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New PaIRE framework

New framework to provide collaborative support for people at increased risk in emergencies

A new statewide framework designed to reduce the impact of emergencies, such as bushfires and floods, on people facing increased risk has been launched by SA Emergency Services Minister the Hon. Rhiannon Pearce.

The People at Increased Risk in Emergencies Framework for South Australia 2025-29 was developed by the South Australian Council of Social Service and Australian Red Cross, with input from nearly 60 community service organisations, councils, government departments and other groups.

Launched at the From Risk to Strength conference, the framework aims to strengthen South Australia’s emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery systems, while building resilience across communities. It seeks to reduce disaster risk by improving policy and practices, and enhancing collaboration across the emergency management, health and community service sectors.

Underpinned by six guiding principles – do no harm, people focused, understanding and empowerment, everyone has the right to contribute, equitable access, and we are all in this together, the framework’s two main aims are to:

  • Embed people focused, systemic approaches into the plans and processes of stakeholder sectors, better enabling people at increased risk to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergencies; and
  • Strengthen human and social capital in South Australia, with a focus on emergency planning, preparedness and resilience for people at increased risk.

The framework can be downloaded from the Department of Premier and Cabinet website. The People at Increased Risk in Emergencies 2025-27 project is supported by funding from the Australian Government.

Quotes attributable to State Emergency Services Minister, the Hon. Rhiannon Pearce MP

Our staff and volunteer firefighters do an incredible job helping our community in times of need and this framework will strengthen their capacity to this important work with people that are vulnerable.

 South Australian emergency service personnel want to be able to provide the best possible response in a crisis, regardless of a person’s circumstances, and this framework will help to guide this.

Importantly, this framework reflects the South Australian Government’s commitment to working strategically and collaboratively with partners to identify who needs additional support and to make planning, preparedness, response and recovery supports more accessible.

 I commend SACOSS and Australian Red Cross for instigating and developing this important work.

Quotes attributable to SACOSS CEO, Dr Catherine Earl

The framework is an important tool as SACOSS continues its work to ensure fairness and equity for all South Australians.

At times of disaster, it’s critical that we all share responsibility in ensuring that people at increased risk receive the support they need, when they need it. This framework provides clear and effective guidance for all of the relevant services and providers to ensure we work together better.

It is also important that the framework incorporates the knowledge and voices of those with lived experience – this can only result in improved outcomes for those people at in increased risk in emergencies.

Quotes attributable to Australian Red Cross, Director, South Australia & National Community Mobilisation, Sarah Strathearn

True resilience begins with understanding the needs of those most at risk. This is at the heart of what we do at Australian Red Cross and why we support this framework.

Emergencies affect everyone differently. By strengthening community resilience across South Australia, this collaborative effort reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone can prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies safely and with dignity.

For Australian Red Cross, collaboration is key. This framework shows what is possible when community organisations and government come together with a common purpose to support safer, stronger and more resilient communities.

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JEREMY BROWN

Jeremy is currently the Chief Executive at Uniting Communities and is deeply committed to cultivating a strong, values-driven organisational culture that places people and community at its core. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, innovation, and strategic growth, ensuring that Uniting Communities continues to deliver inclusive and impactful services to more than 80,000 South Australians each year.

His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of Novita Services and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Care (SA). He has also had a long-standing association with SACOSS where he served as a member of their Policy Council.

MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.