2024 Inspector-General of Emergency Management International Women’s Day Awards
International Women’s Day is an important day when the global community celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is “inspire inclusion”.
This theme motivates us to understand and value women's inclusion to forge a better world.
We see many prime examples for how championing women’s voices helps create a stronger system and we continue to encourage leaders to value inclusion, belonging, and empowerment.
It is important to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of women across disaster management operations and research.
We applaud our award winners and nominees for their exceptional contribution to the disaster management sector and we appreciate their colleagues who took the time to nominate them.
2024 Winners
For Excellence in Disaster Management - Champion of Change
Rowena Richardson, Executive Director, Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works.
Rowena has provided incredible leadership in standing up Australia's largest household recovery and resilience program, the seven hundred-and forty-one-million-dollar Queensland Resilient Homes Fund.
Rowena set the tone and vision of the program team as it developed, building a culture of excellence and responsiveness to support Queenslanders recovering from the devastating 2022 floods.
For Excellence in Disaster Management - Practitioner
Michelle Kocsis, Disaster Management Advisor, Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
As the Disaster Management Advisor for the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Michelle has developed, reviewed, and maintained disaster management programmes, including policy and standards.
Michelle has exhibited commitment to the continued improvement of disaster management practices in the Lockyer Valley.
An example is the continued review, upgrade, and enhancement of the Floodplain Management initiatives.
For Excellence in Disaster Management – Research
Hannah Mason, Research Officer, James Cook University.
Hannah played a vital role in a project that examined how heatwaves impact health service delivery.
Her contributions have been instrumental in unravelling the impact of heat waves on health services.
To date, the project has yielded four journal articles, with another two under review and three more in the pipeline, with the research reaching global audiences.
Award criteria
Excellence in Disaster Management - Champion of Change
Advocated for diversity and inclusion.
Demonstrated excellence in the sector.
Shown leadership as an inspirational role model.
Individuals who have had a significant impact in changing workplace culture and mindset to empower women and men to advance gender equality.
Excellence in Disaster Management – Practitioner
Showed a tangible commitment to improving the delivery of disaster management practices.
Introduced innovative or inclusive practices which contributed toward continuous improvement for the community and the sector.
Demonstrated disaster management excellence.
Excellence in Disaster Management – Research
Influenced the development of a learning culture.
Championed research and engagement within the sector.
Showed a tangible commitment to improving the delivery of disaster management practices.
