| The Australasian Women in Emergencies Network (AWE) promotes, supports and recognises the contributions of women in emergency management and disaster resilience across Australasia.
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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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AWE was excited to present to a delegate of disaster management experts from across the Pacific in January. The delegation was in Australia to learn about disaster management networks and Communities of Practice and how they are established, governed and maintained. It was a privilege to meet some Pacific colleagues, to share insights from AWE, and to learn more about what is happening across the Pacific to support disaster resilience and response efforts.
Julie has extensive emergency management experience and is known for her dedication and humble nature. As the Northwest Regional EM Coordinator in Tasmania, she supports the Regional Controller, coordinates emergency management information, and maintains situational awareness, emergency plans, and risk registers. Julie plays a pivotal role in emergency coordination and has been instrumental in responding to and recovering from significant events. Community-focused, reliable, and approachable, she is respected in the Tasmanian EM sector, a trusted mentor, and a key contributor to education, training, and emergency management. Julie received a Highly Commended AWE Recognition Award for her leadership that has significantly enhanced the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.
As the Executive Director for Resilient Lismore, Elly has been an important voice for communities in recovery, not only in the NSW Northern Rivers region, but Australia wide. Elly’s tireless advocacy and work leading Resilient Lismore have been an important part of the recovery efforts in Lismore and surrounding areas. The programs developed, such as Repair to Return, volunteer coordination and support for social connection and disaster preparedness have been an excellent demonstration of the need for long-term, ongoing locally based initiatives. Elly’s work is a demonstration in the importance of grass roots activity to serve community. Elly received an Outstanding AWE Recognition Award for her important contribution to building resilience with communities to enhance disaster resilience.
AWE members living or working in or around the Yarra Ranges and outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne are also invited to come along to breakfast at 
retreats across Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland, AWE invites you to embark on another incredible adventure—this time in the stunning Otways! Immerse yourself in nature as we camp at the Blanket Bay campground, a picturesque spot with easy access to the beach and facilities. Stay for one night or both—it’s up to you! Enjoy spectacular hikes, breathtaking coastal views, and the chance to connect with like-minded adventurers. Your host, Amanda, will guide you through the region’s rich history, from its unique wildlife to the stories of recent bushfires that have shaped this extraordinary landscape. Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to the outdoors, this weekend promises relaxation, discovery, and a deep connection with nature.
AWE wishes all members a happy Waitangi Day! This is New Zealand’s national day and most important marker in the country’s history. AWE recognises Waitangi Day as a celebration of the ongoing Treaty of Waitangi, and the Treaty’s critical role in New Zealand’s past, present and future.
Many thanks to those members who reached out to AWE Pacific Chapter Lead Mary Jack following the December earthquake and fires in Vanuatu. Mary was very grateful for your concern. The 7.3 magnitude earthquake left 14 people dead, injured more than 200 people, and left more than 1000 people displaced. It triggered landslides that caused widespread damage to critical infrastructure. Port Vila’s CBD remains off-limits to locals, and the full extent of damage and rebuilding required is still bein assessed. Read more 
In other news AWE was thrilled to meet members of a Pasifika Integra Development Working Group who were in Australia to explore ideas for Pasifika-wide disaster management Communities of Practice and information sharing platforms. Members of the Working Group included representatives from Fiji, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. It was great to share AWE’s journey with the group, including our successes and challenges, and to share how AWE is helping build a more inclusive, informed, and empowered community of women who are better equipped to contribute to and lead in emergency management and disaster resilience. It was also great to hear about women’s DRR groups in a number of Pasifika countries and we hope to connect with some of them soon. We hope the delegates took some useful learnings away from AWE, and importantly that they enjoyed their seafood boil that night! 
AWE is offering an exclusive leadership coaching opportunity for members in emergency management and disaster resilience across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
