Prestigious Award for Emergency Management

Sarah Dean, Tablelands Regional Council’s Senior Advisor Emergency Management, has won a prestigious Australasian Women in Emergencies (AWE) Recognition Award.

‘The AWE Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in emergency management and disaster resilience across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific,’ said Councillor Annette Haydon who provided a reference for the award nomination.

‘They celebrate and honour the diverse and significant contributions of women and their allies to emergency management and disaster resilience.

‘Nominations are assessed on recent achievements and ongoing contributions across seven categories.

‘Sarah received an award in the Outstanding Disaster Resilience category for her contribution to the advancement of disaster resilience of communities.

‘The judging panel recognised Sarah’s 15+ years of strengthening disaster resilience across our region including leading the recovery after Cyclone Yasi, pioneering Community All-Hazard Disaster Plans, and establishing Community Disaster Teams.

‘Sarah has empowered communities with lasting preparedness and recovery systems.

‘She is trusted, collaborative and tireless, and has made a profound and enduring contribution to our disaster resilience,’ Councillor Haydon said.

Speaking after the online awards in September AWE President Bridget Tehan spoke highly of the award recipients.

‘The AWE Recognition Awards reflect the calibre, leadership and dedication of women who are making an extraordinary impact in emergency management and disaster resilience.

‘Their contributions — across diverse contexts and often behind the scenes — are vital to building safer, stronger and more connected communities.

‘It is a privilege to celebrate and acknowledge their widespread achievements,’ said Ms Tehan.