AWE recognises the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to emergency management and disaster resilience every day, and especially during Australia’s National Volunteer Week. This year’s We are the Change Makers campaign, from 15-21 May, celebrates the powerful impact volunteers make by supporting individuals, communities and the nation, including those who stand up in the face of emergencies and act to protect and serve communities.
AWE member and Natural Hazards Research Australia’s (NHRA) Dr Blythe McLennan is working with NHRA, AFAC and a range of key stakeholders on a project to collaboratively develop a National Volunteer Sustainability Blueprint to better support emergency management volunteers, volunteering and volunteerism.
Dr Blythe McLennan
Blythe says, “There is nothing more important for the future of Australia’s disaster resilience than supporting sustainable, rewarding and impactful volunteering that is valued right across our society. The National Volunteer Sustainability Blueprint is about working together in a coordinated, collaborative and creative way to tackle the tangible work that needs to be done to strengthen and protect the foundations of emergency management volunteering. We are all looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck into some of the sticky issues that have confronted volunteers and volunteering for so long.”
AWE recognises that volunteers play critical roles before, during and after emergencies and disasters, and our communities are significantly strengthened by their skills, time and dedication.
This National Volunteer Week, let’s all celebrate and thank those AWE members and all women and others who volunteer to help keep communities safe!
