AFAC conference to explore integrated response across Asia-Pacific

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured News

AFAC25 returns to Perth with wide-ranging emergency management programme

Australasia’s emergency management conference, AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, will take place from 26 to 29 August 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

According to AFAC, the 2025 theme “From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection” will frame the event’s focus on strengthening emergency response through collaboration, system integration and capacity building.

The event will include conference streams, keynote presentations and research showcases across four days, with speakers from across Australia, New Zealand and international agencies presenting on bushfire management, volunteer engagement, cultural resilience, mental health, digital transformation and aerial firefighting.

Conference to feature keynote sessions and expert panels

AFAC has confirmed that keynote speakers will include Professor Gavin Smith of North Carolina State University, Mami Mizutori, former Head of UNDRR, and Leigh Sales of ABC.

Panel sessions will address strategic planning, emergency communication, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative innovation.

According to the AFAC25 agenda, the final day will include a closing keynote by Penelope Twemlow on leadership and resilience, following a session with Mark Hardingham, Chair of the UK’s National Fire Chiefs Council.

Each day will feature a mix of practical case studies, technology demonstrations and strategy-focused presentations.

Topics include fire service health, technology, resilience and cultural safety

AFAC25 sessions will cover themes such as mental wellbeing in firefighting, wildfire risk, prescribed burning, and data modelling.

Research presentations include work on AI-supported emergency planning, drone swarms, risk exposure in bushfire environments, and long-term fire management outcomes.

Speakers will represent organisations including Fire Rescue Victoria, NSW Police, Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA, Earth Fire Alliance, and universities from across Australia and New Zealand.

The WAFA and IFE will also host concurrent sessions focused on leadership, inclusion, technical risk, and infrastructure resilience.

Cultural and community themes span Indigenous knowledge and disaster recovery

AFAC has confirmed a programme of community-focused sessions including disaster resilience in Aboriginal communities, inclusive emergency planning, and collaborative fire management in remote areas.

The Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, held alongside AFAC25, will include presentations on culturally informed recovery, DEI in emergency planning, and localised strategies for climate adaptation.

Sessions will explore youth involvement, First Nations leadership, and equity in emergency response, with contributions from local governments, academic institutions and national agencies.

AFAC25 returns to Perth with wide-ranging emergency management programme: Summary

AFAC25 will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26 to 29 August 2025.

The theme of the 2025 event is “From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection.”

The event is organised by AFAC and powered by INTERSCHUTZ.

AFAC has confirmed that keynote speakers will include Professor Gavin Smith, Mami Mizutori, and Leigh Sales.

The agenda includes sessions on bushfire management, digital tools, resilience, aerial firefighting and emergency workforce wellbeing.

Panels and keynotes will address integrated systems, emergency communications and strategic planning.

The conference includes presentations from Australian and international emergency and research organisations.

AFAC25 will run concurrently with the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference.

The event will also include participation from IFE Australia and WAFA.

AFAC25 will feature research, community initiatives and professional development streams.

AFAC welcomes new president DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

Darren Klemm appointed as the new AFAC president

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) has announced Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM as its new president.

Commissioner Klemm, a veteran in fire and emergency services with over three decades of experience, steps into the role as the 11th president of the leading council for fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand.

Building stronger communities through collaboration

Commissioner Klemm emphasised the value of unity in facing upcoming challenges. “Working side-by-side with our fire and emergency service colleagues across Australia and New Zealand means we are all better placed to address the challenges of the future together,” he stated.

His vision for the presidency is centred on fostering essential connections and capabilities within the sector.

A legacy of leadership and new beginnings

Rob Webb, CEO of AFAC, expressed his gratitude towards the outgoing president, Carlene York, for her service during her term, especially during the NSW natural disasters: “Commissioner York was both the first woman and the first SES Commissioner to preside over AFAC.

“During her tenure, the state of NSW experienced extensive and devastating flood and storm events.

“Commissioner York demonstrated strong leadership and compassion throughout, to flood-impacted communities, to her staff and volunteers, and to her fellow members of the AFAC National Council,” he said.

Webb also commended her for aiding in the realization of a ‘connected and capable emergency service sector.’

Commissioner York’s endorsement of incoming president

In her endorsement, Commissioner York praised the collective accomplishments under her presidency and expressed her confidence in Klemm’s abilities.

“I have enjoyed my time as AFAC President and am proud of what we have collectively achieved across Australia and New Zealand,” said York. “Commissioner Klemm brings a wealth of experience to the role of President and I wish him all the best.”

Transition of leadership at the AFAC National Council AGM

Commissioner Klemm’s appointment was confirmed at the recent AFAC National Council Annual General Meeting held on 24 October 2023.

The council, consisting of 33 members from various fire, state emergency service, and land management agencies, represents the combined expertise and leadership in fire and emergency response across Australasia.

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of a new AFAC president signifies a shift in leadership that oversees the fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the dynamic nature of this sector.

Commissioner Darren Klemm’s 30-year tenure in fire and emergency services suggests a profound understanding of the evolving demands and intricacies of disaster management and community safety.

The continuity of expertise, with Klemm at the helm, promises an enriched perspective towards collaborative efforts in tackling emergency responses.

The transition also speaks to the valued contributions of former President Commissioner Carlene York, emphasizing a legacy of resilience and connection.

The sector’s ability to adapt to change while maintaining leadership that champions cooperation and advancement underscores the council’s readiness to face future challenges with renewed vigour and strategic insight.

Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer released by AFAC

by Featured News

AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand, has released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2022.

The Outlook shows that many parts of Australia saw above average rainfall and significant flooding this year and that the saturated ground in many of these regions supports enhanced vegetation and fuel load growth. This, in combination with expected warmer and drier conditions later in the season, is generating varied fire potential for summer 2022.

Over the course of the summer, as vegetation naturally dries out with the normal seasonal cycle, the fire potential may rise quickly with any extended period of hot, dry and windy weather, meaning that it is possible for regions of below normal bushfire potential at the start of summer to transition to normal, or even above normal, bushfire potential later in the season.

Above normal fire potential is expected in central western and southern WA, central Australia, southern Queensland and inland NSW due to increased fuel loads as a result of significant rainfall. Western Tasmania also shows above normal fire potential following a dry spring period.

Areas across Victoria, NSW and the ACT show below normal fire potential due to increased fuel moisture, the continued wet outlook and reduced fuel loads following the 2019-20 bushfire season.

While most of Australia shows normal fire potential during the summer outlook period, anyone living and working in these areas needs to be vigilant. Destructive and deadly fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons across Australia.

AFAC CEO Rob Webb said: ‘The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook is developed in collaboration with fire agencies across Australia, bringing their knowledge and observations together, which are supported by insights and forecasting from the Bureau of Meteorology, to develop a national picture of fire potential.”

“This Outlook shows a diversity of fire risk this season, which reflects the diversity of Australia’s landscape. As we enter summer, we will use this Outlook to guide our operational and strategic planning, and jurisdictional fire and emergency services will continue to monitor local conditions.”

This Seasonal Outlook was developed by AFAC, the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Emergency Services Agency, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Country Fire Authority, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Victoria, Tasmania Fire Service, SA Country Fire Service, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, and Bushfires NT.