Gathering of emergency management experts in Tamworth discuss fire preparedness

Emergency management and community engagement experts from throughout Australia gathered in Tamworth last week to discuss best practices for fostering informed, prepared, and resilient communities in the face of bush fires.

The 22nd Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness (ACEFA) conference, hosted by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), included presentations from leaders in emergency services, case studies and research, as well as practical lessons on how to engage communities before, during, and after a disaster.

Commissioner of the NSW RFS, Rob Rogers, emphasised the importance of the event, stating: “The theme for this year’s conference is ‘We’re All in This Together – Partnerships and future challenges’.”

Importance of community preparedness

Commissioner Rogers highlighted the significance of community preparedness: “A community that is both well informed and prepared is critical to saving lives, preventing injury, and minimising property loss, which is why it is so important to engage with people to make sure they have timely and relevant advice and support.”

He added that the conference aimed to help leaders in fire and emergency services, government, and the private sector better understand how to engage with communities.

This understanding would then be passed on to residents, aiding in their preparation and protection against the very real threat of bush fires.

Collective effort and recent challenges

Reflecting on recent disasters, Commissioner Rogers said: “From the Black Summer fires and widespread flooding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of recent years have further highlighted the importance of working together.”

The ACEFA conference served as a valuable opportunity for community engagement practitioners to examine the latest research and innovation.

This, according to Rogers, would enhance the capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from tragedies.

Expert contributions and keynote speakers

Experts from various organisations, including the RFS, Victorian Country Fire Authority, Emergency New Zealand, Australian Red Cross, BlackCard, Macquarie University, and Gender and Disaster Australia, shared their knowledge during sessions and workshops.

The conference featured five keynote speakers, including Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Australia, Amanda Leck GAICD of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and change strategist Michael McQueen.

The ACEFA conference took place from 20-22 June at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Conference Centre, with sponsorship from the NRMA and Rural Fire Service Association.