AFAC23 focused on the challenges and opportunities of creating a sustainable future. The theme encompassed new approaches to emergency management, transitions to new fuels and technologies and evolving cultural standards and expectations.

How do we better understand our workforces and our communities to truly create a sustainable future for all? Explore the videos below for perspectives from AFAC23 presenters and participants. 

Keynote and invited speakers

Leading thinking and discussions from the AFAC23 powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference program.

Independent Culture Review of London Fire Brigade Nazir Afzal, Chancellor, University of Manchester	Lessons from the past, opportunities for the future Jerry Grayson, Rescue Pilot and Drone Educator
Ngalii ngaa garima lee la jaguun, jaguun garima mebeerrd   Oliver Costello, Jagun Aboriginal Corporation	Rethinking risk Jennifer Beverly, University of Alberta
Creating a sustainable future Brendan Moon, National Emergency Management Agency

Research and innovation 

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

Using post-event research to identify policy-related research findings  Mel Taylor, Macquarie University and Kat Haynes, Natural Hazards Research Australia	Fighting fires from space Rania Poullos, Minderoo Foundation
Fitness for role  Terese Howlett and John Bates, Victoria State Emergency Service	Partnerships that acknowledge cultural land management  Andrew Sturgess, Firesight, Darren Burns and Dave Kington, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation
Embedding UAVs/drones into emergency response  Paul Hardy, Surf Live Saving NSW	Next generation hazard reduction  Milica Duric, Minderoo Foundation, John Craig and Matt Taylor, Burnett Mary Regional Group

Women in fire and emergency services

The Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Conference co-located with AFAC23 to bring a focus on recruitment of women to the fire and emergency services.

Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference Quinn Cramer, WAFA President	Imposter syndrome, fact or fiction? Stephanie Looi, Volunteer, NSW Rural Fire Service
Wahine Toa (Women paving the way) Barbara Olah, Fire and Emergency New Zealand	Karuk Women's Training Exchange Alex Lacey, Queensland Parks and Wildfire Service and Chloe Swiney, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
FFMVic inclusion and safety training Chris Hardman, Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action	Networking for professional and personal development Anne Pickles, Women and Firefighting Australasia
Getting women a seat at the table  Lily Brown,  Parks Victoria	Champions of Change Fire and Emergency Group Cassie Lindsey, Champions of Change Coalition

Resilient communities

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

Having a seat at the table: Disability & Disasters Leyla Craig, Fire and Rescue NSW	Buildings in Bushfire Prone Regions  Jessica Barton, WSP Australia
That which connects us Barbara Rix, Australian Red Cross and Jordan Nye, Muladha Gamara	How to win friends and influence people Kelley Toy and Adrian Nacey, Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Empowering localised capacity development and resilience Nick Chubb and Michael Jordan, Fire and Rescue NSW	Hard place/good place  Linda Snell, Yarra Ranges Council and Willow Swaneveld, 2023 Yarra Ranges Council Young Citizen of the Year
Building a habit Kate Retzki, Queensland Reconstruction Authority	Building disaster resilience into the school curriculum Andrea Vis, Gingin District High School and Neil Munro, Country Fire Authority

Safe and capable workforce

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

Hydrogen Framework Vanessa Madge, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services	The future of volunteering  Lynelle Fozard, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA
Multicuralism within emergency services Elisabeth Goh, NSW Rural Fire Service	Investigating firefighter exposure to multiple chemicals and reproduction Michelle Engelsman, Fire and Rescue NSW