FPA Australia announces fire safety seminars and webinars for 2025

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured NewsTraining

Fire protection seminars and webinars scheduled for February and March

FPA Australia has announced a series of fire safety events for February and March 2025.

These in-person and online sessions will cover key industry topics, including bushfire sprinklers, fire door attachments, compliance, and baseline data.

The events will include expert panels and discussions on regulatory challenges, technological advancements, and professional accreditation requirements.

Fire safety professionals, building managers, and engineers are encouraged to participate.

Webinar on fire bolts and fire door attachments

FPA Australia will host a complimentary webinar on Monday, 3 March 2025, discussing fire bolts and fire door attachments.

The event will address the role of fire-activated retaining devices and the challenges associated with their installation and performance.

Chaired by Fiona Perrin, IFE Board Member and Senior Risk Engineer at Zurich Resilience Solutions, the panel will include Simon Rickard (FPA Australia), Stephen Kip (Skip Consulting), Chief Superintendent Steven Hayes (Fire & Rescue NSW), and Aaron Nicholson (RED Fire Engineers).

The webinar aims to provide insights into how fire bolts impact fire door functionality and compliance. Registrations are open until 10:00 am AEDT on 3 March 2025.

Bushfire sprinkler seminar to feature international experts

On Tuesday, 25 February 2025, FPA Australia will host a hybrid seminar focusing on bushfire sprinkler systems.

The session will discuss historical developments, research findings, and international applications of these systems.

Experts such as Dr Joseph Mitchell (M-bar Technologies), Dr Alan Green (University of Wollongong), and Dr Anne D. Cope (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety) will share insights on the future of bushfire sprinklers in Australia.

The event will be held at United Co. in Fitzroy, Victoria, with in-person and online attendance options available. Registration closes on 21 February 2025.

Protect & Connect Northern Territory event scheduled for 20 February

A Protect & Connect networking and knowledge-sharing session will take place on Thursday, 20 February 2025, at Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront.

The event will focus on terminology and compliance in fire safety, specifically defects, non-compliances, and non-conformances.

Speakers will discuss how different terms in AS1851 impact system assessments and compliance.

The event will also introduce Chris Lees as the new State Manager for Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Registration closes on 19 February 2025.

Upcoming discussions on compliance and baseline data management

FPA Australia will also host two additional online sessions in March:

  • Tech Talks: Baseline Data (27 February 2025) will cover fire protection system benchmarking, regulatory requirements, and best practices for data management.
  • Accreditation Navigator: FPAS Compliance (18 March 2025) will address the FPAS auditing process and compliance management.

Both sessions will feature industry professionals providing insights into fire system maintenance and accreditation requirements.

FPA Australia announces fire safety seminars and webinars for 2025: Summary

FPA Australia has outlined its fire safety events for February and March 2025. The schedule includes webinars and in-person seminars on compliance, fire system management, and industry standards.

Key events include:

  • Fire bolts and fire door attachments webinar (3 March 2025)
  • Bushfire sprinkler seminar (25 February 2025)
  • Protect & Connect Northern Territory (20 February 2025)
  • Tech Talks: Baseline Data (27 February 2025)
  • Accreditation Navigator: FPAS Compliance (18 March 2025)

These events will feature experts from FPA Australia, Fire & Rescue NSW, the Institute of Fire Engineers, and other industry bodies. Sessions will cover fire safety regulations, risk management, and emerging fire protection technologies.

Australian Fire Protection Industry Awards finalists for 2024 announced

by EventsFeatured News

Recognising leaders in the Australian fire protection sector

The finalists for the 2024 Fire Protection Industry Awards have been announced.

This event marks a significant occasion for the Australian fire protection sector, celebrating the dedication and achievements of individuals and companies across various categories.

The awards cover several areas of expertise, including the Barry Lee Technical Excellence Award, sponsored by Wormald Australia, with finalists such as Mike Willson of Willson Consulting and Leigh Gesthuizen of Authentic Consulting Pty Ltd.

Other notable categories include the Innovative Product And Technology Solution Award, with contenders like Honeywell and Siemens.

 The Fire Australia Conference and Awards Gala Dinner will be held in the Event Centre Marquee at The Star Gold Coast. The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 8th May.

Highlighting excellence and innovation

The awards aim to acknowledge the commitment, excellence, innovation, and leadership within the fire protection industry.

Categories such as the Young Achiever of the Year Award and the Fire Protection Project of the Year focus on up-and-coming talents and impactful projects.

Finalists include Timothy Stone from All Fired Up Fire Services Pty Ltd and projects like Endfire Engineering Pty Ltd.

Comprehensive list of finalists

The complete list of finalists across the various categories includes:

  • Barry Lee Technical Excellence Award: Mike Willson (Willson Consulting), Leigh Gesthuizen (Authentic Consulting Pty Ltd), Firas Shawash (i-Fire Engineers), Warwick Britton (Wormald), Jason D’Silva (Transport for NSW).
  • Innovative Product And Technology Solution Award: Honeywell, Siemens, Emerald Alarms.
  • Young Achiever Of The Year Award: Timothy Stone (All Fired Up Fire Services Pty Ltd), William Laycock (Contact Group), Daniel Bryant (Civil Fire), Gemma McKenna (Group DLA), Patrick Beikpour (Jensen Hughes).
  • Fire Protection Project Of The Year: Endfire Engineering Pty Ltd, Wormald, Precise Fire.
  • Harry Marryatt Fire Protection Company Of The Year Award: Greyton Australia, All Fired Up Fire Services Pty Ltd, Banhams WA, Civil Fire, Walker Fire Protection Pty Ltd.
  • Ron Coffey Award For Excellence In Bushfire Protection: Catherine Ryland (CR Bushfire), Eldon Bottcher (Eldon Bottcher Architect Pty Ltd), Katherine Harris (Harris Environmental), Mike Scott (Bushfire Prone Planning).

Independent judging panel and acknowledgements

FPA Australia extends its gratitude to the independent judging panel for their support of the awards process, including Chris Orr (Principal Engineer, Orr Partners), Brett Staines (Special Hazards Fire Protection Consultant), Patrick Conway (Conway Consultants), and Glenn Talbot (Managing Director, Verified).

IFSJ Comment

The announcement of the finalists for the 2024 Fire Protection Industry Awards underlines the fire protection industry’s commitment to recognising and honouring excellence, innovation, and leadership.

By highlighting the achievements of these individuals and companies, the awards play a crucial role in setting standards for the industry and encouraging continuous improvement.

FPA Australia appoints new NSW industry liaison to bolster advocacy efforts

by Breaking NewsPeople

New appointment to enhance advocacy in NSW

FPA Australia has announced the appointment of David Isaac as the NSW Industry Liaison.

Isaac, previously one of the directors of FPA Australia, will now be a part of the NSW Advocacy team.

Reporting directly to CEO John Collie, he is set to enhance the organisation’s advocacy efforts in New South Wales.

Isaac will also be supporting Paul Waterhouse, the National Manager for Advocacy and Policy.

David Isaac is well-regarded within the industry for his extensive knowledge, vast network, and history of fostering collaborative relationships.

His new role is expected to significantly contribute to FPA Australia’s engagements with key stakeholders, including members, industry groups, and unions.

By doing so, the organisation aims to strengthen its advocacy strategies to be robust and inclusive.

Role differentiation and governance

In his new position, Isaac’s responsibilities will be distinct from his duties as a board member.

This separation ensures transparency and adherence to governance principles.

Nevertheless, Isaac will continue to offer expert guidance to the team as a member of the NSW FPAS Committee.

His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to leverage his dedication and expertise in advancing FPA Australia’s mission.

The mission focuses on influencing and establishing high standards of competency across fire protection disciplines.

Isaac’s involvement is anticipated to play a crucial role in the organization’s continued efforts to engage effectively with stakeholders and promote the fire protection sector’s interests.

Industry reaction and implications

The industry has reacted positively to Isaac’s appointment, recognizing it as a strategic addition to FPA Australia’s advocacy team.

His deep understanding of the fire protection sector, combined with a proven track record in building partnerships, is seen as an asset in navigating the current period of reform.

Isaac’s role in supporting the National Manager for Advocacy and Policy is particularly noted for its potential to enhance the organization’s policy influence and support network within the state.

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of David Isaac as NSW Industry Liaison by FPA Australia represents a thoughtful strategic move aimed at enhancing the organisation’s advocacy and engagement activities within New South Wales.

Isaac’s extensive industry knowledge, combined with his proven ability to foster collaborative relationships, positions him well to contribute significantly to the organisation’s mission.

Through this appointment, FPA Australia reinforces its commitment to promoting high standards of competency and safety within the industry, demonstrating the value of experienced leadership in achieving strategic objectives.