The AFAC (Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council) & Fire CRC Conference 2012 concludes today. A number of SES volunteers including some from the SESVA attended to learn new emergency industry related knowledge. The conference was held at the Perth Convention Centre
Opening the conference was keynote speaker Dr Barry Jones (a past federal politician and quiz show champion from B&W TV days from BP Pick a Box). Another highlight speaker was Bernard Salt, a man who is able to turn the study of Australian human behaviour and demography into an informative and entertaining subject. The conference was closed officially by WA Emergency Services minister , Mr Troy Buswell MLA.
Over 1000 delegates attended and there were over 150 trade displays. This was the 19th annual conference which started originally with 150 delegates and 3 trade displays in Fremantle in 1993.
AFAC CEO Naomi Brown (ex FESA-SES Executive Director) announced her retirement at the end of the year. Naomi has been CEO for AFAC for past 7 years and is held in high regard by the emergency service industry for her work. Naomi was a great champion for WA SES volunteers and the SESVA wish her well in retirement to Busselton.
The AFAC conference also provided a an excellent side benefit resulting in an informal meeting of WA and NSW SES Volunteer Associations executive teams. Agreement was firmed up for SES associations to share knowledge and combine efforts to advocate SES volunteers.
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) is the peak body for public sector fire, land management and emergency service organisations in Australia and New Zealand. The organisation fosters and promotes an integrated approach to emergency service operations and business management by identifying opportunities to share knowledge, collaborate and optimise the use of resources.
Link to AFAC web site: http://www.afac.com.au/
SESVA of WA and NSW meet for informal discussions
SES volunteer Phillip (and SESVA Committee member) @ AFAC
Naomi Brown AFAC CEO Naomi Brown and former FESA-SES Executive Director
