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The overlooked frontline of Australia's extreme weather emergencies

MEDIA ALERT

Uniting will bring frontline community service workers to Federal Parliament tomorrow amid growing alarm about the predicted “Super El Niño” summer and the prospect of record-breaking heat and severe bushfire conditions. Workers will reveal how extreme weather is already making it harder to deliver essential care and call for this overlooked workforce to be included in Australia’s emergency planning.

 

New research from the UnitingCare network shows nine in ten community service workers have experienced extreme weather in the past five years, increasing workloads, disrupting access to vulnerable people and taking a growing toll on workers’ wellbeing. The briefing comes as Australian Red Cross research released for EmergencyRedi Week finds 72% of Australians believe communities must do more to prepare for and recover from emergencies.

 

The Government’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, Kate Thwaites MP, is sponsoring the event. UnitingCare Australia CEO Tamara Thomas will introduce frontline workers who will share first-hand accounts of supporting people with disability, young children and families through fires, floods and other extreme weather.

 

Who:	Kate Thwaites MP - Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience   Tamara Thomas - UnitingCare Australia CEO   Alice Salomon - Uniting NSW.ACT Head of Advocacy and Media   Juliana Hoy – Uniting Local Area Co-ordinator   Jo Garland – Uniting Early Educator
Where:	Senate Committee Room 1S3 --> 1S2
When:	Midday, 16 September 2026

 

About us:

About UnitingUniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.

 

Contact details:

Kathryn Lamond

Media & Public Affairs Manager
0424 465 464
[email protected]