Brisbane AFAC Conference attracts 2000 people

More than 2000 emergency management personnel and stakeholders have converged on Brisbane for the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) Conference, AFAC16, aimed at improving emergency services in Queensland.

The event runs from 31 August to 1 September, this year’s theme is ‘Mitigation, Response, Recovery – Getting the balance right’.

It has attracted delegates, visitors, exhibitors and stakeholders from across the emergency management sector including fire, emergency and security service agencies, the government and non-government sectors, and research and education institutions.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bill Byrne said the emergency management sector was gathering to develop evolving responses to the changing needs of communities around the state and the globe when he officially opened the conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning.

“Delegates from around Australia and the world have come to the conference to connect, share experiences and research, analyse and learn from one another,” Minister Byrne said.

“The work of the emergency management sector is crucial in helping communities prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies.

“Sector personnel strive to remain at the forefront of the latest research and ideas on emergency management – which is what the AFAC Conference is all about.”

Hosted by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, and co-produced with the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, the AFAC Conference is Australia’s premier emergency management conference.

“The conference emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to emergency management and explores how partnerships and collaboration between stakeholders can continue to grow and strengthen our capabilities,” Minister Byrne said.

“There is also a focus on integration, diversity and inclusion which is reinforced through a partnership with the Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference, themed Stepping Up and Standing Out, that is co-located with AFAC and also underway in Brisbane.”

For more information on AFAC16 visit www.afacconference.com.au.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Minister Byrne's office:   0478 325 738