Member recognised for championing women in emergency services
Matt with his Women In Leadership Mentoring Program mentee, Emily Foord
Mernda volunteer and CFA wildfire instructor Matt Harry has been recognised for his ongoing commitment to gender equity and inclusion, receiving the Ally Recognition Award from the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network (AWE).
The award was presented at the 2026 AWE Recognition Awards ceremony on 15 September, where AWE Chair Ruth Wraith OAM announced this year’s winners.
Established in 2018, AWE works to promote, support and recognise the contributions of women in emergencies and disasters, helping build stronger and more resilient individuals, organisations and communities across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
The AWE Ally Recognition Award acknowledges an individual with an extensive and demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusion across the emergency and disaster resilience sector.
Matt, a mentor in the Women in Leadership Mentoring Program and Young Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program, was recognised for the practical and consistent support he provides to women in emergency management, including creating opportunities, mentoring, building confidence and championing women’s capabilities.
His nomination highlighted the impact of his advocacy, noting that he is an ally who “has women’s backs, even when they aren’t in the room” and is willing to speak up when it matters.
Through his mentorship, Matt has helped create opportunities for women to step forward, develop their skills and take on leadership roles across emergency management.
The 2026 AWE Recognition Awards brought together nominees from a wide range of organisations and roles across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
The recipients reflect the breadth of the emergency management and disaster resilience sector, from leaders and frontline responders to technical experts, researchers, trainers and volunteers.
View the full list of recipients on the AWE website.