Leadership when it matters most
Australia has experienced some of the world’s most extreme disasters—from the Black Summer bushfires to widespread floods in Queensland and NSW. Such disasters are placing new demands on how organisations prepare, respond and recover. Yet despite significant operational capability, there's a clear gap in the kind of strategic leadership needed to manage these complex challenges across sectors.
From chaos to coordination
Strategic leaders don’t just respond — they anticipate, communicate and coordinate under pressure.
But that kind of leadership doesn't happen by chance. It takes experience and preparation.
Developed and delivered with industry, UNE's Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management program will give professionals the tools they need to lead - not just respond - during times of crisis.
The program targets current and aspiring leaders needing formal qualifications to match their operational experience, or who are seeking to shift into roles managing risk, recovery, and resilience in a changing world.
"You don't get to choose when a crisis hits. But you can choose how prepared you are to lead through it."
Beyond a technical response
Crises don’t come with a warning — they hit fast, disrupt hard, and demand clear thinking from those in charge.
The Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management program was shaped by senior leaders from frontline agencies. Their insights, case studies and hard-won lessons are embedded throughout the course content.
"This course helps professionals move from reactive to strategic thinking. You’ll learn how to assess risk, make decisions with incomplete information, manage competing priorities, communicate clearly and lead diverse teams through uncertainty."
Who should enrol?
- Mid to senior management professionals looking to advance their careers
- Australian Defence Force personnel transitioning to civilian roles
- Emergency services professionals looking to diversify their careers
- Risk management professionals across industries
- Professionals in biosecurity, climate change adaptation and emerging risk areas wanting to upskill
About the program
- Unique, industry-led qualification developed in partnership with Risk-e Business Consultants
- Flexible, online and designed for working professionals
- Intensive 12-credit point subjects with fewer assessment points
- A "carousel model" allowing entry in any trimester
- Practical, real-world assessments
- Recognition for prior learning and experience will enable students to complete the Master's with as few as six subjects over two years.
"Our assessment strategies are work-related. Students identify issues in their current professional environment and develop evidence-based recommendations to address them."
What you'll walk away with
- A toolkit for strategic thinking and crisis decision-making
- Skills to plan, lead and communicate during emergencies
- Confidence to work and lead across sectors, agencies and jurisdictions
- A recognised UNE microcredential that counts towards further postgraduate study
Preparing for tomorrow
From renewable energy risks to biosecurity threats like avian influenza and Japanese encephalitis, graduates will be equipped to lead strategic responses to emerging challenges across government and industry.
"The course helps develop capabilities beyond what internal agency training typically provides. It gives graduates more opportunities, including opportunities to climb the corporate ladder outside the agency where they've probably spent most of their career."
Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management courses
Master of Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management
Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management
Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management
Applications open in August for a February 2026 start.
Course leaders with real-world experience
Dave Owens APM, Risk-e Business Consultants
David Owens is Managing Director of Risk-e Business Consultants, following a distinguished 30-year career with the NSW Police Force where he served as Deputy Commissioner responsible for nearly 13,000 police, 1,200 public servants and a $3 billion budget.
As the longest-serving State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON), David managed numerous major incidents including the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Equine Influenza outbreak, Black Saturday Bushfires, Christchurch Earthquake response, and security operations for APEC Leaders Week and World Youth Day.
Since transitioning to consultancy, David has led high-profile projects including the NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry, Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Flood Emergency Sub Plan rewrite, and operationalising Foot & Mouth disease preparedness for NSW Department of Primary Industries. His expertise spans emergency management, security planning, risk assessment and organisational leadership. He has conducted major exercises for Sydney Airport, NSW Rural Fire Service, and emergency agencies nationwide.
David holds Masters degrees in both Emergency Management and Leadership & Management, and was selected as the only Australasian representative to attend the FBI's National Executive Institute.
His contributions have been recognised with the Australian Police Medal, Risk Management Institute of Australasia Consultant of the Year, and multiple Australian Business Awards. He currently serves on the NSW Ambulance Board .
Dave Donohue APM, Risk-e Business Consultants
Dave Donohue brings over 30 years' experience in the NSW Police Force combined with extensive private sector expertise in risk management and emergency leadership.
As one of the youngest Commanders in the NSWPF, Dave served as Assistant Commissioner for Professional Standards Command and directed the Major Events and Incidents Group. He was Risk Sponsor for World Youth Day and Logistics Commander for both World Youth Day and APEC, demonstrating his expertise in managing high-profile, complex operations.
Since transitioning to the private sector, Dave has led numerous significant projects including the operationalisation of NSW DPI Biosecurity's foot and mouth disease response, developing emergency and business continuity plans for government agencies, and serving as Efficiency Advocate for Victoria's response to High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.
Dave has conducted major exercises for organisations including Country Fire Authority Victoria and Sydney Airport, and delivered reviews for law enforcement agencies nationwide. His biosecurity expertise includes developing risk management plans for national renewable gas companies. His academic qualifications include Masters degrees in both Emergency Management and Leadership and Management, complemented by extensive risk management certifications.
Dave has lectured at the University of New South Wales and Sydney University on policing topics and was recognised with the Australian Police Medal in 2015.
Associate Professor Glenn Porter ASIS FRPS, UNE
Associate Professor Glenn Porter is a distinguished academic at the University of New England, leading the development of innovative interdisciplinary programs bridging academia and industry.
As the academic lead for UNE's Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management Masters program, Glenn has designed a flexible curriculum allowing professionals to gain formal qualifications while maintaining demanding careers.
Glenn has extensive experience in designing industry-focused education, creating pathways between vocational experience and academic credentials. His approach emphasizes practical application of theory to workplace challenges, with assessment strategies that directly relate to real-world problem-solving. His expertise in program development includes designing multiple academic pathways, including specialized routes for law and research streams, and implementing recognition for prior professional experience.
At UNE, Glenn has been instrumental in developing cross-disciplinary connections between emergency management, indigenous studies, law, and policy development, creating a holistic approach to leadership education.
Glenn's work focuses on creating educational opportunities for mid-career professionals seeking to advance to executive positions, with particular expertise in designing intensive delivery models that accommodate the needs of busy industry leaders while maintaining academic rigor.
Built with Shorthand