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

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the November 2024 edition of the AWE Newsletter

 

 

 

Click on the links below to get straight to what you want to read:
AWE News
AWE Events
AWE Australian Chapters
AWE New Zealand
AWE Pacific
Women in Emergencies for Climate Action
Professional development
Sector news and resources
Sector job opportunities
Sector events

To open the full newsletter in your browser please click here

 

 

 

AWE News

 

 

 

Fundraising update

WOW! With your support we have raised more than $2500 – but we still need your help to meet our goal.
All of AWE’s work goes towards championing and promoting opportunities for women in the disaster and emergencies sector, and your donation will ensure these AWEsome opportunities are accessible and provided free of charge.

If every AWE member donates just $5 we’ll reach our goal.
Please donate today and don’t forget to share with your networks!


New members!


In the last two months we’ve had more than 150 people join our AWEsome network! Our newest members work and volunteer in local councils, state government departments and agencies, emergency service organisations, NGOs, universities, community organisations and more.

Here’s just some of what they said about joining AWE:

  • Excited to join and connect with other women in emergency services.
  • I am so glad to know this network exists, and I look forward to being involved.
  • I came across the AWE after receiving a nomination for an award, but what a fabulous network to be a part of and contribute to!
  • I am a mum of 2, a recruitment advisor and a volunteer firefighter. I am (also) passionate about women in the workforce, empowering women and equity. 
  • I have only just become aware of this fantastic network, and I have been working in a community disaster resilience role for the past two years!

Members can access newsletters, networking, events, scholarships, awards, mentoring and more – all for free. Let’s all extend a warm welcome to our newest members!


 

 

 

AWE Events

 

 

 

Translating recovery theory into practice
A professional development journey for AWE members

2pm AEDT
Wednesday 13 November

Have you ever wondered about formally developing your knowledge and skills for working in disaster recovery? This year, seven AWE members did just that. Through their Philippa Woolf Scholarships, they completed Skilling for Recovery, a new, nationally accredited, disaster recovery course. ACIM Solutions stewarded them through the three units in the Skillset:

Providing relief and recovery services to disaster-affected communities,
Working in a recovery context, and
Providing psychological first aid.

Join AWE, our seven AWE members, and ACIM Solutions to hear about their learning journey, their insights into the course, and what they will each take away to apply in their everyday work.

Attendees are invited to join our guests in an open discussion about disaster recovery, and the skills and knowledge needed to work with disaster affected communities. Please note this webinar will not be recorded. 

Book now!


Care through disaster: A new approach

12pm AEDT
Wednesday 20 November

What do our communities need to be cared for through disaster, and what can leaders do about it? Australia ReMADE and Women’s Health Goulburn North East have published a report and toolkit that explore what communities need and make recommendations for people to be seen, safe and supported during and after a crisis.

Join AWE and Australia ReMADE to learn more about the contributions we can make as citizens and community organisations, through all levels of government, to build a new infrastructure of care at a scale required for communities to thrive through increasing systemic disaster risk.

 


AWE AGM

Save the date! The AWE AGM will take place at 5pm AEDT on Tuesday 10 December. Come along to hear about our year in review and what’s in store for 2025.

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.


 

 

 

AWE Australian Chapters

 

 

 

AWE QLD

AWE QLD End of year networking – stay tuned!
Planning is underway to hold networking evenings across Queensland before the year is out. These will be great opportunities again to network and share knowledge and experiences with our AWEsome network as we enter into our high risk weather season. Keep an eye on your inbox for more information.


Chapter Leads meet on the third Thursday of each month at 12pm AEST. The meeting link is here.
There were some great ideas shared at our last catch up so keep your eye out on events in your chapter in this newsletter, on the AWE events page, or in your emails, and if you have any ideas for an event you would like to attend, or host, please email us.

 

 

 

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


Kapiti Coast and Community Resilience Get-Together
5:30pm – 7:30pm Tuesday 12 November
WREMO, Fyfield Place, Paraparaumu

The Kapiti crew is hosting one last get together for the year with a guest speaker and group activity exploring community resilience. Bring a bottle or a summer finger food plate to share, non-alcoholic drinks provided. Follow the Facebook event or contact Veronika for more details. 


Book and podcast club
5:30pm – 7:30pm Thursday 21 November
Otto Champagneria

Our emergency management-themed book club is kicking off in Wellington with a gathering at Otto Champagneria to socialise and plan our first summer read. RSVP to Casey to let us know you can make it! 


AWE NZ Wellington Monthly Breakfast 
7.30am Tuesday 3 December
Old Bailey Restaurant
101 Lambton Quay, Wellington

Come join us in the capital for breakfast on the first Tuesday of the month! Drop in to the Old Bailey from 7:30am – have a coffee or stay for breakfast and connect with AWE members and other women working in our sector!
To RSVP and ensure space, please contact Amy


News and resources

  • Cyclone Gabrielle: This report provides a comprehensive overview of Northland’s recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle, the most significant emergency the region has faced in a generation and the largest recovery coordinated by Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) in its 25-year history.
  • Communicating aftershock forecasts: This article explores long-term aftershock forecast information and communication needs. 
  • New disaster filmTINĀ is a heartfelt film made by a Samoan team that follows a spirited Samoan mother in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake. The narrative reflects on aspects of social recovery post-earthquake. In cinemas 27 February 2025.

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

 

 

 


If you live or work anywhere in the Pacific, or have an interest in emergency management and disaster resilience across the Pacific, come along to our next AWE Pacific Chapter Meet & Greet at 9.30am AEDT on Wednesday 18 December
Everybody is welcome!
Register here

News and resources:

  • Congratulations! The Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awards 2024 have been awarded to Robyn Camilla Mijares from the Philippines and Maria Linibi from Papua New Guinea for their outstanding leadership in disaster resilience, sustainable agriculture, and advocacy for women’s and youth empowerment. 
  • Disaster risk management law in Fiji: The National Disaster Risk Management Bill is designed to build a more resilient Fiji, and represents a comprehensive approach to disaster risk management, equipping the nation with the tools and frameworks necessary to effectively respond to and recover from disaster. 
  • Pacific Atoll climate and development report: This report explores the unique climate change challenge faced by the Pacific Atoll Countries (Pacific Atolls), the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and Tuvalu. It explores the key sources of climate vulnerability, as well as the development and adaptation strategies that are needed for preserving livelihoods, ecosystems, and the countries’ long-term viability.
  • Tsunami awareness for children: This child-friendly booklet generates tsunami awareness among children through animated characters and simple but strong messages and is for suitable children who are 6-12 years old.

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 next Climate chapter meeting takes place on Wednesday 18 December You can register here. Please contact Amanda with any queries.

Australia State of the climate 2024: The biennial State of the Climate Report draws on the latest national and international climate research, monitoring, science and projection information to describe changes and long-term trends in Australia’s climate. 


The Women in Emergencies for Climate Action chapter aims to be a strong and inclusive voice in climate change advocacy and action, sharing experience and expertise, and leveraging our partnerships and networks to add our voice and commitment to the climate emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free disaster recovery basics webinars

The Australian Red Cross free webinar series, Recovery Basics, provides organisations and community members with the basics of community recovery after a disaster. Recovery Basics explores the introductory evidence, information and resources to support community recovery in Australia. These introductory webinars have been designed to support communities impacted by disasters, and the recovery practitioners who support them.

You can also check out the Red Cross AIDR Recovery Uncovered webinar series which explores disaster recovery from a community perspective. 


 

 

 

Sector news and resources

 

 

 

20 years of disaster law: Every aspect of disaster risk management relies on laws, policies, and plans that define who acts, when, and how. This publication features stories that trace back the origins of International Disaster Response Law and highlights defining moments across the globe.


Australian disaster funding and governance reviews: The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Review and the Independent Review of National Natural Disaster Governance Arrangements were released last month.


Extreme weather, housing and insurance: This article explores new research into shared responsibility, housing and insurance.


Major incidents report: The eighth AIDR Major Incidents Report provides an annual record of major incidents in Australia that have been identified as significant by the Australian emergency management sector during the 2023–24 financial year.


Retrofitting for resilience: This article explores how and why many Australians are adapting their homes to make them more resilient to increasing weather extremes such as floods, storms, cyclones and bushfires.


Urban resilience survey: A new NHRA, 10-minute survey seeks input on work undertaken in the urban resilience sector, particularly on practices and processes of organisations regarding mapping resilience and vulnerabilities and prioritising, monitoring and evaluating resilience investments. 


What is a severe thunderstorm? This article explains what makes thunderstorms severe, including intense rain, hail and winds.


Women in ambulance leadership: The Women in Leadership Symposium provides women with the practical skills, tools, perspectives and takeaway tips to help take the next step in their careers.


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 job opportunities

 

 

 

ACT
Senior Project Officer – Agriculture Climate Adaptation, Bureau Of Meteorology


NSW
Community Protection Planning & Neighbourhood Safer Places Coordinator, NSW Rural Fire Service
Assistant Project Officer Programs, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water


QLD
Associate Director (Security and Emergency Management), University of Southern Queensland
Officer – Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross


SA
GIS Support Officer, SA Country Fire Service
Manager Virtual Emergency Care, Royal Flying Doctor Service 


TAS
Team Leader – Emergency Management, Department of Health
Consultant- Building Safety, Community Fire Safety, Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management


VIC
Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Casey
Operations Manager Unit Support – Mid West UST, Victoria State Emergency Service


WA
Director Emergency Management, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Bush Fire Planning Coordinator, Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley


NZ
Manager, Business Resilience, Greater Wellington
A range of roles, NEMA


 

 

 

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.

2024

7 – 9 November           Australasian Conference on Traumatic Stress

11 – 24 November       UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29)

19 November             IGEM 2024 Queensland Disaster Management Research Forum 

1 – 2 December           International Conference on Climate Change and Global Warming (NZ)


2025

8 March                       International Women’s Day

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

18 – 20 June                Natural Hazards Research Forum 2025

29 – 30 July                 Emergency Management Conference 2025 (Melbourne)

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


2026

24 – 25 March             Gender and Disaster Conference (NEW!)


 

 

 

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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