About Us
AWE Aims
The Australasian Women in Emergencies (AWE) Network was established in 2018 to promote, support and recognise the contributions of women in emergencies and disasters, building stronger and more resilient individuals, organisations and communities.
AWE is a membership-based organisation with 1800 members across Australasia. Membership of AWE is open to anyone who works or has an interest in emergencies, including those in emergency service organisations, community and not for profit organisations, governments and agencies, universities and schools, private businesses and organisations, as well as volunteers and community members. AWE has chapters in Australia’s states and territories, in New Zealand, and is exploring establishing a Pacific Chapter.
AWE aims to:
Promote and develop the skills and strengths of women in emergency management and disaster resilience.
Give a voice to women in emergency management and disaster resilience.
Encourage and support women in emergency management and disaster resilience.
Provide a platform for networking and shared information.
Promote collaboration and cooperation.
Encourage gender equity in emergency management and disaster resilience.
Our Values
Diversity
AWE is committed to principles of respect, equality and social justice, and we value and welcome diversity of abilities, opinions, gender and ethnicity
Trust
AWE is committed to integrity and trust and encourages and values openness and honesty
Relationships
AWE is committed to effective relationships built though teamwork, cooperation and collaboration
Adaptability
AWE is flexible, adaptable and committed to continuous improvement
Accountability
AWE honours its commitments, takes ownership of its work and takes responsibility of all that it does.
Who We Are
AWE is overseen by a Committee that sets the strategic direction, approves the annual business plan and manages and operationalises the activities of AWE.
The Committee works closely with Chapter Leads to help meet the aims of AWE. The AWE Committee also consults with an expert Advisory Group that provides support and advice on organisational structure, governance, strategic development, opportunities, issues management and other matters.
Following the AWE AGM in December 2020, the following members were elected to the AWE Committee:
Bridget Tehan
President
Co-founder
Amanda Lamont
Vice-President
Co-founder
Carla Bailey
Secretary
Helen Giggins
Treasurer
Kath Cooney
Committee Member
Co-founder
Lisa Marie Jackson
Committee Member
Mentoring Coordinator
Jaimee Morgenbesser
Committee Member
Jennifer Rizzi
Committee Member
Bec Southwell
Committee Member
Ashleigh Brady
Committee Member
What We Do
AWE has created a platform for women to connect with, support and learn from each other, and to build social connections and relationships between and within organisations, sectors and communities.
AWE provides a range of services for its members, including
* Monthly Newsletters
* Networking Events
* Mentoring Program
* Scholarships
* Access to news, job opportunities, sector updates
* Scholarships
* Discounts and offers of free spots at conferences
* Access to recorded content
* Opportunity to meet like minded people
History
In early 2018 a group of women who work and volunteer in the emergency sector gathered at the United Nations Women International Women’s Day breakfast in Melbourne where a question was posed: is there a place for a network of women who work, volunteer or are interested in emergency management? The resounding answer was yes.
Soon after, the network’s founders Bridget Tehan, Amanda Lamont and Kathy Cooney began a series of meetings to workshop a way forward. We agreed that by recognising, promoting, and strengthening women’s contributions to emergency management and disaster resilience, and by harnessing and amplifying the capabilities available from women in our community, a network could help to build Australia’s resilience. The Australian Women in Emergencies Network was officially launched on 17 April 2018.
In response to a growing membership in New Zealand and the Pacific AWE changed its name to the Australasian Women in Emergencies (AWE) Network on its first anniversary. AWE is an independent, incorporated association.