AFAC25 explored the theme 'From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection'. 

The theme led conversations exploring how local and international learnings can shape stronger, more responsive systems to help prevent, manage, and recover from emergencies. Through our international colleagues, presenters, and attendees, we gained valuable insights into global trends and solutions in the emergency management industry.

Exploring the AFAC25 Continuing Conversations videos below to find out more. 

Keynote speakers

Inspiring keynote speakers from the AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference program.

Planning for community-led relocation Professor Gavin Smith, North Carolina State University, Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning	Navigating disaster risk in an interconnected world Associate Professor Susanna Jenkins,  Earth Observatory of Singapore from Nanyang Technological University
We can do a better job to stay safe and alive  Mami Mizutori, Former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and Specially Appointed Professor at Tohoku University	Grenfell Tower Fire Mark Hardingham CBE QFSM, Former Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council

Australian Disaster Resilience Conference

Speakers from the ADRC25 program focusing on ‘Mindset matters: Practical pathways to equitable resilience.’

Engaging young people in disaster resilience Shelby Robinson and Kushagra Rathore, Curtain University; Scott Wilson, Gevolve Solutions	Why is social work under-recognised within the disaster sector? Dr Lisa Ewenson, University of New South Wales
Our community, our voice Winnie van Riet and Shweta Kawatra Dakin, Gender Equity West (GenWest) Inc.	The role of the Australian practitioner Russell Dippy, Adjunct Academic, Charles Sturt University
Severe weather in a changing climate Dr Bruce Buckley, Principal Specialist (Meteorology), IAG/NRMA Insurance

Human capability and culture 

Building safer, more inclusive, and resilient workforces through cultural change. 

The positive duty as a catalyst for cultural change Melinda McDonald, Senior Firefighter and Senior Organisational Development Advisor, Fire and Rescue NSW

Innovation the doorway to a sustainable volunteering workforce Celeste Young, Collaborative Research Fellow, Victoria University

Community engagement and partnerships

How collaboration with communities and partners can create more informed and resilient outcomes.

Future wildfires, flooding and escape Dr Peter Thompson and Dr Barry Evans, University of Canterbury	How partnerships are driving inclusive emergency information Anni Fordham CF - Churchill Fellowship, Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Singapore Civil Defence Force Alan Chow, Senior Assistant Commissioner and Senior Director Operations Department, Singapore Civil Defence Force

Technology and innovation

New technologies, data-driven solutions, and evolving risks that are reshaping emergency management capability.

WA Hackathon Challenge Tim Sondalini, Innovation Lead, WA Data Science Innovation Hub	The challenges for responders confronting a technical (r)evolution Kurt Vollmacher, Founder of Energy Safety International
Innovating regional emergency telecommunications Glen Watkins, A/Manager Infrastructure Services, Department of Fire and Emergency Services.	Advancing electric vehicle safety training for emergency responders Emma Conway, Deputy Director, Operations, AFAC

Climate, land and hazard management

Environmental drivers, landscape management, and hazard behaviour to improve preparedness, resilience and response.

Benefits of landscape scale fuel management through prescribed burning Peter Gibson, Regional Fire Services Coordinator, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Parks and Wildlife Service.	The impact of climate change on infrastructure systems Nicole Lockwood, Infrastructure WA
Applied pyrogeography to achieve sustainable coexistence with fire David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania	Unprecedented rainfall and floods in Hong Kong in 2023 Ron Cheung Ka-wo, MBB - Senior Station Officer, Hong Kong Fire Services Department
Why fly? Matt Plucinski, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO