Promoting, supporting and recognising the contributions of women
in emergency management and disaster resilience across Australasia.

 

 

 

CONTENTS
AWE News
AWE Scholarships
AWE Mentoring Program
AWE Events
AWE Member Profile
AWE Australian Chapters
AWE New Zealand
AWE Pacific
Women in Emergencies for Climate Action
Professional development
Sector news and resources
Sector events

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AWE News

 

 

 

Did you know AWE provides all its activities free of charge? 
Every dollar we raise helps us cover our costs so we can continue to provide you and all our our members with newsletters, scholarships, mentoring, events, awards and more.
Donate now to help make a difference!


Women in trades and women in emergency management

Tradeswomen Australia, a not-for-profit dedicated to increasing the representation of women in skilled trades and fostering safe, inclusive workplaces, has launched its inaugural issue of TradesWomen Australia!

We’re thrilled to share that this first edition features an article by AWE, spotlighting the critical role of women in trades and emergency management in building resilient communities. Women in these fields are driving change, strengthening response efforts, and shaping the future of disaster resilience. Don’t miss this powerful collaboration—check out the first issue of TradesWomen Australia!


Auslan Day

13 April is Auslan Day!  This Auslan Day, let’s thank those Auslan interpreters who help ensure our emergency messages get through to Deaf people in our communities. But without enough interpreters, many Deaf people report feeling unsupported and at risk, unable to access crucial safety information. Kara Technologies and Australian Red Cross are developing a motion-capture sign language program that will provide access when interpreters are unavailable, ensuring Deaf communities receive information in Auslan when they need it most. Read more here


 

 

 

 

 

 

Philippa Woolf Scholarship 2025 – now open!

This year, Scholarships are available to 14 AWE members to study and complete two Incident Response Leader skill sets with ACIM Solutions. 

  • PUAOPE012 – Control a Level 1 Incident 
  • PUAOPE015 – Conduct Briefings and Debriefings 

This training, valued at $1,000 per person, will help develop essential incident leadership skills. Scholarship recipients will study together as a group, building relationships and peer networks across Australia.

Applications are now open and close on 30 April.

The study period is 4-7.30pm AEST Tuesdays in June and 1 July. 
Please note all applicants must have a Unique Student Identifier or have a visa that enables them to study in Australia. 

For more information, and to apply, click here 

 


Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship – opening soon

The August Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship for 2025 opens on 9 April.

The popular University of Melbourne Foundations in Disaster Recovery short course has been specifically designed for practitioners, volunteers and community members who are (or will be) working in post-disaster settings. The course focuses on supporting learners to deepen their understanding of disaster recovery and using evidence-based materials to support practice.
Learning outcomes include:

  • Understand key principles of disaster recovery
  • Increase confidence in accessing and using research evidence
  • Understand disaster impacts and their interconnected nature
  • Build a network of peers

All AWE members are eligible to apply. Applications open on 9 April.

For more information, and to apply, click here

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

AWE Mentoring Program: 2025 Intake kicks off!

The 2025 AWE Mentoring Program is officially underway! After reviewing participant bios and running a successful round robin-session, we hosted a structured networking event where potential mentors and mentees engaged in short, focused conversations to explore shared interests, mentoring styles, and personal goals.

This session played a key role in refining pairings, ensuring matches were based on genuine connections and preferences. Despite a few technical challenges with breakout rooms, the turnout was fantastic, and participants embraced the opportunity to connect. Many left with a clearer understanding of what they’re looking for in a mentoring relationship and how they can support each other’s growth.

With the matching process now complete, mentors and mentees are set to begin their one-on-one meetings in April, kicking off what promises to be a rewarding journey of learning and development.

What’s Next?
As we move forward, here’s what’s coming up:

  • April: First mentor-mentee meetings (scheduled at a time that works for each pair).
  • May: Group Workshop 1 – Goal-Setting: A chance to set clear objectives for the program.
  • May – July: Second mentor-mentee meetings.
  • July: Group Workshop 2 – Public Speaking: Helping participants build confidence and communication skills.
  • July – September: Third mentor-mentee meetings.
  • 30 September: End of Program Wrap-Up: Reflecting on progress, celebrating achievements, and sharing insights.

This year’s program is shaping up to be a rewarding journey for both mentors and mentees. Whether you’re looking to gain leadership skills, build your network, or give back to the emergency management community, the AWE Mentoring Program is here to support you.

Are you interested in mentoring?
Mentor, mentee, both? Consider joining next year’s intake! No matter where we are in our journey, we all have something to give and always more to learn. The power of our network and the purpose of the AWE Mentoring Program is about sharing knowledge, building connections, and supporting each other to grow. By taking part, you’re not only strengthening your own skills but also contributing to a network that uplifts women and enhances outcomes for our communities.

For more information or to register your interest for next year’s 2026 intake, visit: https://www.awenetwork.org.au/mentoring/

We’re looking forward to seeing how these mentoring relationships grow over the next six months!


 

 

 

AWE Events

 

 

 

 AWE Lessons Management Forum Breakfast New Zealand
Are you heading to New Zealand for the AFAC/AIDR Lessons Management Forum in May, or do you live or work in Wellington?

Why not join us for a special AWE Lessons Management Forum networking breakfast! This event is open to AWE members, friends, and allies in the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.

7.30am Wednesday 21 May
Wharewaka Function Centre (co-located with the conference venue)
$45 (includes tea, coffee, juice, and a hot selection of traditional breakfast items)

Please note: A minimum number of attendees is required for this event to proceed. In the unlikely event of cancellation due to low registrations, full refunds will be issued.

Book now!


AWE Queensland Disaster Management Conference Breakfast

All AWE members, friends and allies attending the 2025 Queensland Disaster Management Conference, and those living or working in Brisbane, are invited to join AWE for a networking breakfast.

Come along for a cuppa or breakfast to meet others working in emergency management and disaster resilience.

7am Wednesday 28 May
Olio Cafe & Bar
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank

Book now!

 


Missed last month’s Women, disasters, and screen legends webinar? 

We had a great discussion about the films Twister and Twisters with experts from Gender and Disaster Australia, the Australian Film and Television School, and the Bureau of Meteorology. We even had a real life storm chaser who have us some great insights into the realities of watching extreme weather!
You can now watch the webinar here
 


AWE events are a great way to learn about and get to know other women in the emergency management and disaster resilience sectors – keep an eye on our calendar of eventsMissed an AWE event?
Many of our past online events are available for viewing on our YouTube page. 

Would your organisation like to host an event with support from AWE? Feel free to email us and we can work with you to facilitate an in-person or virtual opportunity for our members.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Everlyn Fiualakwa – National Program Coordinator, UN Women

Everlyn is a dedicated leader in gender-responsive disaster risk reduction, with over a decade of experience in humanitarian coordination and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. As a RedR Australia roster member deployed to UN Women, she has championed the inclusion of women, people with disabilities, and other marginalised groups in disaster preparedness and response. Her collaborative approach and deep commitment to social justice have strengthened community resilience, ensuring equitable disaster management. Everlyn’s work exemplifies diversity, equity, and inclusion, making her an inspiring advocate for gender equality in emergency management.

Everlyn received an Outstanding AWE Recognition Award for an individual who makes an important contribution to promoting gender equity within the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.



Frances Ford – Co-ordinator Emergency Management and Resilience, City of Greater Bendigo, Victoria

Frances is a trailblazer in emergency management, with over two decades of experience in local government. As a leader at Greater Bendigo City Council and Wellington Shire Council, she has championed gender equity and advocated for vulnerable communities in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Frances has played a key role in regional and state emergency planning, strengthened partnerships with First Nations and multicultural communities, and driven inclusive disaster resilience initiatives. A passionate advocate for social justice, she empowers her team and fosters meaningful change. Her leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication make her a respected force in emergency management.

Frances received a Highly Commended AWE Recognition Award for an individual who makes an important contribution to promoting gender equity within 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 winners of the 2024 AWE Recognition Awards. 


 

 

 

AWE Australian Chapters

 

 

 

AWE QLD

Online catch up
7pm Tuesday 29 April

Queensland has experienced three significant disaster events in just as many months. It is important for our wellbeing that we join peers to network, debrief and share learnings. This online catch up will allow us to do just that. We’ll be joined by a special guest speaker who will share insights and generate plenty of ideas to generate conversations. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register now

AWE networking breakfast
Don’t miss our networking breakfast on 28 May in Brisbane!
See the Events section above for details.

 

 


AWE VIC

Yarra Ranges breakfast
Members of AWE VIC who live in the outer east suburbs of Melbourne had an invigorating breakfast in March when they had a chance to meet with the local community independent, Claire Ferres Miles, who is campaigning in the upcoming federal election. We had a unique opportunity to share ideas, experiences and suggestions to Claire on issues in the local Yarra Ranges area, particularly concerning our local disaster landscape, the emergency sector, community engagement and mobilisation, and the health sector. Hopefully this input can be used to advocate for and raise issues that are important to women who work and volunteer in the emergency sector.

Thanks to all those who attended and prepared questions. It was such a motivating event and we hope to see more people living or working in the area to come along to our future breakfasts which are held on the third Wednesday of each month. See the AWE events calendar for further details. We are also looking to have some events at different times to accommodate different member commitments.


Domestic and Family Violence Support Network for ESOs

The Emergency Services Foundation has announced a new Domestic and Family Violence Support Network pilot for women in emergency services in Victoria. The Network will provide a confidential, trauma-informed safe space for victim survivors to learn, connect and support one another.

Click here for more information.


AWE Chapter Leads Meeting – 10 April
Our AWE Chapter Leads will be meeting online on 10 April, and we welcome your input! If you have any thoughts, questions, or requests for discussion, please send them to [email protected].


Know someone who’d make a great AWE Chapter Lead?
We’re on the lookout for passionate individuals to help lead events and build networks in the ACT and Tasmania. If you know someone who would be a great fit – or if you’re interested yourself – we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email us to find out what’s involved and what support you can expect.


AWE Chapters provide local opportunities for members to meet, connect and
build personal and professional relationships. 


 

 

 

AWE New Zealand

 

 

 

Join us at our exciting events. Updates between monthly newsletters also come out by email and through our AWE New Zealand Facebook group


Monthly Wellington Breakfasts Are Back!
We’re thrilled to announce that our Wellington breakfasts are returning on a regular schedule! Join us on the 1st Tuesday of each month at Dillinger’s, from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM. It’s a great opportunity to connect over coffee and conversation. To help us plan for space, please RSVP to Amy.


Wellington Book Club – 10 April
Our next book club meeting will be held on 10 April at 5:15 PM at Elixir. This month, we’re reading Personal Effects by Robert A. Jensen. Even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book, you’re still welcome to join us for discussion and connection. Visit our AWE bookclub site to find out about plans for the next book and get-together!


AWE Lessons Management Forum breakfast
If you’re attending the AFAC/ADIR Lessons Management Forum in Wellington in May, or live or work in the area, come along to the AWE Lessons Management Forum breakfast! Book now or find our more in the AWE Events section above. 


International Women’s Day Recap – AWE NZ

AWE NZ held a local celebration of International Women’s Day on 6 March, with an evening of socialising and meaningful discussion on the theme ‘Accelerate Action.’

Our conversations focused on gender equality and the urgency of change, particularly within the context of women in emergencies.

Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to the kōrero!


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

 

 

 

Vanuatu earthquake: This article shares how three months since the devastating 7.3 magnitude quake struck Port Vila, the CBD largely remains a ghost town,

If you live or work anywhere in the Pacific, or have an interest in emergency management and disaster resilience across the Pacific, our next AWE Pacific Chapter Meet & Greet will take place soon. Please email us if you are interested in attending. 


If you would like to get in touch with the AWE Pacific Chapter Lead, or have any news, information or events to share with AWE Pacific members, please email us at [email protected]u 


 

 

 

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 can be found here.

Climate anxiety toolkit: This free guide, created by health experts at the Climate Council, has been designed to give people suffering from climate anxiety positive coping strategies.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Wanted! Professional development opportunities for AWE members

At AWE, we believe in the power of shared knowledge and growth. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering professional development within our community, we are reaching out to you!

Do you have any workshops, webinars, training sessions, or other professional development opportunities you would like to offer to fellow members? Whether it’s a specialised skill, a unique perspective, or a valuable resource, we would love to hear from you.

By sharing your expertise, you can help build stronger connections within our network and contribute to the growth and empowerment of women in the emergency management field.

If you have an opportunity to share, please reach out to [email protected] by 30 June. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to learn together! 


 

 

 

Sector news and resources

 

 

 

Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and disaster response: This article explores emergency management governance in NSW and the role of ACCOs in disasters.


Animal welfare and emergencies:  RSPCA NSW is hosting the Animals in Emergencies Conference 2025 on Wednesday 11 June 2025 at the Sydney Adoption and Education Centre.


Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred: The Conversation has published a range of articles following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred including these about beach and dune loss, weaknesses in infrastructure resilience, measuring the cost of disasters and communities preparing again.


Heatwave deaths in Australia: This article outlines research into heatwave-associated excess mortality rate due to human influence on the climate in Australia.


Helping 100,000 kids get disaster ready: Australian Red Cross celebrates ten years of its Pillowcase program which teaches children aged 8 to 10 how to prepare for disasters, including how to pack essential items in a pillowcase and practise self-regulation techniques to stay calm before, during, and after emergencies.


Homelessness outreach guide: This person-centred guide can be used to facilitate meaningful conversations with people experiencing homelessness to raise awareness about disaster risks and increase emergency preparedness.


Lessons from the LA fires: This NHRA/AFAC webinar will explore early post-disaster field observations of the devasting Los Angeles fires.


Men as allies: This article by Roman Ruzbacky explores the importance of male allies, engaging men in conversation, and actions that men can take to address gender inequity.


Mental health in fire services worldwide: Check out this ESF webinar with Brandon Evans, former firefighter from Canada, who shares the findings of a study of over 100 fire chiefs and leaders to understand their experience and perspective on mental health and wellbeing in fire services.  


Misinformation in disasters: This online webinar, led by Professor Lucy Easthope and Amanda Coleman, will explore the challenges of emergency communication in the face of fake news and misinformation, discussing ethical dilemmas, best practices, and necessary crisis plan revisions to improve response effectiveness.


Remembering the fires: Check out this panel discussion on how bushfire survivors record their memories of an unforgettable disaster, and how they have rebuilt their lives, homes and community.


Re-traumatisation and disasters: This article explores what re-traumatisation in disasters can look like, and what to do now and into the future.


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

 

 

 

If you are attending any of the major events below 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.


2025

1 May                          2025 National Memorial Service (ACT)

22-24 May                   Lessons Management Forum (NZ)

27 – 29 May                 Local Govt Assoc. Qld Disaster Management Conference (Brisbane)

11 June                       Animals in Emergencies Conference 2025 (Sydney)

18 – 20 June                Natural Hazards Research Forum 2025 (Adelaide)

12-15 July                   Disaster and Emergency Management Conference 2025 (Gold Coast)

29 – 30 July                 Emergency Management Conference 2025 (Melbourne)

26-28 August              AFAC/ADRC 2025 (Perth)

13 -16 October           The 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) (NZ)


2026

23 – 24 March            Gender and Disaster Conference (Melbourne)


 

 

 

Newsletter contributions

 

 

 

The AWE Newsletter is published monthly and is distributed to more than 2000 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].

 

 

 

 

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.

www.awenetwork.org.au

[email protected]

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You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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