Newsletter, 31 January 2020
Dear Friends,
If you’ve been back at your desk for a few weeks already, you’ll have noticed this week the swelling numbers on the train, in the office and in the coffee queue! 2020 is definitely in full swing, yet for so many people and communities affected by the nation’s devastating bushfires, life is a long way from being back to normal.
Our hearts and hopes remain with those directly affected, with the extraordinary firefighters and first responders on the frontline – men and women bravely protecting lives, property and our precious wildlife and environment – and with our First Nations people whose connection to country adds another dimension to grief. In the midst of so much distress, it has been heartening to see the overwhelming generosity shown, both within Australia and from the international community, and the critical role philanthropy plays in the community.
We know there are valuable learnings in disaster planning and recovery, that have come from Black Saturday and other significant events here and abroad, which illustrate the importance of considering gender in the aftermath of the fires and in the process of rebuilding lives and communities.
Resources and information are available from the Gender and Disaster POD, and can be accessed here via their website genderanddisaster.com.au.
Julie Reilly
CEO
Australian Women Donors Network
