AFAC conference to explore integrated response across Asia-Pacific
Iain Hoey
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AFAC25 returns to Perth with wide-ranging emergency management programme
Australasia’s emergency management conference, AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, will take place from 26 to 29 August 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
According to AFAC, the 2025 theme “From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection” will frame the event’s focus on strengthening emergency response through collaboration, system integration and capacity building.
The event will include conference streams, keynote presentations and research showcases across four days, with speakers from across Australia, New Zealand and international agencies presenting on bushfire management, volunteer engagement, cultural resilience, mental health, digital transformation and aerial firefighting.
Conference to feature keynote sessions and expert panels
AFAC has confirmed that keynote speakers will include Professor Gavin Smith of North Carolina State University, Mami Mizutori, former Head of UNDRR, and Leigh Sales of ABC.
Panel sessions will address strategic planning, emergency communication, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative innovation.
According to the AFAC25 agenda, the final day will include a closing keynote by Penelope Twemlow on leadership and resilience, following a session with Mark Hardingham, Chair of the UK’s National Fire Chiefs Council.
Each day will feature a mix of practical case studies, technology demonstrations and strategy-focused presentations.
Topics include fire service health, technology, resilience and cultural safety
AFAC25 sessions will cover themes such as mental wellbeing in firefighting, wildfire risk, prescribed burning, and data modelling.
Research presentations include work on AI-supported emergency planning, drone swarms, risk exposure in bushfire environments, and long-term fire management outcomes.
Speakers will represent organisations including Fire Rescue Victoria, NSW Police, Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA, Earth Fire Alliance, and universities from across Australia and New Zealand.
The WAFA and IFE will also host concurrent sessions focused on leadership, inclusion, technical risk, and infrastructure resilience.
Cultural and community themes span Indigenous knowledge and disaster recovery
AFAC has confirmed a programme of community-focused sessions including disaster resilience in Aboriginal communities, inclusive emergency planning, and collaborative fire management in remote areas.
The Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, held alongside AFAC25, will include presentations on culturally informed recovery, DEI in emergency planning, and localised strategies for climate adaptation.
Sessions will explore youth involvement, First Nations leadership, and equity in emergency response, with contributions from local governments, academic institutions and national agencies.
AFAC25 returns to Perth with wide-ranging emergency management programme: Summary
AFAC25 will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26 to 29 August 2025.
The theme of the 2025 event is “From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection.”
The event is organised by AFAC and powered by INTERSCHUTZ.
AFAC has confirmed that keynote speakers will include Professor Gavin Smith, Mami Mizutori, and Leigh Sales.
The agenda includes sessions on bushfire management, digital tools, resilience, aerial firefighting and emergency workforce wellbeing.
Panels and keynotes will address integrated systems, emergency communications and strategic planning.
The conference includes presentations from Australian and international emergency and research organisations.
AFAC25 will run concurrently with the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference.
The event will also include participation from IFE Australia and WAFA.
AFAC25 will feature research, community initiatives and professional development streams.