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

 

 

 

CONTENTS
AWE News
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 is entirely managed and operated by volunteers? Donate today to help us cover our costs so we can continue to promote, support and recognise you.
Every dollar counts!


International Women’s Day Webinar TODAY!

Have you ever dreamed of chasing storms or uncovering the real science behind extreme weather? Or maybe you’re curious about the magic of Hollywood disaster films, or the role of women in disasters? Join us at 12pm AEDT today for our IWD webinar, where experts in storm chasing, meteorology, and filmmaking dive into the thrilling world of Twister and its sequel Twisters. Get behind-the-scenes insights, uncover the science behind the spectacle, and explore how Hollywood brings these epic storms to life.

Our panellists include:

  • Dr Margaret Moreton – Gender and Disaster Australia
  • Dr Mika Peace – The Bureau of Meteorology
  • Dr Tara Lomax – Australian Film Television and Radio School
  • Rosie Kew – Real-Life Storm Chaser

Register now and don’t miss out on this electrifying event! 


Mentors wanted!

More than 20 AWE members signed up for our Mentoring Program in February! The new, structured AWE Mentoring Program includes regular check-ins, workshops, and development sessions. We can’t wait to hear from our new mentees about how they are building their confidence, leadership, and lasting connections, through their mentoring journeys.

With our group of excited mentors ready to begin their mentoring journey, we’re putting out a final call for mentors. The new mentoring program runs from March to September, with just three one-hour meetings and two online workshops. The time commitment is minimal, but the impact for mentees is significant. If you have experience and knowledge in any area, and can offer guidance and support, you can be a mentor!

Sign up now to support the next generation of emergency management and disaster resilience professionals! Applications close Friday 7 March.


AWE Trivia Quiz recap – Fierce competition & fantastic wins!

Our recent AWE Trivia Quiz was a thrilling showdown! We saw impressive streaks of correct answers and a nail-biting battle for the lead. Congratulations to our top three trivia masters:

🥇 Veronika from Kapiti NZ
🥈 Zoe from Wellington NZ
🥉 Claire from Dunedin NZ

A huge thank you to everyone who joined and brought their competitive spirit – we loved seeing your knowledge in action! For those who missed out, don’t worry – there will be another trivia session later this year.


AWE Professional Development

Congratulations to the following AWE members for being successful in their applications for Leadership Coaching with Making Meaning’s Katy Mixter:

  • Rachael Lamb, CitiPower & Powercor and United Energy
  • Goldie Pergl, University of Melbourne, VICSES Fawkner, and Volunteer Leadership Group
  • Liz Smith, NEMA NZ
  • Malinda Steenkamp, South Australian Country Fire Service 
  • Natalie Gyles, Red Cross and RedR Australia and Wellington Emergency Response Team

We also received numerous nominations for the first Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship for 2025. Congratulations to AWE member Lauren Monteleone, City of Tea Tree Gully SA, for her successful nomination! Lauren said, “I see a clear need to enhance my capabilities in recovery, ensuring I can contribute effectively for our community as well as neighbouring communities. This course will provide an invaluable opportunity for me to develop an understanding of recovery processes, particularly community-led recovery, and to learn from others working in this space.”

We’re excited that so many members are keen to build their skills, knowledge and networks. Check out our Professional Development section below for more opportunities. 


International Women’s Day

AWE recognises International Women’s Day as a time to reflect on progress, to call for change and to celebrate the courage and determination of the women who changed history, and those who will advance gender equality into the future. Women have come a long way in our sector, and there are many who have paved the way for us to have the careers we have today. But there’s still a long way to go to ensure that the working lives of the young women following in our footsteps can have safe, equitable and fulfilling roles in their careers.

This year, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day with Gender and Disaster Australia. Join us at at 12pm AEDT TODAY for our Women, disasters and screen legends webinar!  


Harmony Week

17-23 March is Harmony Week and Cultural Diversity Week, providing an opportunity to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Friday 21 March is also the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.an opportunity to recognise our diversity and bring together Australians from all different backgrounds. AWE acknowledges, values and celebrates the rich diversity and intersectionality of our members, workplaces and communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and respectful network and sector where people of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, abilities and experiences feel they belong and are empowered and able to strive and thrive.

It’s great to see Natural Hazards Research Australia’s focus on Australia’s diverse cultural population with the recent announcement of the research and development of a National framework and toolkit for multicultural inclusion in emergencies.

And with diversity and inclusion currently under attack in the USA, it’s heartening to see this great article on the power and importance of diversity by Lori Peek, Director of the USA’s Natural Hazard’s Center.


 

 

 

AWE Events

 

 

 

IWD Women, disasters and screen legends webinar
Get ready for a thrilling ride this International Women’s Day! Join AWE and Gender and Disaster Australia for an exciting exploration of women in disaster movies. We’ll be diving into the iconic 1996 film Twister and its action-packed sequel, Twisters, to see how Hollywood portrays women in the chaos of catastrophic events. Don’t miss out—bring your thoughts, your passion, and your love for disaster movies to an unforgettable conversation!
12pm AEDT TODAY
Book now

 

 

 


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 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.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Melanie Conn – Volunteer, Orange Sky Australia

Mel plays a vital role in enhancing the overall operations of Orange Sky. Her contributions by have not only improved the efficiency of Orange Sky but have also fostered a stronger, more cohesive team environment. During the disaster response to Tropical Cyclone Jasper, Mel played a pivotal role in leading the coordination of volunteers on the ground in the Mossman surrounds. She effectively managed teams, ensuring that Orange Sky services could reach and support those in the Douglas Shire communities during this critical time.

Mel received a Highly Commended AWE Recognition Award for volunteerism within the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.

Liza Dowling – Incident Management Team Lead, Douglas Shire Council

Liza’s efforts have not only improved disaster management for Douglas Shire, but have inspired and supported her colleagues, showcasing her invaluable contribution to both immediate response and long-term resilience. Liza demonstrated outstanding leadership and adaptability during Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Her relentless dedication, including 24/7 presence at the Local Disaster Coordination Centre, innovative problem-solving, and empathetic communication, was crucial in managing the crisis.

Liza received a Commended AWE Recognition Award for her leadership that has significantly enhanced 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

 

 

 

Know someone who’d make a great AWE Chapter Lead?

We’re on the lookout for passionate individuals to help lead events and build community 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 your recommendations! Feel free to email us to find out what’s involved and what support you can expect.

 


 

AWE QLD

Congratulations to Kaylene Jones EMPS who been appointed as Chief Officer of the Rural Fire Service Queensland. Kaylene has more than 18 years’ experience as an emergency management professional in NSW and Victoria, and will bring significant leadership skills and strategic direction to RFS. Kaylene says she wakes up each day with a passion for doing her very best and helping others to do the same by coaching, mentoring and training people to find and leverage their strengths.

February saw record breaking rain fall in many parts of far north Queensland, and this intense rain caused significant flooding, inundation of homes, businesses, agricultural losses, isolated communities, requiring resupply, and restoration of essential assets. FNQ is no stranger to severe weather, however these floods again tested communities and emergency managers.

Our thoughts are with members who have worked tirelessly over the previous weeks during response, and those who will continue to during the medium and long term recovery to support impacted communities. The roles members play are diverse, complex and challenging, while working together means well coordinated efforts delivered. Our thoughts are also with Queensland members as they monitor Tropical Cyclone Alfred as it develops off the coast. 


AWE VIC

2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women nominations now open

The Victorian Honour Roll of Women acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of women in Victoria. Too often women’s achievements and hard work go unrecognised. Organisers are keen to see women from the emergency management and disaster resilience sector inducted to the Honour Roll. Shine a light on yourself or another AWEsome woman in your networks by completing a nomination today! 

Nominate an AWEsome colleague today! 


AWE Yarra Ranges Breakfast – Special guest!

At our next AWE networking breakfast in Yarra Ranges, we will be joined by Community Independent Candidate for Casey, Claire Ferres Miles, who is interested in meeting and hearing from AWE members. Claire is keen to find out more about local concerns with respect to emergencies and disasters in the local area, from women working and volunteering in emergencies, and as community members.

Please RSVP to Amanda Lamont at [email protected] if you would like to come along for this unique opportunity to have your say on these important issues.
8.30am Wednesday 19 March
Hutch Cafe, Main Street, Lilydale


AWE WA

Nominations for the 2025 WA Fire and Emergency Service Awards are now open. The awards honour and acknowledge the achievements of volunteers, career firefighters and DFES staff throughout Western Australia who have shown outstanding dedication to duty over the past 12 months.

Nominate an AWEsome colleague today!


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


IWD Drinks in Wellington

Join us TOMORROW in celebrating International Women’s Day with a relaxed evening of social drinks! It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and toast to the incredible women in our community. Drinks kick off from 4pm at Rosie’s Cantina in Wellington. To ensure we have enough space, please try to RSVP.


The Book Club’s next read!

The AWE Wellington Book Club met in February to talk about A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit. We were a small group with a broad range of opinions and enjoyed a good discussion on some of the lesser-known case studies outlined by the author (along with a cocktail!)

Our next read will be Personal Effects by Robert A Jensen. Grab a copy and join us for the next book club catch up at 5:15pm at Elixir on Thursday 10 April.
RSVP Casey so she can save you a seat! 


Scholarship reflections

Last year, AWE member Veronika Munro, Programme Manager at the Ministry for the Environment and Volunteer with WREMO, was the lucky recipient of a Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship. Veronika is keen to share her insights from the course with AWE members – read her reflections in our Professional Development section below. 


Coming Soon: Speed Mentoring with Maritime NZ

Get ready for an exciting opportunity to learn from industry leaders! We’re partnering with Maritime NZ for a Speed Mentoring event this May (date to be confirmed). Stay tuned for more information on how you can participate and gain valuable insights from experienced mentors.

We can’t wait to see you at these upcoming events – watch this space for more details!


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

 

 

 

News and resources

  • Micronesian communities prepare for disaster: This radio segment shares how climate change is impacting people in Micronesia, and how the outer islands are constantly preparing for disasters.
  • Post-earthquake Vanuatu: Ongoing aftershocks and cyclones are leading to anxiety and despair for people in Vanuatu according to this radio segment.
  • Tuvalu weather reports and warnings: The Tuvalu weather service is focusing on reaching outer islands and removing jargon from forecasts and warnings

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 meeting in February was attended by several AWE members representing different sectors and at different stages of the climate action journey: some in designated climate action roles, others looking to continue studies to progress their career in the area, and others working on disaster resilience projects where climate change represents a key influence on recommendations and outcomes. As well as looking back at 2024 and forward to 2025 and beyond, we had a robust discussion about nuclear energy and its role in our renewable energy future. To have the opportunity to share in a safe supportive environment is one of the reasons we convened this group. Resources shared at the meeting:

AFAC Climate Change Key Messages and Resources
AIDR Knowledge Hub Climate and Disasters
ANU Climate Update 2025
Australian Climate Service 
Climate Council
Climate of the Nation 2024 
CSIRO State of the Climate
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Climate Change
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
SA Government Department of Environment & Water – Climate Change
UNDRR Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction
Victorian Government Climate Adaptation Plans

Our 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 are listed here.


 

 

 

 

 

 

AWE Courage and Renewal Retreat sneak peak!

AWE and Courage and Renewal Australasia are delighted to offer up to 25 AWE members the opportunity to attend a Courage and Renewal Retreat on beautiful Mount Macedon in Victoria at reduced cost. The retreat will allow those working or volunteering in emergency management and disaster resilience to make time and space to bridge their inner and outer worlds, and be in touch with their truth at whatever level they choose, in a supportive setting.

More details about the Retreat will be announced soon. In the meantime please join our retreat mailing list for updates. Click here for more information about Courage and Renewal.


Tonga volunteering opportunity 

Australian Volunteers is seeking an Ambulance Integration Mentor who can volunteer in a hybrid role both remotely (online) and in country over a total of 12 months. The volunteer would work with the Tonga Fire and Emergency Services team to move forward with the merger and integration of the Ambulance Services from the Ministry of Health into the Tonga Fire & Emergency Services. More information is available here.


Free Care through Disaster short course

Women’s Health Goulburn Northeast and Australia reMADE are offering this free, online short course that explores how you can apply a care lens to your work. Building on their Care through disaster work, and their two previous short courses, this course provides suggestions on how to practice ‘care’ in a systemic way across your work.

More information is available here.


Reflections from the Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship 2024

Last year, AWE member Veronika Munro was granted a Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship by AWE. Veronika was keen to share her insights from the course, with five key points that really stood out for her:

Pre-existing socio-economic conditions have a significant impact on how well a community responds to, and recovers from, a disaster. Where there are already disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, the event will have far worse impacts than in a community where social ties are strong, infrastructure is robust and financial means are supportive of recovery.

Recovery takes time. This may seem obvious, but it is surprising how many people not affected by a disaster think that the ‘event’ is over within 6-12 months. The reality is that impacts – particularly psychosocial impacts – can continue to hugely affect people for 5 or 10 years and even longer down the track.

Recovery must be community-led. No outsider, no matter how expert or knowledgeable, can really understand what a specific community needs, wants, nor what their priorities are. The real job of those coming in to help with recovery is to find the community leaders, support and enable them, and then step back and allow them to rebuild their community their way.

Pay attention to children and parents. One of the real gaps in response and recovery is attention to the voice of children and support for parents. Parenting through recovery, when the parent is themselves traumatised, is extremely difficult. More is needed to lean in to support parents and ensure that the children are seen, heard and helped through the recovery process as well as the adults.

Communities need to learn how to be resilient through disaster, not just before. In the current world climate, the issue of poly-crisis/ compounding disasters and rolling crisis is becoming more and more prevalent. Often there is not time to rebuild and strengthen resilience before the next disaster hits.

Veronika extends her thanks to the tutors, presenters and peers who were on the course, and says it was a valuable and inspiring step in her journey into the world of community-led resilience and recovery. Veronika strongly encourages other women to participate in the Foundations in Disaster Recovery course when the opportunity arises. 

Please note the next Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship opens in April 2025. 

 


 

 

 

Sector news and resources

 

 

 

AFAC National Memorial Service 2025: The Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC) will hold a free memorial service to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have died in the line of duty on 1 May 2025.


AIDR stakeholder survey: AIDR is inviting feedback via its annual stakeholder survey to evaluate their work over the last 12 months. The survey will help AIDR understand their contribution to disaster resilience and how our resources are used, including what is working and what could be improved. Survey participants can enter the draw to win one free registration for an AIDR Professional Development Event (excluding the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference and corresponding events) valued at $395. 


Collaboration between disaster agencies and community: This seminar will explore the critical role of community-led grassroots organising during and after climate-related disasters like bushfires and floods, focusing on three impacted sites in New South Wales.


Computer simulations and disaster evacuations: This article describes how researchers are developing ways to help communities recognise where residents may need the most help and avoid evacuation bottlenecks in the face of future disasters.


Dangers of disaster disinformation: This blog explores the dangers of disinformation in disasters and what can be done to address it.


Dry lightning, climate and Tasmanian bushfires: This article explains why dry lightning storms are on the rise, are hard to predict, extraordinarily difficult to contain, and can cause substantial economic, social and environmental harms.


ESF Wellbeing Directory: Check out ESF’s Wellbeing Directory which provides a list of organisations and services aiming to support the mental health and wellbeing of emergency service workers.


Housing and disaster risk: New research from AHURI examines how disaster risk informs housing location and design in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Further AHURI research looks at how housing policy and planning can better prepare for natural disasters, and enable recovery from them.


Open letter to the people of Los Angeles: Check out this open letter to residents of LA about the recovery road ahead, by Christchurch’s Brendan Winder.  


Social dynamics in disaster recovery: This article explores how we might harness social dynamics for positive community-level transformations through a focus on the social effects of disaster.


The cost of animal welfare in disasters: This article explores the financial, emotional and safety costs of community groups and individual carers rescuing and caring for domesticated and wild animals in disasters.


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

8 March                       International Women’s Day

1 May                          2025 National Memorial Service (ACT)

22-24 May                   Lessons Management Forum (NZ)

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

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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To become an AWE member, please click here.

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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