive Preparedness Scholarship

Australasian Women in Emergencies Network and the University of Sydney are pleased to offer three scholarships for the nationally recognised, award-winning Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Certificate Course.
This world-first interdisciplinary program provides practical, inclusive guidance for disaster risk reduction. It was co-designed and independently evaluated to ensure a consistent, person-centred, and capability-focused approach to emergency preparedness.
Scholarship recipients can study during one of the following periods:
15 September – 20 October OR 3 November – 8 December
To apply you must: be a current AWE member; either identify as a person with a disability or as a carer for someone with a disability, OR be committed to advancing P-CEP within your organisation or professional role; and submit a short statement outlining your motivation for applying and how you will apply the course learning in your life or work.
All AWE members are eligible to apply.
Applications are NOW OPEN and close on Wednesday 10 September
Apply now to help build inclusive preparedness in your community!

AWE Events

AFAC/ADRC 2025: Share, Reflect & Connect

5pm NZST or 7pm AEST
Tuesday 23 September
Online
Did you attend AFAC/ADRC 2025 in Perth? We’re still buzzing from the incredible amount of knowledge, ideas and innovation packed into the four days!
We’d love to bring together those who were there to swap stories, share highlights and do a bit of sense-making from everything we absorbed. It’s always easier – and more fun – to reflect together than alone. It would also be a great way to think about how we can share the key themes with members who couldn’t attend and maybe even spark some actions we can work on together.
Join us for a relaxed discussion at 5pm NZST or 7pm AEST on Tuesday 23 September – we’d love to see you there!

AWE Mentoring Program

AWE member Liz Wells, Flood Recovery Officer at Campaspe Shire Council, has loved being part of this year’s AWE Mentoring Program. Liz says, “Being part of the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network has not only amplified my voice as a flood recovery officer, but also connected me to a community of strong, compassionate leaders who are redefining resilience in emergency preparedness and response. It’s helped me grow—not just professionally, but as a contributor to safer, more inclusive recovery efforts. I feel very blessed to be able to participate in the AWE Mentoring Program and support the network.”
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 at AFAC/ADRC 2025

Want to share, reflect and connect with other AWE members who attended the conferences? We’re bringing members together to swap stories, share highlights and do a bit of sense-making.
Find out more here.

AWE Member Profiles

Sherri McKerley
CFA Victoria
Sherri McKerley has made a lasting impact on emergency management through her leadership in education, training, and diversity. She led the Air Attack Supervisor Pre-Selection and Screening Project, developing an inclusive process that removed barriers and increased opportunities for women in aviation roles. Her collaboration with experts ensured integrity and equity, setting a new benchmark for future recruitment in emergency management. Sherri’s logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and commitment to gender equity have inspired change in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Her dedication, adaptability, and leadership continue to foster diversity and resilience, making her an invaluable asset to the field.
Sherri received a Commended AWE Recognition Award for making an important contribution to promoting gender equity within the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.
Sherene Mounier
CFA Victoria
Sherene Mounier has made a lasting impact on emergency management through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to diversity. With extensive experience across military and civilian sectors, she has strengthened emergency response operations and championed women’s participation in leadership roles. She has been instrumental in creating inclusive training programs, mentoring women towards Level 3 accreditation, and advocating for gender diversity in senior positions. Her ability to foster safe, supportive environments while sharing her expertise has empowered many future leaders. Sherene’s dedication, mentorship, and advocacy continue to shape a more inclusive and resilient emergency management sector. Sherene received an Outstanding AWE Recognition Award mentoring, supporting and encouraging women 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.

Connecting at Comms Connect Melbourne!

The 19th Comms Connect Melbourne, on 15–16 October, will feature the show’s first ever Women in Critical Comms panel session. As more and more women join the public safety and critical communications sectors, this session will explore the pathways, challenges and opportunities that present in an industry that traditionally has been male-dominated.
We’ve got an AWEsome member attending who’s keen to meet other AWE members. Please email us if you’d like to connect!

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!

Vale Rochelle Faimalo

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Rochelle Faimalo, Team Leader Regional Engagement at NEMA, after a short battle with cancer. Rochelle will be remembered for her warmth, leadership, and dedication to communities. Since joining NEMA in 2021, she rose quickly through the ranks, and was admired for her thoughtful advice, positivity, and commitment to mentoring others. Rochelle was also instrumental in organising AWE events in Christchurch, strengthening connections across the sector. She is survived by her husband Joe, and children Quest, Zyon, Azure, and Jeorgia. A Givealittle page has been set up to support her whānau.

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

7 – 8pm Wednesday 10 September. Online
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.
RSVP now on Humanitix – we look forward to seeing you there!

Disability Inclusive Resilience, Response and Recovery

 7.30 – 8.30pm NZST Tuesday 24 September. Online
How can we ensure disabled people are not only considered but actively included in disaster resilience, response, and recovery?
Join Renee Santos, Senior Emergency Management Advisor at WREMO, as she shares insights from her professional work and lived experience on disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction. This session will expand your knowledge of accessible disaster response, introduce new preparedness initiatives, and challenge common assumptions about disability and disasters.

Disaster First Aid: Self-Sufficiency and Innovation in the Field

8:00–8:45pm NZDT Sunday 20 October. Online Webinar
When disaster strikes, volunteers need to be capable and self-sufficient. Join Taskforce Kiwi’s Medical Director Dr Malin Zachau and Registered Paramedic Campbell Doak to hear how this veteran-led charity is developing disaster first aid capacity. Topics will include the establishment of a Disaster First Aid course, chainsaw injury training, and an app that matches medical skills with deployment risks.
Register now to be part of this fascinating discussion!
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

First Aid knowledge can save lives and build confidence, no matter your role in emergencies and disasters. First Aid enables people to provide immediate care during critical moments, support vulnerable people safely, and respond effectively while waiting for medical help. It also strengthens workplace safety and reinforces public trust – showing communities that we are prepared, capable, and compassionate.
St John’s Ambulance in both Australia and New Zealand offer in-person and online First Aid courses, and Australian and New Zealand Red Cross offer First Aid and Mental Health training in-person and online. Sign up today to build your skills and confidence!

Sector News & Resources

Community congress: Community Congress is a grassroots gathering that will centre stories, local knowledge, and community-led action hosted by DisasterWISE and Resilient Lismore.
Complexity in disaster and emergency management: This research article examines complexity in emergency management and advocates for a shift towards adaptive, interconnected systems that better align with the realities of complex disasters.
Emergency services and trauma: ESF is sharing real stories of trauma and recovery by emergency services workers, designed to encourage early help-seeking and reassure people they are not alone.
FRRR resilience report: This new University of Sydney insights report shares important lessons in community resilience gleaned from FRRR’s multi-year Disaster Resilient: Future Ready program.
Gaming for disaster risk reduction: This UNDRR online game teaches adults and children how to build safer villages and cities against disasters. Users learn through playing how location and construction materials make a difference when disasters strike and how early warning systems, evacuation plans and education save lives.
Gendered jobs, work and pay: The new Gender Economic Equality Study shows that Emergency Services are highly male dominated with a gender pay gap of more than 20 per cent.
Individual emergency readiness: This US article outlines how levels of emergency readiness are strongly shaped by factors like age, gender, employment status, and past experience with disasters.
Increasing hailstorms: New UNSW research shows climate change could cause hailstorms to get worse in some of Australia’ s most densely populated cities.
Lessons from the Texas floods: This NHRA webinar will discuss the research lessons we can take so far from the tragic July 2025 Texas floods and what they mean for Australia.
Measuring disaster resilience: This new Fire to Flourish report outlines how resilience can been measured using a holistic, community-tailored, systems-based tool.
Misinformation in disasters: Check out this AIDR video exploring the rapidly evolving area of mis- and dis-information response as it relates to disasters.
Transformative climate adaptation: Check out VCOSS’ new report which explores climate adaptation approaches to address systemic inequities and improve health and wellbeing for those on the lowest incomes.
Strengthening collaboration in emergency management: This LaTrobe University research report explores an example of collaborative emergency management through the Northern Victorian Emergency Management Cluster.
Supporting families of emergency service workers and volunteers: Check out ESF’s FREE online hub for families of emergency service members with phone-based resources including mental health education, tools, and guidance to help you care for your emergency service family member, your children, and yourself.
What we’re watching: In the Eye of the Storm is a series that shares footage from fires to tornadoes as captured by eyewitnesses. Available on Prime or HBOMax.
Women in critical comms: The19th Comms Connect Melbourne, on 15–16 October, will feature the show’s first ever Women in Critical Comms panel session. If you’re attending and would like to meet other AWE members, please email us.
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

2026
8 March International Women’s Day
14-15 July       Emergency Management Conference
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.