2022 EMPA Australia award winners

EMPA Australia Awards for Excellence in Communication

The Annual EMPA Awards for Excellence in Emergency Communication have been established to recognise those who have made a significant contribution to emergency communications in Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian EMPA Awards 2022 were presented at the conference dinner and awards evening on Thursday 12 May 2022.

For emergency communication - Readiness and Resilience

A project or activity that contributes to improved community preparedness and/or resilience.

Winner
Infrastructure NSW, Resilience NSW & NSW State Emergency Service
Floods. What’s your plan?

Barb Ryan, right, with Commissioner Carlene York (NSW SES), Madeleine Dignam (Infrastructure NSW), and Kate Moore (Resilience NSW)

Highly Commended
Articulous 
Get COVID-Ready

Shoshanna Berry-Porter and Amanda Newbery from Articulous with Barb Ryan, right (Rebecca Riggs, behind)

For emergency communication - Recovery

Supporting the recovery of a community impacted by an emergency.

Winner
University of Melbourne | Massey University | Australian Red Cross | Natural Hazards Research Australia 
Recovery Capitals (ReCap)

Barb Ryan, left, with Shona Whitton from Australian Red Cross accepting the award on behalf of the team.

For media

In-depth and balanced coverage of a topic that increases public understanding of a hazard or an emergency response.
Comprehensive and accurate reporting before or during an emergency response, contributing to public safety.

Highly Commended
University of Melbourne | Australian Red Cross | ABC
After the Disaster podcast

Barb Ryan, left, with Shona Whitton from Australian Red Cross

For published research that advances emergency communication by:

  • Improving community preparedness and/or resilience

  • Increasing the effectiveness of communication during an emergency response;

  • Enabling agencies to better support communities recovering from an adverse event.

Winner
Dr Jessica Weir, Dean Freeman, Bhiamie Williamson, et al
Cultural burning in southern Australia – booklet and posters

Barb Ryan, left, with Dr Jessica Weir, accepting the award on behalf of her team. 

Highly Commended
Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council
Cultural Burning for Resilience: An immersive Aboriginal Youth workshop and film

Barb Ryan, left, with Elder Vic Channel, accepting the award on behalf of his team. 

Highly Commended
The University of New England & the Bushfire Natural Hazards CRC
The Australian Disaster Resilience Index: a tool for building safer, adaptable communities

Barb Ryan, Left, with Richard Thornton, CEO, Natural Hazards Research Australia