Research headlines in Brisbane

The attendance record was broken at AFAC16 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, with more than 2,500 emergency service managers, volunteers, researchers and industry representatives gathering in Brisbane from 30 August to 2 September for the annual Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC & AFAC conference.

The CRC's Research Forum kicked off the week, with 432 delegates hearing about how the latest Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC research is finding new ways to keep communities safe from natural hazards. This was followed by a further two days of talks from emergency managers, industry leaders and more research, and argument by the largest trade exhibition in the history of the conference. 160 exhibitors from 14 countries showcased an extensive range of equipment and services, while the live demonstrations and expo stage proved to be a highlight, featuring a live demonstration of a road crash rescue performed by the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation. The AFAC16 Knowledge Lounge showcased the quality selection of research and conference posters and provided attendees an opportunity to meet with some of the leading speakers.

Dr Richard Thornton, CEO of Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, said the conference and Research Forum highlighted the importance of relationships between research and the emergency services.

“To have the connectedness that exists and continues to evolve between researchers and emergency management practitioners is fantastic. These critical relationships are increasingly important, and a key aspect of what the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is about. These partnerships are more important now than ever as we continue to embed research findings into practice,” he said.

All research resources, including the research proceedings, presentations, posters and videos are available. A special edition of The Australian Journal of Emergency Management has further peer-reviewed research papers. Papers from days two and three can be accessed via the AFAC website.

AFAC16 is the largest emergency services gathering in Australia and New Zealand, and featured more than 100 presentations and seven professional development sessions over four days.