Home » Brisbane conference focuses on emergency management

Brisbane conference focuses on emergency management

The AFAC23 powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference and exhibition in Brisbane is set to bring together distinguished scientists, policymakers, and frontline leaders from around the world.

This event provides a crucial platform for the exchange of cutting-edge strategies in protecting communities, including the impact councils have on emergency services within the state.

Creating a sustainable future: the challenges and opportunities is the theme for AFAC23, the long-standing emergency management conference and exhibition, taking place from 22-25 August in Brisbane. Over the course of four days, more than 100 presenters will share best practices and research centered around safeguarding people, property, and communities in Queensland.

Organisational collaboration, organisational culture, preparing for future risks, workplace health and safety, asset protection, fire management, aerial response, first nations lessons, and more. This diverse range of discussions will empower council representatives and emergency management practitioners with the most current and informed approaches to enhance their roles in safeguarding Queensland communities.

Keynote speakers, such as Dr. Jennifer Beverly, Assistant Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta; Oliver Costello from the Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation; Nazir Afzal OBE, Chancellor of the University of Manchester; Jerry Grayson, Rescue Pilot, Drone Educator, Keynote Speaker, Web3 and Crypto Native, NFT Artist; Tonya Hoover, Deputy Fire Administrator at the US Fire Administration, FEMA; and Greg Leach AFSM, Commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, will share their expertise and insights to inspire attendees.

Four conferences will take place under one roof during AFAC23. The Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, running over 23-24 August, will focus specifically on contemporary disaster resilience practice and research. Simultaneously, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Australia National Conference will address key issues facing the fire engineering community, with particular attention to the science and research aimed at keeping personnel safe. Additionally, the Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Conference will concentrate on increasing the recruitment of women to the fire and emergency services, addressing the low proportion of women in specialist and senior roles.

The AFAC23 exhibition, showcasing the future of emergency management innovation, will accompany the conference. Spanning 15,000 square meters of gross floorspace, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive range of emergency management-related exhibitors, including a strong contingent of international participants. Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to view and experience the exhibition through the Demonstration Zone and Solution Theatre.

AFAC23 will be held from 22-25 August 2023 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This conference presents an invaluable opportunity for council representatives in Queensland to collaborate, learn, and contribute towards the safeguarding of people, property, and communities in the state.

For more information and to register for tickets, please visit afacconference.com.au.

Digital Editions


  • Leaving on a high

    Leaving on a high

    Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer Darren Fuzzard will end his tenure at the council in July 2026, marking ten years of service to…

More News

  • Baw Baw acting CEO tenure extended

    Baw Baw acting CEO tenure extended

    Baw Baw Shire Council has extended the contract of Acting Chief Executive Officer Sally Jones until 30 June 2026. The matter was considered as a confidential item in the late…

  • Farewell to a much-loved bridge

    Farewell to a much-loved bridge

    Narrabri Shire Council hosted a special community farewell event in mid-January, Brekkie on the Bridge, ahead of the upcoming demolition of the Violet Street Bridge. The event brought together community…

  • Toolkit provides resources for staff to live values

    Toolkit provides resources for staff to live values

    Organisational values are at the core of every workday and task and Bundaberg Regional Council has developed a practical tool kit to support its workforce and promote its values. The…

  • New system for Blacktown

    New system for Blacktown

    Blacktown City Council has launched DAISY, a new digital planning assistant designed to help residents better understand planning requirements and prepare residential development applications. DAISY, which stands for Development Application…

  • NSW mourns long-serving Governor

    NSW mourns long-serving Governor

    On behalf of the family of Dame Marie Bashir, I am saddened to share the news of her passing. Married to Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE for 61 years, and…

  • Jack Iori honored by the Hills.

    Jack Iori honored by the Hills.

    The Hills Shire Council has officially named the grandstand at Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre the Jack Iori Grandstand, recognising the enormous impact Jack Iori OAM has had on rugby…

  • Farmers urged to register for rural aid

    Farmers urged to register for rural aid

    Farmers across Australia – particularly those in disaster-impacted regions – have been strongly encouraged to register with Rural Aid now, as ongoing natural disasters and worsening weather conditions continue to…

  • Coonabarabran VIC punches above it’s weight

    Coonabarabran VIC punches above it’s weight

    Warrumbungle Shire Council has welcomed new data confirming the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre as one of the top three performing Visitor Information Centres in New South Wales. Official figures released…

  • Storm-proofing Seymour River Bridge is long overdue

    Storm-proofing Seymour River Bridge is long overdue

    If I had a dollar for every time I saw the question, “Is the Seymour River Bridge open?” on social media, the upgrade to that stretch of road might already…

  • Newcastle Lord Mayor resigns

    Newcastle Lord Mayor resigns

    Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr Ross Kerridge resigned from his role as Lord Mayor of Newcastle in early February. The Lord Mayor wrote to City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath to…