Ruth Wraith OAM announced the winners of the 2024 AWE Recognition Awards at the Awards Ceremony in October 2024.

Nominees for this year’s Awards play a wide range of roles and come from a range of different organisations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Collectively these women paint a picture of emergency management and disaster resilience across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific – one where everybody has an important role to play, from leaders and front-line responders to technical experts, researchers, trainers and volunteers.

Congratulations to all our 2024 AWE Recognition Award winners!

Leadership

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

  • OUTSTANDING: Siusan MacKenzie

    Siusan has significantly advanced emergency management through strategic leadership. She established the CFA’s communications unit,…

  • OUTSTANDING: Kiley Haslow

    Kiley’s unwavering commitment and dedication to her Wajul Wajul community during an extraordinary time of…

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Julie Bernhagen

    Julie has extensive emergency management experience and is known for her dedication and humble nature.…

  • COMMENDED: Liza Dowling

    Liza demonstrated outstanding leadership and adaptability during TC Jasper. Her relentless dedication, including 24/7 presence…

  • COMMENDED: Kylie Ledger

    Kylie is a dedicated and impactful leader in emergency management, with nearly two decades of…

  • COMMENDED: Kylie Kleinig

    Kylie is a dedicated volunteer and staff member of SACFS working in the Eyre Peninsula…

OUTSTANDING: Siusan MacKenzie

Siusan has significantly advanced emergency management through strategic leadership. She established the CFA’s communications unit, revolutionised bushfire reporting with media training on fire behaviour, and initiated a key partnership with ABC radio for better emergency information. As CEO of the Emergency Services Foundation, she has focused on mental health, leading programs like Leading for Better Mental Health and the Residential Wellbeing Program. She established the annual International Women’s Day forum, adding a diversity and inclusion awards segment in 2024. Her visionary leadership, empathy, and advocacy for gender equality have made her a vital asset to the emergency management sector.

OUTSTANDING: Kiley Haslow

Kiley’s unwavering commitment and dedication to her Wajul Wajul community during an extraordinary time of challenging disaster make her a deserving candidate. Her leadership during the initial response and then the long journey of recovery serves as an inspiration to all, embodying the spirit of resilience, empathy, and innovation.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Julie Bernhagen

Julie has extensive emergency management experience and is known for her dedication and humble nature. As the Northwest Regional EM Coordinator, she supports the Regional Controller, coordinates emergency management information, and maintains situational awareness, emergency plans, and risk registers. Playing a pivotal role in emergency coordination Julie has been instrumental in the response and recovery efforts in 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.

COMMENDED: Liza Dowling

Liza demonstrated outstanding leadership and adaptability during TC Jasper. Her relentless dedication, including 24/7 presence at the LDCC, innovative problem-solving, and empathetic communication, was crucial in managing the crisis. Liza effectively coordinated evacuations, established resupply processes, and supported her team, demonstrating exceptional emotional intelligence and commitment to community recovery. Her efforts not only improved disaster management for Douglas Shire but also inspired and supported her colleagues, showcasing her invaluable contribution to both immediate response and long-term resilience.

COMMENDED: Kylie Ledger

Kylie is a dedicated and impactful leader in emergency management, with nearly two decades of service in the NSW Rural Fire Service. Her commitment to continuous learning and mentoring has empowered many, particularly women, in the firefighting community. As an Adjunct Academic and Council Preparedness Officer, Kylie excels at simplifying complex issues, fostering collaboration, and driving innovative solutions. Her leadership during multi-agency events and the 2019/2020 bushfire season demonstrates her adaptability, accountability and passion for education, diversity, and community resilience.

COMMENDED: Kylie Kleinig

Kylie is a dedicated volunteer and staff member of SACFS working in the Eyre Peninsula involved in brigade leadership, cadets, community engagement, volunteer support and operations. Through Kylie’s staff role in Community Engagement, multiple community Emergency Preparedness events involving; SASES, Australian Red Cross and local government, has seen local communities attend these receiving individual risk awareness and education about how to prepare, respond to and recover from an emergency. Kylie’s passion for educating the community and collaborating with others shines through, ensuring a warm, friendly and educational event for the whole community.

Knowledge Development & Advancement

Recognition Award for an individual who has made a significant impact on knowledge development and advancement in the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.

  • OUTSTANDING: Malin Zachau

    Following a 25 year medical career, Malin has focused on voluntary outdoor medicine education and…

  • OUTSTANDING: Dr Blythe McLennan

    Blythe is a committed and tenacious advocate for the disaster researchers she supports. She continuously…

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Tahlia Wolverson

    Quality and supportive training is the backbone of any Emergency Response Agency. Whilst the Trainer…

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kate Waterhouse

    Kate has been the Committee Chair of GEMA (Geospatial Emergency Management Aotearoa) for the past…

  • COMMENDED: Mandy Maglaras

    Mandy in her role as Community Capability Service Delivery Coordinator for CFA’s South West Region,…

OUTSTANDING: Malin Zachau

Following a 25 year medical career, Malin has focused on voluntary outdoor medicine education and advocacy work to align her love of the outdoors and her passion for ensuring responders and volunteers teams can work safely together. She develops policy and articles, teaches and presents on avalanche victim resuscitation, mountain safety, PTSD, alpine accidents and trauma, asphyxia, hypothermic cardiac arrest, alpine fall prevention, and emergency response and deployment in austere environments. Malin provides mentorship and advocacy, and advice to so many. To say she is an invaluable member of the volunteer community is an understatement.

OUTSTANDING: Dr Blythe McLennan

Blythe is a committed and tenacious advocate for the disaster researchers she supports. She continuously demonstrates a dedicated effort to helping researchers navigate process hurdles and supporting them to deliver their work in a way that will benefit communities and the emergency management sector.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Tahlia Wolverson

Quality and supportive training is the backbone of any Emergency Response Agency. Whilst the Trainer Assessors are seen as the figureheads, the work undertaken behind the scenes is crucial to the outcome. This work is completed behind the scenes, without recognition or fanfare, but is vital to the smooth running of the programs. Tahlia’s work to ensure that this service is completed with a learner outcome focus, epitomises the role. Tahlia is capable, flexible and confident beyond her years of experience and has undertaken her own development at every chance. Tahlia should be recognised for undertaking a role that might be seen as not glamourous or forward facing but is vital to maintain the operational capacity of the organisation.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kate Waterhouse

Kate has been the Committee Chair of GEMA (Geospatial Emergency Management Aotearoa) for the past 3 years but has been involved with GEMA (formerly NZGIS4EM) for considerably longer (8 years). Her commitment to advancing the collaboration of geospatial across the emergency management sector has been exemplary. Kate’s leadership, vision and continued support of those around her make a huge difference to how sector agencies work together to respond when disaster strikes.

COMMENDED: Mandy Maglaras

Mandy in her role as Community Capability Service Delivery Coordinator for CFA’s South West Region, exemplifies AWE’s values through her innovative approach to community safety. Identifying gaps in fire safety support for at-risk populations, she led the development of the Residential Advice Visit Service (RAVS). This initiative, in partnership with local Rotary and Lions clubs, installed over 1,400 smoke alarms in 720 homes within three years. Despite challenges like COVID-19, Mandy’s leadership and adaptability ensured RAVS’s success. Her work earned the 2022 Spirit of CFA Team Award and continues to shape Statewide programs, showcasing her commitment to community resilience and effective problem-solving.

Promoting Volunteerism

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

  • OUTSTANDING: Michelle Gillman

    Michelle Gillman has been a key leader of disaster relief organisation Taskforce Kiwi (TFK) since…

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Melanie Conn

    During the disaster response to Tropical Cyclone Jasper, Mel played a pivotal role in leading…

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lisa Sprlyan

    As a dedicated Orange Sky volunteer for eight years, and a valued employee for seven…

  • COMMENDED: Josey Sensi

    In her role as Senior Station Officer Josey has significantly shaped the Victorian Fire Services…

  • COMMENDED: Jenny Wilson

    As an enthusiastic volunteer with Gympie SES, Jenny Wilson, has actively responded to floods engaging…

OUTSTANDING: Michelle Gillman

Michelle Gillman has been a key leader of disaster relief organisation Taskforce Kiwi (TFK) since its founding in 2022, as well as being a longstanding member of the Christchurch City Council’s Emergency Support team, and the Selwyn District Council’s Emergency Operations Centre team. As a leader within TFK she has played a pivotal role in building an entirely new disaster relief organisation from scratch in just two years. She has made an incalculable difference to communities in New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific and around the world, embodying the values of the AWE Network to support those who need it most.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Melanie Conn

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.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lisa Sprlyan

As a dedicated Orange Sky volunteer for eight years, and a valued employee for seven years, Lisa has played a key role in developing the Disaster Relief Program, leading teams of volunteers and staff to assist communities. Her leadership has facilitated 1,335 disaster relief shifts, which offer access to free laundry facilities, and a safe space for connection. Lisa led the response to Tropical Cyclone Jasper in Far North QLD, sacrificing her holiday to support affected communities. Lisa embodies AWE’s values of relationships and adaptability, genuine connections and skilfully navigating the complex needs of those in need.

COMMENDED: Josey Sensi

In her role as Senior Station Officer Josey has significantly shaped the Victorian Fire Services through her drive to foster a supportive and progressive work culture. She is passionate about developing, supporting, and mentoring the many firefighters that have worked on station with her or have sought her advice, and she has been a fierce advocate for female firefighters, career and volunteer, throughout her time on station. This nomination was submitted jointly by her team on B Shift at FRV Fire Station 87 (Dandenong), in recognition of her exceptional contributions and leadership.

COMMENDED: Jenny Wilson

As an enthusiastic volunteer with Gympie SES, Jenny Wilson, has actively responded to floods engaging in sandbagging efforts and providing aerial support for rescue helicopters. Jenny has been involved in the organisation of community resilience events, expos and fun days, raising awareness of the remarkable women in SES. Her exceptional leadership and communication skills greatly enhance her impact in the community.

Promoting Gender Equity

Recognition Award for an individual who makes an important contribution to promoting gender equity within the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.

  • OUTSTANDING: Everlyn Fiualakwa

    Everlyn is nominated for her transformative work in gender-responsive disaster risk reduction in the Solomon…

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Frances Ford

    Throughout her extensive career, Frances has paved the way for women in the emergency management…

  • COMMENDED: Sherri McKerley

    Sherri has significantly impacted emergency management, particularly in education, training, diversity, and supporting women. Leading…

OUTSTANDING: Everlyn Fiualakwa

Everlyn is nominated for her transformative work in gender-responsive disaster risk reduction in the Solomon Islands. Through her role with UN Women, she empowers women and vulnerable groups, integrating their voices into disaster planning to enhance community resilience. Everlyn’s dedication to gender equality, her collaborative approach, and her commitment to saving lives have significantly improved disaster preparedness and response in her community. She exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and makes outstanding contributions to emergency management and disaster resilience.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Frances Ford

Throughout her extensive career, Frances has paved the way for women in the emergency management sector and is a consistent advocate for gender equity and the needs of vulnerable or marginalised community members. She has a commitment to social justice, evidenced in the inclusive, sensitive approach she takes to all aspects of emergency management processes and in her feedback and input to local, regional and state emergency management planning. She is a caring and supportive leader who empowers her team to be the best they can be.

COMMENDED: Sherri McKerley

Sherri has significantly impacted emergency management, particularly in education, training, diversity, and supporting women. Leading the Air Attack Supervisor Pre-Selection and Screening Project, she applied her exceptional project management and training assessment skills to design processes that identified key personnel while breaking down barriers for equal opportunities. Her inclusive approach and collaboration with experts ensured the project’s success, setting a new standard for aviation capabilities and inspiring other sectors. Sherri’s dedication to diversity, gender equity, and public sector values, combined with her leadership and commitment, makes her highly deserving of this award.

Mentoring

Recognition Award for an individual who mentors, supports and encourages women in the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.

  • OUTSTANDING: Sherene Mounier (twice nominated)

    Sherene is a distinguished leader in emergency management, with over 26 years of service across…

  • COMMENDED: Susan Shaw

    Susan has made a longstanding, exceptional contribution to the use of both imagery and geospatial…

OUTSTANDING: Sherene Mounier (twice nominated)

Sherene is a distinguished leader in emergency management, with over 26 years of service across military and civilian sectors. As the Coordinator of Incident Management Systems at CFA, her expertise in logistics has strengthened emergency response operations nationwide. Sherene is deeply committed to empowering women in the sector, actively mentoring and coaching to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. Her efforts and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on the sector’s resilience and inclusivity, making her a deserving recipient of the AWE Award for supporting other women in the sector.

COMMENDED: Susan Shaw

Susan has made a longstanding, exceptional contribution to the use of both imagery and geospatial data with the emergency management sector. In addition to her Geospatial Specialist role at LINZ, Susan has been involved with GEMA (Geospatial Emergency Management Aotearoa) for many years, including as committee secretary. Susan is involved in a range of workstreams around Key Datasets for Resilience and Climate Change and imagery. Susan’s pragmatic, supportive and professional approach to collaborating make her a superb colleague. She is an asset to the sector and deserves to be recognised as such.

Building Resilience with Communities

Recognition Award for an individual who makes an important contribution to building resilience with communities to enhance disaster resilience.

  • OUTSTANDING: Elly Bird

    Elly exemplifies the qualities of an inspiring leader—vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the…

  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mischa Hill

    Mischa is an outstanding leader in emergency management with over 10 years of service. As…

OUTSTANDING: Elly Bird

Elly exemplifies the qualities of an inspiring leader—vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of her community. Her profound impact on disaster recovery in her region and her relentless advocacy for community-driven approaches make her a deserving recipient of the 2024 AWE Recognition Award.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mischa Hill

Mischa is an outstanding leader in emergency management with over 10 years of service. As Senior MarComms and Group PIM at WREMO, she has strengthened regional PIM capabilities, led the coordination of crucial responses, and developed nationally consistent training materials. Her innovative approach, including the award-winning emergency toilet campaign, exemplifies her dedication to excellence, collaboration, and doing the right thing. Mischa’s work not only enhances WREMO’s capabilities but also inspires others in the field, making her deserving of recognition.