Dr Margaret Moreton has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus), a national organisation offering evidence-based education, training and resources to address the harmful impacts of gendered expectations in disaster.
“I look forward to joining GADAus as CEO,” said Dr Moreton. “This role will utilise the expertise, knowledge and connections I have developed throughout my career, to address the significant challenge of preventing harms that can be caused by gendered stereotypes before, during and after disasters.”
“GADAus’ research, training and leadership in this field enhances the safety and wellbeing of all community members and those who support them, increasingly important as we face a disaster-prone future,” she added.
“My focus will be to strengthen the work of GADAus, building on the work of founding Executive Director Dr. Debra Parkinson, Board members and the GADAus team.”
Set to assume her role on February 3, 2025, Dr Moreton brings extensive experience, with a career spanning 40 years. Her previous roles include social policy and advisory positions, program management and the provision of consultancy services.
She has held various leadership positions and undertaken significant projects and contract work within government, and the non-government, business, philanthropy and community sectors. Her roles have included a focus on enhancing Indigenous outcomes, community development, early childhood, mental health and autism, and leading community engagement at the Office for Women (federally).
“We are delighted to welcome Dr Margaret Moreton as our new CEO,” said the Chair of the Board of GADAus, Professor Renae Ryan.
“This appointment follows an exhaustive selection process where several very strong candidates were considered.”
“A current member of the GADAus Expert Advisory Committee, Dr Moreton brings an impressive track record, including her most recent role as Executive Director of the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR), and her work as Community Resilience Mission Lead with the Minderoo Foundation Fire and Flood Resilience Initiative,” said Professor Ryan.
A passionate advocate for inclusive and collaborative approaches to building resilience to disasters, Dr Moreton believes strongly that we must take a systemic approach to face the challenge of increasingly intense and frequent disasters.
Her commitment is to work so that diverse genders are safe before, during and after disasters, have a voice in building their own disaster resilience and are able to survive, contribute, and thrive in their communities and organisations.
As Dr Moreton steps into the role of CEO, the GADAus Board of Directors has extended their gratitude to the work of founding Executive Director Dr Debra Parkinson, whose work “laid the foundation over the past 15 years for GAD Aus’ success to date.
“Under Dr. Parkinson’s leadership, GADAus has grown into Australia’s leading national organisation providing evidence-based education, training, and resources to address the harmful impacts of gendered expectations in disasters,” said Professor Ryan.
“The Board looks forward to continuing this vital work under the capable leadership of Dr. Moreton, ensuring that GADAus remains at the forefront of improving disaster resilience and recovery, nationwide.”