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 n ews and resources
S ector events

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AWE News

While membership of AWE remains free, we rely on donations from our members, friends and allies to help us cover costs like IT security, registration, hosting and subscription fees; legal and regulatory costs; and more.

Every dollar counts, so d onate today to help us continue our great work!

National Volunteer Week

AWE recognises and celebrates the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to emergency management and disaster resilience every day, and especially during Australia’s National Volunteer Week 19-25 May!

This year’s theme – Connecting Communities – is particularly relevant for the emergency management and disaster resilience sector. We know that people and communities with strong connections are better prepared, and can better cope with and recovery from emergencies and disasteres. But communities can’t do it alone, and there are around 233,000 people who volunteer in frontline emergency services organisations in Australia, and around 200,000 volunteers who help through emergency and relief charities like Australian Red Cross. Every one of these volunteers plays a critical role before, during and after emergencies and disasters, and our communities are significantly strengthened by their skills, time and dedication.

This National Volunteer Week, AWE says a huge THANK YOU! to everyone who volunteers for their contributions to helping keep communities safe!

Help shape AWE’s future

We’re excited to announce two exciting new volunteer opportunities to get involved with AWE and make a real impact:

1. Shine a light on women in emergencies – photo competition volunteers wanted

AWE is launching an exciting new photo competition to showcase the vital roles women play in emergency management and disaster resilience—and we need your help to bring it to life! If you’re organised, creative, and passionate about celebrating women in our sector, join us to help plan and deliver this inspiring initiative.
Keen to be part of it? Email us by 31 May to express your interest .

2. Help shape our policies – policy volunteers needed

We are building a strong foundation for AWE’s future and developing a suite of policies to support our governance, sustainability, and member engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your expertise and help shape the direction of our growing network. Whether you’re a policy pro or just keen to lend a thoughtful hand, we’d love to hear from you.
Interested? Email us by 31 May to get involved .

Let’s build a stronger AWE together!

AWE on the world stage

Last month, AWE attended a UN Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction meeting to discuss progress of the Gender Action Plan to Support Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 across Asia-Pacific. We heard from a range of international non-government organisations about their amazing efforts to address priorities in the Gender Action Plan, and were able to share how AWE is contributing to increasing meaningful participation and empowerment of women and gender stakeholders in disaster risk governance. There was lots of interest in AWE and we have since gained several new members!

This month, AWE presented at the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) 23rd biennial Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine in Tokyo, Japan. The Congress provided an opportunity to highlight the critical role of gender-inclusive leadership in emergency management and disaster resilience. AWE is one of the few women’s emergency and disaster networks in the west, and our presentation showcased how AWE supports and connects women across the sector, amplifying their voices, advancing equity, and strengthening disaster resilience through collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy.

National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June

AWE recognises National Reconciliation Week as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. We acknowledge that our sector has much to learn from traditional practices in ensuring sustainable environments, and in how we can best enable Indigenous communities to lead their own resilience efforts before, during and after emergencies and disasters.

The latest edition of the Australian Journal of Emergency Management (AJEM) has exclusively published research and articles led by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori authors. This special Indigenous Edition of AJEM documents and encourages the incorporation of Indigenous peoples’ knowledges into emergency management and disaster resilience practice, and contributes to a broader knowledge base and encourages new ways of thinking and working.

AWE IT update

AWE is moving to a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. This means our emails, newsletters and other communications might look a bit different. Rest assured, you’ll still get the same AWEsome content, information and opportunities! Please contact us with any queries.

AWE Scholarships

Philippa Woolf Scholarships

We received almost 50 nominations to this year’s Philippa Woolf Scholarships! Thank you to everyone who applied – all applicants will be advised in the next couple of weeks, and winners will be announced in the next AWE Newsletter.

Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship – closing soon

The August Foundations in Disaster Recovery Scholarship for 2025 is still open!

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 close on 9 May.

For more information, and to apply, click here.

AWE Mentoring Program

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/

AWE Events

AWE – Flood Community of Practice networking breakfast Melbourne

Join us for a relaxed, early morning networking breakfast bringing together the Flood Community of Practice and members of AWE.

This is a unique opportunity to meet, mingle, and spark conversations across two passionate communities working towards flood resilience, proactive disaster risk reduction, and community-led approaches to emergency preparedness and recovery.

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at the special discounted rate of $30, or simply come for the conversation – coffee is on us!

6.45 am Thursday 15 May
Cliveden Restaurant, Pullman Melbourne Albert Park
65 Queens Rd, Melbourne

Book now!

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
Cost: $45

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!

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 events, Missed 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.

AWE Member Profiles

Michelle Gillman – National Volunteer Experience Manager, Taskforce Kiwi, and Christchurch and Selwyn CDEM volunteer

Michelle Gillman has been a driving force behind Taskforce Kiwi (TFK) since its 2022 founding, playing a key role in building the disaster relief organisation from the ground up. As National Volunteer Experience Manager, Michelle has recruited 600+ volunteers, contributing over 12,000 hours across New Zealand, Australia, and globally. Michelle regularly deploys to disaster zones and champions diversity, continuous improvement, and international collaboration. Her integrity, leadership, and humility underpin her significant yet often unseen contributions. Michelle’s work has strengthened TFK’s impact, improved volunteer systems, and provided purpose to many.

Michelle received an Outstanding AWE Recognition Award for an individual who promotes volunteerism within the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.

Kiley Hanslow – CEO, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council

Kiley Haslow exemplifies resilience and leadership in crisis. During catastrophic flooding, Kiley remained in the evacuated community to lead response efforts, living without basic services and working nonstop for six weeks. Her deep commitment, humility, and strategic coordination ensured swift relief and long-term recovery planning. Kiley’s leadership, rooted in her First Nations values, academic expertise, and emergency management experience, prioritised community voices and needs. Despite immense challenges, she remained calm, innovative, and driven by compassion. Her tireless dedication and ability to inspire make her a powerful role mode.

Kylie received an Outstanding AWE Recognition Award for an individual whose leadership has significantly enhanced the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.

AWE Member Profiles showcase the diversity, skills, and experience of our members, and the vast range of roles, paid and volunteer, that make up the emergency and disaster resilience sector. This year, we’re featuring the AWEsome winners of the 2024 AWE Recognition Awards.

AWE Australian Chapters

AWE QLD

AWE QLD members met online last week and were joined by Kate Retzki, Director, IGEM who generated great discussion and consideration into the diverse backgrounds of those in our field. If you couldn’t make it and would like to watch the recording, reach out to [email protected]

AWE DEMC networking breakfast 28 May
We’ve already got almost 20 members, friends and allies coming along to our networking breakfast on 28 May in Brisbane during DEMC. We’d love to see you there!
See our Events section above for details and bookings.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to AWE member Sarah Corcoran, as well as Nadine Ramsey, Tracey Carroll, Nicole Mandalios, and Jenny Hou, for their 2025 IGEM International Women’s Day Awards! These awards honour outstanding individuals whose contributions have strengthened disaster management and resilience.

AWE VIC

Floodplain Management Conference networking breakfast
If you’re attending the 2025 Floodplain Management Australia National Conference, or live or work in Melbourne, join AWE and the Flood Community of Practice for breakfast, coffee and networking. See our Events section above, or book here.

Port Melbourne Breakfast Catch-Up
8.30am Monday 26 May
Rock, Paper, Scissors
36/138 Rouse St, Port Melbourne
Come along for a gentle coffee/breakfast and informal chat with other AWE members. This is the first meeting in Port Melbourne, and we will discuss details of future catch-ups on this day. Parking is easy, so pop in on your way to work. Please RSVP Kathy if you would like to come along, or you can book here. All welcome!

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 to let us know if you can make it.

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 one of our exciting events. Updates between monthly newsletters also come out by email and through our AWE New Zealand Facebook group!

Congratulations!
Congratulations to AWE member Michele Pool, National Advisor Pubic Information Management at Fire and Emergency New Zealand, for her Award for Excellence from the AIES National Council. Michele was nominated for her enduring contribution to building New Zealand’s national Public Information Manager capacity through education and extensive operational support.

New Zealand Sign Language Week 5-11 May
Everyone has the right to accessible information and support during an emergency. Accessible communication is critical to the success of emergency and disaster mitigation, planning and preparedness, and to response, relief, and recovery. AWE recognises that New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the preferred language of many deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people across Aotearoa. This New Zealand Sign Language Week we thank all those NZSL interpreters for ensuring our messages get through to everyone.

AWE NZ Monthly Breakfast
Join AWE NZ 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 book club
Join us on Thursday 5 June, at Elixir in Wellington at 5.30pm to chat about our next book – The Battle for Paradise – Naomi Klein.
RSVP to Casey so she can save you a seat!

AWE New Zealand AFAC Lessons Management Forum Breakfast
All AWE members, friends and allies attending the 2025 Lessons Management Forum, and those living or working in Wellington, are invited to join AWE and AFAC for breakfast on Day 2 of the forum, 21 May. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with colleagues old and new at this joint AWE, AFAC and AIDR event! This fixed-price meal includes a range of hot breakfast items, tea, coffee, juice, and toasts at Karaka Café, conveniently at the conference location on the Wellington waterfront.
Book your ticket now!

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

We’re looking for people who are interested in helping run the AWE Pacific Chapter!

If you live or work anywhere in the Pacific, or have an interest in emergency management and disaster resilience across the Pacific, why not get in touch?

Please email us to learn more.

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

Our Women in Emergencies for Climate Action meetings offer a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow AWE members who are working in climate-related roles or passionate about climate action. Whether you’re deep in the field or just starting to explore this space, these gatherings are a chance to share insights, learn from one another, and strengthen support across our network.

You can find upcoming meeting dates here—be sure to mark them in your calendar and join us! Email Amanda for more information.

Professional development

AIDR Volunteer Leadership Program

AIDR’s Volunteer Leadership Program equips volunteers from community organisations, not-for-profits, disaster relief organisations and local government within the emergency management sector, with the skills and confidence to grow as leaders.
Courses in 2025 will be held 13-15 June in Perth and 20-23 June on the east coast.
More details, including how to apply, are available here.

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 expertise that 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 insights and experiences, 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

Collaboration key to resilience: New research highlights the growing role of informal community groups in disaster response, and the urgent need for stronger collaboration with formal disaster management agencies.

Disasters in remote areas: Check out this article from FRRR which explores disasters in remote areas, and what makes the impacts different.

Disaster Recovery Principles: Anyone who works or volunteers in emergency management and/or disaster resilience/recovery is encouraged to contribute to the review of Australia’s National Disaster Recovery Principles by completing this short survey.

Financial counselling and disasters: The Centre for Social Impact UWA has developed a Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery framework for financial resilience during crises.

Flood insurance guide: Check out this new Flood Insurance Guide: A Maribyrnong Community Initiative which provides practical, plain language information and case studies for anyone impacted by future flood events.

Health impacts of flood: This article outlines the world’s largest and most comprehensive study of the long-term health impacts of flooding, including an increased risk of 26 per cent of all diseases serious enough to require hospitalisation.

Heat health risk increasing: This article states that Australia has experienced a 37 per cent increase in health-damaging heat waves over the past 20 years. In addition, other new research finds that the risk of heart disease increases with higher temperatures.

International firefighting: This article explores the increasing overlap of fire weather between Australia and North America which is increasingly complicating international firefighting efforts.

Mental health and disasters: New research has found experiencing repeated disasters leads to more severe and sustained effects on mental health compared to experiencing a single disaster.

Recovery uncovered: The next webinar in the Red Cross disaster recovery series, Work That Matters: Pathways in Disaster Recovery, features people with lived experience sharing their insights on finding real-world pathways in disaster recovery.

Resilience webinar series: Check out AIDR’s new webinar series, Resilience Matters, focusing on the systems, environments and human factors that intersect to influence the varying levels of risk, harm and equity that people experience before, during and after a disaster.

Resilient Sydney: A new resilience strategy has been developed for Greater Sydney to build the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses and systems to survive, adapt and thrive in the face of chronic stresses and acute shocks.

What comes after the disaster: Check out this video which explores disaster recovery and why what comes after a disaster can be worse than the disaster itself.

Writing in Sydney: Disastrous Writing is a 2-day in person event in Sydney bringing together policy makers, practitioners and researchers who all need some time to write. Everyone is welcome!

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

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)

23-25 July Climate Adaptation 2025 (Perth)

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]

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.