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AFAC24 Continuing the Conversation

AFAC24 explored the theme ‘Embracing innovation and disruption: Designing the future for our sector.’ Explore videos from AFAC24 presenters and participants.

Last updated11 Feb 2025

AFAC24 explored the theme ‘Embracing innovation and disruption: Designing the future for our sector.’ 

The theme highlighted the need for fire and emergency services to adapt in order to be prepared for the future, by finding new solutions, and utilising new research and technology.

Find out how we can foster new thinking to ensure we are prepared for the challenges of the future by exploring the videos below from AFAC24 presenters and participants. 

Keynote speakers

Inspiring keynote speakers from the AFAC24 powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference program.

The emerging role of artificial intelligence for satellite fire monitoring
Dr David Roy, Director, Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University

Innovative solutions in planning for climate change and risk
Professor Barbara Norman, Emeritus Professor of Urban & Regional Planning, University of Canberra 

Transformational Leadership: Innovation in a World of Change 
Dr Lori Moore-Merrell DrPH, MPH, U.S. Fire Administrator, FEMA

The Fitzroy Valley Flood Recovery Working Group
Douglas D'Antoine, Recovery Executive Officer, Shire of Derby West Kimberley, and Russell Chestnut, Gooniyandi Ranger Coordinator 

Checkmate humanity: the how and why of responsible AI
Dr Catriona Wallace, Adjunct Professor, Founder of Responsible Metaverse Alliance 

Australian Disaster Resilience Conference

Speakers from the ADRC24 program focussing on ‘Maintaining momentum: driving systemic change to create a more resilient future.’

Australian Disaster Resilience Conference Dr Margaret Moreton, Executive Director, Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Tackling Australia’s silent killer: from hot policy to cool hubs
Jon Swain, Manager Homelessness at the City of Sydney
Bushfire babies
Dr Michelle Hamrosi and Kate Turtiainen, Australian Breastfeeding Association
Resilience ratings
Sharanjit Paddam, Finity Consulting, and Kate Cotter, CEO and Founder of Resilient Building Council
Disaster resilience is built for the community by the community
Catherine MacNamara and Karen Cody, Association of Bell Clarence & Dargan Inc
The Resilient Villages Project
Kris Newton and Anne Crestani, Mountains Community Resource Network
Planning for Animals Handbook
Dr Isabel Cornes, Senior Project Officer, Knowledge Development, Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience 

Research and innovation 

Research projects and innovations that explore the big ideas and latest science driving change in the fire and emergency services.

Advancing disability inclusive disaster risk reduction
Michelle Villeneuve, Associate Professor, University of Sydney, Centre for Disability Research and Policy
Pitchfest X-Prize contender - DeepFire 
Supratik Mukhopadhyay, Louisiana State University 
Pitchfest X-Prize contender - AkulaTech
Preetham Akula, AkulaTech
Pitchfest X-Prize contender - OroraTech
Thomas Grubler, OroraTech
Streamlining collaboration
Scott Colefax, Manager, Office of the Chief Scientist NSW
Wildfire & AI
Elisabeth Goh, Independent Researcher
From tweets to tactical insights
Ben Shepherd, Manager Media and Communications, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Thomas Hart, Customer Solutions Manager, Kablamo
Changing evacuation behaviour to meet densified housing needs for the population 
Professor Daniel Nilsson, University of Canterbury
Watt a Façade! Building Integrated Photovoltaics Approval
Blair Stratton, Director, RED Fire Engineers
US Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate
Daniel Cotter, US Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate 

Safe and capable workforce

Building safer and more inclusive workplaces for a stronger fire and emergency services sector. 

Embracing our positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act
Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission 
Embracing our positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act
Matt Longland, CEO of Sydney Trains
Embracing our positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act
Sally Woolford, SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission
Volunteer leaders of the future
Hannah Mercer, Manager Workforce Planning & Programs, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Paul Cunningham, Senior Advisor Program Development, NSW Rural Fire Service

AFAC Pacific Partnership Group

AFAC Pacific Partnership Group
Barry Gray, Fire Rescue Victoria
Emergency Management Cook Islands
Ella Napara, Emergency Management Cook Islands
Fire and Emergency Authority Samoa
Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone, Fire and Emergency Authority Samoa
Tonga Fire and Emergency Services
Commissioner Viliami Tu'ihalamaka, Tonga Fire and Emergency Services 

Supporting resilient communities

Collaborating and connecting to develop strategies and take action to reduce disaster risk and support resilient communities.

Partnerships for Infrastructure
Liesl Keam, Partnerships for Infrastructure
Examination of the Türkiye earthquake urban search and rescue response
Tim Hassiotis, Superintendent ND, Fire and Rescue NSW
The journey for surf lifesavers since Black Summer
Cheryl McCarthy, Emergency Management Coordinator, Surf Life Saving NSW
The impacts of bushfires on flood preparedness and response
Gillian Webber, Coordinator, Risk Assessment Team, NSW State Emergency Service, and Helen Kirkup, Senior Meteorologist, Bureau of Meteorology
Warning people about the fires hiding in plain sight
Kelley Toy, Manager Marketing, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Craig Pollock, Marketing Advisor, Fire and Emergency New Zealand
A totally PAWsome partnership
Gary White, Manager Community Engagement Unit, Fire and Rescue NSW