“We are thrilled to have won this important award from the Third Sector’. said GADAus Executive Director Dr Debra Parkinson. “Our work addresses the harms of gendered expectations in disasters. We see increased family violence after disasters, increases in men’s mental ill-health through feelings of ‘failure’, and neglect of LGBTIQA+ people”. The Third Sector Award will help GADAus in this vital work.
Since establishing as a national charity in 2022, GADAus has trained over 1,000 first responders, recovery workers and disaster-affected communities, through a Commonwealth grant under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and their Children 2022-2032. The GADAus Train-the-Trainer program has certified over 70 local experts, and a range of new resources have been produced.
As climate change brings more frequent and intense weather events, bushfires and floods, and Australia increasingly recognises men’s violence against women, the key message is that “Disaster is no excuse for family violence”.
GADAus also advises Councils on how to plan safer Evacuation and Relief Centres, and recently received additional funding through the Commonwealth Disaster Ready Grants to work with every council in Victoria, and disaster high-risk councils in NSW, to help make evacuation centres safer for everyone.
Evacuation and Relief Centres can feel unsafe if there is no awareness of the danger for women with Intervention Orders or violent ex-partners. They can also be unsafe for people who experience discrimination as a non-binary person. This has led to people taking their chances with the disaster (and risking their lives) rather than stay in an unsafe situation.
“GADAus is honoured to receive this prestigious award, and sincerely thank the many people who make this work possible, from our research informants to funders, and our committed team, Board and Expert Advisory Committee”, concluded Dr Parkinson.
The Third Sector Awards is the largest and most prestigious Awards ceremony recognising excellence within the Not-for-Profit sector. Developed and hosted in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact (CSI).
Key Facts:
GADAus has trained over 1,000 first responders, recovery workers and disaster-affected communities.
The GADAus Train-the-Trainer program has certified over 70 local experts.
About us:
Gender and Disaster Australia is the leading national organisation providing evidence-based training and resources to first responders and community on how gender impacts people in disasters.
Contact details:
Carolin Wenzel - 0417 668 957
E: carolin@commsforchange.com.au
Melesa Osborne - 0425 823 064
E: m.osborne@gadaustralia.com.au