Diversity, inclusion and change, the new normal in Australia’s emergency management sector

12 Aug 2019

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Mayeda Rashid presenting her research paper at AFAC18 powered by INTERSCHUTZ in Perth.

This year’s AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference theme A shift to the new norm: riding the wave of change, brings together a host of speakers and experts from across emergency management disciplines, to address how the sector can better embrace change and create a more robust sector, that better represents the wider community.

The conference and exhibition held in Melbourne in August will explore how inclusion and diversity can lead to innovative approaches towards disaster prevention, response processes, and connecting with all communities to build resilience and aid recovery.

More than 120 speakers in six immersive streams will delve deep into the changing landscape of fire safety, emergency management and research across the wider AFAC19 program and share with attendees how to prepare for the future, based on lessons learned from the past.

There will be a strong focus on cultural fire management and the knowledge and history to be shared by all Australian communities. Speakers will discuss new ways of looking at responsibilities and connection to the environment and how this can be incorporated into fire prevention, planning and community recovery. This will also include a panel discussion about how fire management has changed in the ten years since Black Saturday. The cultural burning stream will be supported by an offsite excursion as part of the Professional Development Program designed to educate participants on ancient land management practices.

Stuart Ellis, CEO, AFAC commented on the importance of having more diversity and inclusion in the emergency response sector.

“This year we’re looking at some big issues impacting the community including population growth, climate change and technological advancements. But we’re also challenging the sector to examine ourselves, including traditional areas of responsibility, agency capability, and diversity and inclusion initiatives to better reflect the communities we serve.

“AFAC19 is a vital opportunity to bring together the many segments that make up our evolving fire and emergency management sector, to discuss all issues that have become the new normal in emergency management,” said Mr Ellis.

To cover the big issue and topics, AFAC19 will bring leading international and national keynote speakers to the conference, including

Josephine Reynolds The UK’s first full-time female firefighter

Using My Voice

Sandra Robinson Aviation Coordinator, Parks Victoria

Women in Aviation - #socanshe

Jamie Bertram Environment Officer/ Aboriginal Liaison Officer, NSW Rural Fire Service

Rekindle country: Jubullum combined Hotspots and Community Protection Plan project

Donna Wheatley Commander, Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) Melbourne

Inclusion in the Fire Service – Storming to Norming

AFAC19 powered by INTERSHUTZ is co-produced by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), Deutsche Messe and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 27-30 August 2019. The Institution of Fire Engineers Australia National Conference and the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference will be held alongside AFAC19.