AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ A shift to the new norm: riding the wave of change

The live demonstration zone will give attendees insights into best practice and new technologies.

The theme of this year’s conference is “a shift to the new norm: riding the wave of change”. This reflects how the sector is transitioning to a new normality in a rapidly changing world. Factors creating this enormous change include diversity and inclusion initiatives to better reflect the communities that the sector serves. Empowering communities to be more resilient and better prepared for emergencies and helping them recover from natural disasters sustainably. Population growth, climate change and technological advancements are challenging traditional areas of responsibility and agencies methods of response.

Attendees to AFAC19 will learn how to prepare for the future and learn lessons from the past from a stellar line-up of over 120 presenters.

AFAC19 begins with the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Research Forum taking place on day one. Delegates will be able to choose from four streams that demonstrate leading research into natural hazards such as fire, severe weather and climate change, whilst also covering human factors such as resilience and recovery, community preparedness and health and wellbeing.

AFAC19 will feature numerous networking events including the popular AFAC Gala Dinner.

Day two sees the start of the AFAC Conference which will run across six immersive streams of content over two days. Running concurrently as part of the conference streams will be the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference (ADRC) and for the first time the Institution of Fire Engineers Australia National Conference.

Keynote speakers include Josephine Reynolds, the UK’s first full-time female firefighter, previous New Zealander of the year, Dr Lance O’Sullivan, social researcher Eliane Miles, Dr Robert Glasser, former Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, currently working at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Professor Andy Pitman AO from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes.

The conference program has over 120 presenters across three days of content.

The final day of AFAC19 will see the Professional Development Program give an opportunity to attendees to embark on engaging field trips and workshops, giving them unique hands-on experiences and an opportunity to meet with peers sharing common interests.

Social functions include the Exhibition Welcome Drinks sponsored by ISUZU Trucks, the spectacular AFAC Gala Dinner sponsored by Firefighters Mutual Bank and the ADRC Networking Drinks.

The AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ exhibition will be the largest to date covering over 12,000sqm of gross exhibition space with close to 200 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest innovative products, services and solutions.

The exhibition continues its evolution to service a collaborative industry that focuses on the common goal of protecting communities. A comprehensive representation of the sector will attend the exhibition including professionals from: rural and urban fire; fire safety, prevention and protection via the co-location with the IFE Australia National Conference; both land and aerial emergency and rescue services; defence force; first responders and public safety agencies and the industrial sector.

The exhibition will also feature a comprehensive Expo Stage program with over 30 practical presentations aimed at helping those at the frontline of emergency management. Topics include:

innovations and new technologies, mental health, wellbeing, community, resilience, trucks and PPE.

The exhibition will also have some exciting live demonstrations, including a crash scene extrication from ARRO (Australasian Road Rescue Organisation); Fire Systems Supplies and Resqtec demonstrating how to lift a truck from a car using pneumatic lifting bags; Edge Training & Simulation will demonstrate flight crew extrication from a helicopter; whilst Smokeshield Australia will provide live fire training. Humanihut will also be demonstrating their shelter system and FTS will be giving attendees the chance to see their environmental monitoring systems.

The exhibition is the largest yet with close to 200 exhibiting companies in attendance.

Exhibition entry is free. A lunch voucher will be given to attendees from the AFAC19 host agencies:

Country Fire Authority
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Emergency Management Victoria
Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board
Parks Victoria
Victoria State Emergency Service

For more information on the speakers, agenda, exhibitors, accommodation and passes please visit afacconference.com.au.
For more information, go to afacconference.com.au

Technologies and solutions on display