Collaborate to improve emergency response

Australasia’s emergency management sector will convene to discuss the need for interagency collaboration to improve the performance in emergency management, at AFAC17 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, returning for the first time in six years to Sydney at the International Convention Centre this September.

The strength of Australasia’s emergency management sector is essential safety and security of all citizens across the country, with recent events across the globe highlighting the need for emergency agencies to collaborate and effectively deliver a robust response in diverse situations.

Co-produced by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC) and Deutsche Messe – the conference is focused on Collaborating for Success – Improving performance in emergency management.

Stuart Ellis, CEO, AFAC commented on the importance of emergency management leaders joining to discuss the future of our national emergency response agenda.

“AFAC17 provides a unique opportunity for the sector to come together to learn best practice and trends, and discover the latest in research and technology. By bringing together the best minds in the country, and from around the world to collaborate and share insights, we are committed to strengthening the future of emergency management in Australia.

“It has been six years since the conference was held in Sydney giving those previously unable to attend a great opportunity to collaborate. This year we have ten Professional Development programs giving industry professionals the opportunity to get hands-on experiences, interactions with technology, real life simulations and the chance to communicate with their peers,” said Mr Ellis.

Across four packed days, the conference will showcase the latest from national and international experts, the latest technology and equipment from over 150 exhibitors, with key conference themes including, urban operations and built environment, disaster resilience and lessons learned across the sector.

Australasian and international keynote speakers during the exhibition include:

• Bart van Leeuwen,Big Data Expert, Owner of netage.nl, Senior Firefighter, Netherlands

Using data to drive performance

• Graeme Head,NSW Public Service Commissioner
  Collaborating for success
• Kristen Hilton, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner
  Strengthening Organisations
• Steve Vamos, Non-executive Director Telstra, former CEO Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, and ninemsn

Collaborating for success and how to drive creativity and innovation in a world of disruption

Dr Richard Thornton, CEO, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC commented on the diversity to be on show during the conference.

“The conference is a platform for a combination of research and operations to merge – this year is no different. Research is vital to the emergency services and land management sectors; it is the prediction, evidence and solution that arms the industry with its best defence. It is how we can keep moving forward,” said Dr Thornton.

AFAC17 powered by INTERSHUTZ, 4 – 7 September 2017, at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney.