Sharpening the saw! Emergency management volunteer education gets million-dollar funding boost

‘We applaud the Government’s decision to expand the program and look forward to being able to offer funding to a broader group,’ said director Dr Noreen Krusel.

‘Developing the knowledge and capacity of our volunteers is key to building and sustaining disaster resilience in our communities.’

The funding expands the existing program for emergency management volunteers to access vocational and higher education qualifications in emergency and disaster management fields.

Sacha Flight, a scholarship recipient and Queensland Rural Fire Service volunteer, described the knowledge gained through his study as ‘invaluable.’

‘It will allow me to help build the disaster resilience in my local community. I encourage other volunteers to apply for the scholarship program,’ he said.

Since 2017, AIDR has managed the program on behalf of the Australian Government, facilitating emergency management volunteers to access relevant vocational and higher education.

Applications for Round Four of the Emergency Management Volunteer Scholarships Program open on 3 September 2018 and close 15 October 2018.