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


  • Redlands Koala population stable

    Redlands Koala population stable

    Redland City Council has become the first local government in south-east Queensland – and within the koala’s federally-listed northern endangered range – to report stabilisation…

More News

  • New deputy for Liverpool

    New deputy for Liverpool

    Councillor Peter Harle has been elected Deputy Mayor of Liverpool City Council following the resignation of Cllr Dr Betty Green. Councillor Harle, who has served the office in the past,…

  • Erosion reef wins awards

    Erosion reef wins awards

    A West Australian-first coastal erosion research reef installed off C.Y. O’Connor Beach in 2022, reducing wave height and energy and blossoming into a thriving habitat, took out the 2025 WA…

  • More rehabilitation works for Coffs

    More rehabilitation works for Coffs

    Scores of local flood-damaged roads will be improved after the City of Coffs Harbour determined to expand rehabilitation works. An initial program of stabilisation works had already been approved for…

  • First-class Pump Track opens in Ballina

    First-class Pump Track opens in Ballina

    Ballina Shire Council is thrilled to announce the completion of the new Ballina Pump Track at Kingsford Smith Reserve in the heart of Ballina. Designed to national competition standards, the…

  • Fraser Coast support announced

    Fraser Coast support announced

    Fraser Coast Regional Council has renewed and expanded its support for three key emergency services – the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), LifeFlight, and local Rural Fire Brigades. At their…

  • Council named among Australia’s most inclusive employers

    Council named among Australia’s most inclusive employers

    Lake Macquarie City Council has become one of only two local government organisations in Australia included in a benchmark list of inclusive employers. The Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) added…

  • New deputy in Griffith

    New deputy in Griffith

    Griffith City Council has elected Councillor Scott Groat as the new Deputy Mayor at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. Cr Groat will hold the position…

  • Planning for the future

    Planning for the future

    Cowes Primary School students brought plenty of energy and curiosity to Berninneit Cultural Centre in mid-October for a special Meet the Mayor visit as part of their Community Walk. Organised…

  • Wollongong named as host city

    Wollongong named as host city

    Wollongong has been announced as the host city for the 2026 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference, following a warm invitation from the Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown…

  • Grant secured for Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan

    Grant secured for Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan

    The Town of Cambridge, in partnership with the Flower District Town Team, has been awarded a 2025 Streets Alive Stream Two Grant to develop the Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan.…