AFAC

❗Australian emergency management organisations can now access an innovative new tool to help teams navigate an increasingly uncertain future.   🌏This week we released our latest knowledge modules, Transformative scenarios in a climate-challenged world, introducing four plausible futures to help leaders and planners explore alternative pathways and identify gaps in current strategies, developed in collaboration with AFAC, Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience and Collaborative Consulting Co.   Built with extensive sector input, the modules are designed to be intuitive, relevant and ready to embed into real-world decision making.   This project benefitted greatly from the guidance of the AFAC Climate Change Group and the contributions of katelyn samson (AIDR), Matt Dyer (Queensland Fire Department) and Daniel Willetts (SAFECOM).   These modules represent another step in the Centre’s commitment to translating research into practical tools that support a more resilient future for all communities.   Learn more about accessing the modules: https://lnkd.in/g_bjZnkt Andrew Gissing Nicola M. Liza Gelt Rosie Chi Tran Gill Fletcher Michael Rumsewicz Deb Martindale Professor Cheryl Desha Supriya Gurung

The Call for Abstracts for #AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, is open until 2 February 2026. Submit your abstract now to be part of the event taking place 18-21 August 2026 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The AFAC26 community will come together to explore the theme ‘Leading together: Integrity, inclusion and impact'. We are excited to host AFAC26 in conjunction with the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, the Institution of Fire Engineers Australia National Conference and the Women and Firefighting Australasia Inc Conference. Submit your abstract for your opportunity to be part of the program: https://lnkd.in/gYPrW_AY

The AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2025 identifies an increased risk of fire for parts of Victoria, western and southern WA and parts of central northern NSW. See the full Seasonal Bushfire Outlook here: https://lnkd.in/gNn2pWaK Long term rainfall deficiencies persist over parts of southern SA, Victoria, Tasmania, and western WA with abundant surface fuels evident in parts of WA and northern and central western NSW. Communities are encouraged to be vigilant and stay alert. It doesn’t matter what time of year, dangerous fires can still occur, even during normal bushfire seasons.

AFAC is pleased to announce that the #AFAC25 Conference and Exhibition has been nominated for Best Conference and Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign. Last year, AFAC24 powered by INTERSCHUTZ Conference and Exhibition won the Australian Business Event Award for Best Trade Show and Best Event in 2024. Thank you to Hannover Fairs Australia and all those involved in #AFAC25. This would not have been possible without your hard work and commitment.

A few days ago, the AFAC Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies Technical Group meeting was hosted by Alex Webb and Dr Christopher Preston from CSIRO at their Clayton campus, with a focus on fire safety relating to lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen. The group was given a tour of CSIRO's hydrogen refuelling station which is for research purposes only, the battery abuse testing laboratory, and the battery chemistry laboratory. The group discussed ongoing advocacy, policy, training and recent incidents involving alternative energy. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3WTtqCQ CSIRO | CSIRO Infrastructure Technologies

This year, AFAC became a member of the Global AI Collaborative: Wildfires, a strategic initiative supported by Google.org. Its mission is to harness the power of AI to transform how the world understands, detects, and manages wildfires. The Collaborative brings together leading not-for-profits, academic institutions, government agencies, and companies to address the escalating threat of wildfires through coordinated funding, cutting-edge science, emerging technology, and on-the-ground applications. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g5AcwdXH This initiative marks a significant step forward in harnessing the potential of AI and emerging technologies to strengthen bushfire resilience across Australia and New Zealand. Image: Unsplash

Have you accessed our EV incident response training yet? Last week, New South Wales crews responded to a serious electric vehicle fire following a high-speed, single-vehicle crash on a busy highway. The EV was well alight when they arrived, and it reportedly took more than 2 hours and approximately 20,000 litres of water to bring the blaze under control. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. The point isn't that the EV caught fire, it's that crews need to be equipped with the knowledge and the strategies to manage these incidents safely and efficiently. The RFS crews involved were proactively prepared, but unfortunately many teams across Australia still haven't accessed specific training on EV incident response. That's why the Response to Electric Vehicle Incident - Foundation Training is critical learning. Developed by AFAC in collaboration with TAFE NSW and renowned experts, and with funding from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, this free online course is designed by emergency responders for emergency responders. 99% of those who have completed the course recommend it to their colleagues, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars. If your team hasn't enrolled yet, access the course here: https://lnkd.in/gSf5-Nxi And if you have completed the training and found it valuable, please share your recommendation with your network. Please help us ensure all emergency responders have access to this essential resource. #AFAC #firefightersafety #EVtraining #EVfires

AFAC is hiring a Business and Testing Analyst The Business and Testing Analyst will play a critical part in the delivery of AFAC’s Web Transformation Project, which will expand and modernise AFAC’s online presence. The position will ensure high-quality digital solutions are delivered on time through effective business analysis, testing, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and subject matter experts. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gzDGP4sF

AFAC is hiring a Web Developer. The Web Developer will play a critical part in the delivery of AFAC’s Web Transformation Project, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality web solutions. The position will be responsible for creating and configuring multiple new sites across the AFAC brand, migrating content, and ensuring best practice design, structure, performance, security, SEO, and accessibility. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4nN8mK5

WAFA Wednesday When we think of women in fire and emergency services, the image that often comes to mind is the firefighter on the frontline — but our sector is so much broader than that. At WAFA, we’re here for all women — from those leading incident management and community engagement to those shaping strategy, collaboration and policy. Every role plays a part in keeping communities safe. From our inspiring WAFA board member Erin Liston-Abel MBA GAICD As Deputy CEO of AFAC, I’m proud to be part of this dynamic, diverse sector. I joined the WAFA Board in 2024 because I’m deeply passionate about increasing female representation and creating environments where everyone can contribute and thrive. Diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values — they’re essential to the strength, capability, and future of our industry. When we draw on the full breadth of perspectives, experiences and talents available to us, we make better decisions and build more resilient communities. On a personal level, I have two daughters who inspire me every day. I want them to be proud of the work I do — but more importantly, I want them to grow up in a society that values the contributions of women equally and recognises the importance of diversity in every field. I also want them to see, through my example, that they can do anything they set their minds to — that their potential is limitless when supported by an inclusive community, and that’s what WAFA brings to me. Being part of WAFA is about celebrating the women who make our sector great — in every role, at every level — and continuing to open doors for those who will come after us. #WAFA #WAFAwednesday #emergencyservices