Fire Australia Conference and Tradeshow, held this year at the International Convention Centre Sydney, was the most successful so far highlighting the growing importance and maturity of the fire protection, HAZMAT and fire safety engineering industries, according to Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) CEO Scott Williams.
“I think the most outstanding thing was just the amount of people, a record amount of exhibitors, a record amount of sponsors, the number of conference delegates was just outstanding and the number of people who attended the Tradeshow,” said Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) CEO Scott Williams.
“The Charity Dinner raised over $25,000 for the Fiona Wood Foundation and its research into burns trauma, again another record.”
Mr Williams also commented on the calibre of conference speakers whose expertise and industry standing added so much to the event.
“The President and CEO of National Fire Protection Association Jim Pauley, who came all the way from the US, gave a keynote address which really set out the future challenges for the industry with our ageing population, increased threat from bushfires and the challenges of managing the fire risks from renewable energy supply sources.”
“He was immediately followed by Neil Savery, General Manager of Australian Building Codes Board and his assessment of the issues we face, especially in relation to how codes are policed and enforced, was revealing.”
Mr Williams congratulated all the speakers saying the high attendance figures were attributable to their stature within their industries.
Other highlights included the official opening by NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, the Hon. Matt Kean (pictured above with FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams, left, and National President Chris Orr, right)). Minister Kean underlined the significance of the industry and the sweeping reforms the NSW Government are about to introduce to the sector.
FPA Australia’s assistance in developing the reforms was recognised by Minister Kean.
“This Association has just helped the NSW Government deliver the biggest reform package around fire protection and safety the state of NSW has ever seen,” he said in his opening statement.
The annual Charity Dinner, held this year to support the Fiona Wood Foundation and their research into the treatment of burns was a standout evening. The Foundation was represented at the dinner by David Fyfe, Bali bomb survivor, burns victim and a Foundation Non-Executive Director. His account of the bombing, his struggle to overcome his horrific injuries and the work of Fiona Wood in saving his life, graphically demonstrated the great work the Foundation has already done and why FPA Australia has given its ongoing support.
The Tradeshow was also a highlight with high visitor numbers. Awards went to Hochiki for the Best Large Display Booth, UL for the Best Small Display Booth and FlameStop for the People’s Choice Award.
“Each year becomes a new benchmark for us to surpass. The bar keeps getting set higher but we aim to leap it again when we hold Fire Australia 2018 in Brisbane,” Mr Williams said.
Over the coming weeks, photos from Fire Australia 2017 will be published on the website at www.fireaustralia.com.au
