AFAC Annual Report 2014-15

ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS: DIRECTION

DIRECTION

1

2

Supporting

Providing

resilient communities through risk reduction

2 â „ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

trusted response

DIRECTION

DIRECTION

DIRECTION

3

4

5

Source

Effective

Informed

CONTENTS

President’s Message

4

CEO’s Message

5

AFAC Governance

6

AFAC Members and Affiliates

8

Industry Initiatives

10

Professional Development Events

15

AFAC 2014 Conference

17

Industry Awards

18

Motorola Knowledge Innovation Award Laurie Lavelle Award

18 18

AFAC Collaboration

19

Financial Summary

26

Statement of Financial Position

27

of credible and timely information

governance and resource management

by research

⁄ 3

NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

254,000

The 2014-15 year has seen AFAC consolidate its position representing fire and emergency services across Australia.

The AFAC Board, focusing on the business of running AFAC Ltd and working on behalf of the AFAC Council, has continued to conduct Board meetings on a rotational basis around Australia with meetings this year occurring in Perth, Hobart and Melbourne. Council meetings were conducted in Sydney and Melbourne.

The AFAC14 conference in Wellington, New Zealand, was another great success. It was well received by our membership and we achieved greater numbers than anticipated with the facilities in New Zealand at maximum capacity. The night at Te Papa Museum was a particular highlight and signalled an alternative approach for our conference dinners.

The Board considered entering into a partnership in order to further develop the AFAC conference. After significant deliberation the Board approved the sale (with the concurrence of AFAC Council), of 50% of the AFAC conference to Hannover Fairs Australia, a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe who conduct INTERSCHUTZ, the world fair for fire and safety providers.

The other major initiative for the year has been the successful tendering for services previously provided by the Australian Emergency Management Institute (AEMI). While the full implications of this are still evolving, it was a significant vote of confidence for AFAC, who led the consortium as the prime contractor together with Australian Red Cross and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC. Finally I would like to again thank all those from member agencies and the AFAC CEO and staff who have contributed to the work of AFAC throughout the year. The contribution of all involved is truly a collaborative effort which indeed generates significant synergy across the industry and ensures we are best placed to support and protect our communities.

volunteers

34,000

paid staff

100,000

training places delivered a year through 25 Registered Training Organisations

12,940

firefighting vehicles

Greg Mullins AFSM, FIFireE, FAIM Commissioner Fire & Rescue NSW AFAC President

VISION TO BE RECOGNISED AND RESPECTED AS A WORLD LEADER IN DELIVERING COLLABORATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SERVICES PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 4 â „ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:

CEO’S MESSAGE I am conscious that the 2014-15 year was hectic for AFAC staff and I want to register my gratitude for their efforts.

We undertook a number of major projects with additional implications, including the AFAC conference in New Zealand, establishing the partnership with the AFAC conference and responding to the AEMI tender. The AFAC office is busy regardless, and these major undertakings stretched staff capacity to our limit.

We moved from the fifth to the first and ground floors of our East Melbourne office in December 2014. While this may seem insignificant and occurred seamlessly, it generated extra work while affording much improved facilities for our agency representatives when they visit and has created a more pleasant environment for AFAC staff.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of ASN Events who have supported AFAC for 10 years in their role as Professional Conference Organiser for the AFAC conference. ASN has done a great job and we are sincerely grateful for their support, advice and organisation. Apart from the conference we have conducted 44 other significant industry events across Australia, supported in the order of 190 interagency meetings through the year and we have also been building a new website in the background; much has been achieved.

The research utilisation function has been successfully embedded within the AFAC office and significant resources are being expended ensuring available research from the Bushfire CRC and emerging research from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is reaching endusers in agencies. This is a wholly appropriate role for AFAC. Finally, in February we were very pleased to send a copy of ‘Every Day’, a quality booklet highlighting the capacity and support of fire and emergency services across Australia, to every Federal and State/Territory politician. In May, together with the Governor General and Prime Minister, we conducted the first National Fire and Emergency Memorial Service. This was a sober but important occasion which appropriately recognised the efforts and sacrifices of all fire and emergency service workers, as well as honouring five specific individuals who had recently lost their lives.

13,540

flood and storm vehicles On average

717,994 responses per year

1,968

responses per day

Stuart Ellis AM Chief Executive Officer AFAC

MISSION

NATIONAL PRINCIPLES

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL AND PEAK BODY FOR AUSTRALASIAN FIRE, LAND MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES, CREATING SYNERGY ACROSS THE INDUSTRY

PRIMACY OF LIFE TRUST INTEROPERABILITY ACCOUNTABILITY ⁄ 5

AFAC GOVERNANCE AS AT 30 JUNE 2015

Elected by the AFAC Council, the Board provides governance oversight to the effective management of the organisation.

The Board meets bi-monthly and members hold office for two years.

President Greg Mullins AFSM, FIFireE, FAIM Commissioner Fire & Rescue NSW Greg was appointed Commissioner of Fire & Rescue NSW in July 2003. He is the first person to be appointed as both Chief Fire Officer and CEO. He commenced his career in firefighting in 1978 after serving for six years as a volunteer firefighter with the NSW Bushfire Service (now Rural Fire Service).

Greg was appointed as President of AFAC in October 2013. He is also Deputy Chair of the NSW State Emergency Management Committee, and is the Australian Director of the International Association of Asian Fire Chiefs. In 1995 he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship and has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations including the Australian Fire Service Medal.

September 2007 - Present

6 â „ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Deputy President Paul Baxter Chief Executive Officer and National Commander New Zealand Fire Service

Treasurer Wayne Gregson APM Commissioner Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA

Paul commenced his role as Chief Executive Officer and National Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service in January 2012. He joined the New Zealand Fire Service as a volunteer, taking a career position in 1986, and after a number of promotions, was appointed Fire Regional Manager for the Eastern Fire Region.

Paul holds a Degree in Business, has completed the four year Executive Fire Officer Program, and recently completed the Advanced Management Program at the Melbourne School of Business.

December 2012 – Present

Wayne graduated from the WA Police Academy in 1980. He served as Portfolio Head of the Metropolitan Region, Frontline Services, the Specialist Crime and the Judicial Services Portfolios.

Wayne took up the position of CEO of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority in September 2011. He has been Commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA since it commenced operations on 1 November 2012.

Wayne is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a BA in Politics and Philosophy and an MA in Business Administration. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Executive Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.

He was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2006.

February 2014 - Present

Mick Bourke Chief Executive Officer Country Fire Authority, VIC

Neil Cooper PSM Manager, Fire, Forests and Roads ACT Parks and Conservation Service

Greg Nettleton Chief Officer SA Country Fire Service

Mick joined the Country Fire Authority in September 2009. Prior to his appointment, Mick held the positions of Chairman and CEO of the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, and Managing Director of City West Water.

He is focused on teamwork and innovation. More recently, Mick was the Environmental Monitor for the Bay Dredging Project. He sits on the Board of Sustainability Victoria and is a member of the Hobsons Bay Community Fund.

October 2012 – February 2015

Neil completed his BSC (Forestry) degree at the Australian National University in 1982. His early career saw him involved in plantation forestry establishment, silviculture and harvesting until 1999 when he took on the role of Manager of Fire with the then ACT Forests Department.

Since then he has been on several overseas deployments to the United States, involved in a number of large campaign fires in Australia and presented papers at International forums including the United Nations in Rome in 2010 and 2012. He was also the lead end-user for the Fire in the Environment program under the Bushfire CRC. October 2013 - Present

Greg was appointed Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service in 2011, and is the Public Officer for the CFS Foundation.

Prior to joining the Country Fire Service, he was the Director and Chief Fire Officer for the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service.

During 1998, as an inaugural Regional Director, he helped with the formation of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, WA. Greg holds a Degree in Engineering (Civil), a Masters’ Degree in Engineering Science, and a Masters’ Degree in Business.

August 2011 – Present

AFAC BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE DIRECTORS

Mike Brown AFSM Chief Officer Tasmania Fire Service

Stephen Griffin Chief Executive Officer Victorian State Emergency Service

Mike’s fire service career began in 1977 and has seen him work throughout the years in a range of areas including operations and training before moving through to District and Regional management. He was promoted to Deputy Chief Officer of the Tasmanian Fire Service in 2006 and then Chief Officer incorporating the role of CEO and Chairman of the State Fire Commission in 2009.

Mike’s roles on a national level include Director (Deputy Chairman) of the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and past Deputy President of the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO). He successfully completed the United States Fire Administration Executive Fire Officer Program in 2002.

October 2013 - Present

Stephen was appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) in May 2014. He came to SES from the Geelong City Council where he was CEO for five years. Prior to this, Stephen had collected over 28 years of local government experience including City of Melbourne, City of Werribee and Wyndham City Council, where he was the Recovery Manager.

Throughout his career Stephen has been recognised for his transformational leadership and robust management of service delivery programs and corporate functions.

April 2015 - Present

Mr P Baxter Mr M Bourke Mr M Brown Mr N Cooper Mr W Gregson Mr S Griffin Mr G Mullins Mr G Nettleton

NUMBER ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND

NUMBER ATTENDED

5 3 5 5 5 1 5 5

5 3 5 2 2 1 5 5

⁄ 7

MEMBERS AND AFFILIATE MEMBERS AS AT 30 JUNE 2015

32

Members

16

Affiliate Members

AUSTRALIA WIDE MEMBERS Airservices Australia (Airservices) Attorney-General’s Department, Emergency Management Australia (AGD - EMA)

AUSTRALIA WIDE AFFILIATE MEMBERS Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO) Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA) Geoscience Australia (Geoscience) Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA)

INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATE MEMBERS Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD) Pacific Islands Fire Service Association (PIFSA)

8700+

receive AFAC-news 8 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY MEMBERS ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) ACT Parks and Conservation Service (ACT PCS) ACT State Emergency Service (ACT SES)

NEW SOUTH WALES MEMBERS Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales (OEH-NSW)

NORTHERN TERRITORY MEMBERS Bushfires Northern Territory (Bushfires NT) Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS)

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES AS AT 30 JUNE 2015

AFAC Council is represented by the head of each member agency

Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) Fire Services Commissioner Victoria Melbourne Water Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner (OESC)

Greg Mullins, FRNSW, President Paul Baxter, NZFS, Deputy President Wayne Gregson, DFES-WA, Treasurer Greg Nettleton, SA CFS Mike Brown, TFS Neil Cooper, ACT PCS Stephen Griffin, VIC SES Dominic Lane, ACT ESA Tony Graham, ACT SES Glenn Wood, Airservices Mark Crosweller, AGD – EMA Mark Ashley, Bushfires NT Michael Wootten, CFA VIC (Acting) Euan Ferguson, CFA VIC Mike Meinema, DPAW-WA (Acting) Shane Wiseman/Grant Pelton, DEWNR SA Guy Thomas, DNPRSR QPWS Alan Goodwin, DELWP VIC Ross Dickson, FCNSW Nigel Foss, ForestryTAS Greg Saunder,ForestrySA Jim Higgins, MFB VIC Andrew Warton, NTES Steve Rothwell, NTFRS Shane Fitzsimmons, NSW RFS Adam Dent, NSW SES Naomi Stephens, OEH-NSW Adrian Pyrke, PWS-TAS David Nugent, ParksVIC Katarina Carroll, QFES Greg Crossman, SA MFS Chris Beattie, SASES Andrew Lea, TAS SES

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS

QUEENSLAND MEMBERS Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing - Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (NPRSR-QLD) Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)

QUEENSLAND AFFILIATE MEMBER HQPlantations Pty Ltd

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR SA) Forestry South Australia (ForestrySA) South Australian Country Fire Service (SA CFS) South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SA MFS) South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES)

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AFFILIATE MEMBER South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM)

TASMANIAN MEMBERS Forestry Tasmania (ForestryTAS) Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania (PWS-TAS) Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) Tasmania State Emergency Service (TAS SES)

VICTORIAN MEMBERS Country Fire Authority, Victoria (CFA VIC) Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, VIC (DELWP VIC) Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board, Melbourne (MFB VIC) Parks Victoria (ParksVIC) Victoria State Emergency Service (VIC SES)

VICTORIAN AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA (DFES-WA) Department of Parks and Wildlife, WA (DPAW-WA)

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN AFFILIATE MEMBERS Office of Bushfire Risk Management, WA (OBRM-WA) State Emergency Management Committee Secretariat WA (SEMCS-WA)

NEW ZEALAND MEMBERS National Rural Fire Authority, New Zealand (NFRA NZ) New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS)

NEW ZEALAND AFFILIATE MEMBERS Department of Conservation New Zealand EMQUAL

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INDUSTRY INITIATIVES

21

performance MEASURES

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS In December 2013 the then Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management endorsed the Strategic Directions for Fire and Emergency Services in Australia and New Zealand 2014-2016 drafted by AFAC. This was the first occasion that fire and emergency services had arrived at national priorities with endorsement of all AFAC agencies, the Australian and New Zealand Emergency Management Council (ANZEMC), together with State, Territory and the Federal Governments through the Law, Crime and Community Safety (LCCS) Council.

AFAC committed to reporting achievements against the Strategic Directions to LCCS Council and an interim report has been prepared to be presented later in 2015. The intent of this interim reporting is not to rigidly report by jurisdiction against each element of the Strategic Directions. The Commonwealth Productivity Commission ‘Report on Government Services’ already provides a level of reporting for all jurisdictions. The goal of this reporting is to provide examples of how each Direction is being met across the industry as a whole. It is a mid-term report as at June 2015. Over the three year reporting period, AFAC is confident all elements of the Strategic Directions will be achieved and will confirm this late in 2016.

The Board and Council are pleased with the level of achievement to date and look forward to further reporting on accomplishment in 2016.

MEASURING AGENCY ACHIEVEMENTS Throughout the 2014-15 year AFAC members continued to collaborate on the development of indicators to represent the contribution of agencies towards achieving the objectives of the Strategic Directions for Fire and Emergency Services in Australia and New Zealand 2014-2016.

The AFAC Council appointed the Business Intelligence Group to work with representatives from across AFAC membership and key stakeholders to identify, discuss and present those indicators they believe most applicable for adoption by AFAC members.

An assessment of the feasibility of reporting against the identified measure and the data items that would be needed to produce the report was also completed.

Twenty-one indicators have now been developed to produce the data needed to answer key business questions. The proposed indicators represent a mix of outcome, output and input measures, some of which will be selected for inclusion in future Productivity Commission Report on Government Services reports.

The recommended indicators will be submitted to AFAC Council for endorsement in October 2015.

10 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

COMMISSIONERS AND CHIEF OFFICERS STRATEGIC COMMITTEE The AFAC Board established the Commissioners and Chief Officers Strategic Committee (CCOSC) in December 2013 in order to establish a forum on behalf of AFAC Council. The CCOSC represents each jurisdiction of air services, land managers and SES, but remains small enough to be an effective vehicle for engagement with the Commonwealth. The key functions are to: • Consider issues to be presented to ANZEMC and LCCS Council.

• Provide higher level consideration on strategic issues related to the federal government and federal departments.

• Develop national fire and emergency services capability.

• Progress national initiatives through jurisdictional support.

CCOSC is jointly chaired by the Director General Emergency Management Australia and a state/territory representative, currently the Commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA. CCOSC met formally three times during the financial year and also conducted a range of ‘out of session’ meetings to manage interstate deployments and support. CCOSC also visited the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Operations Centre at Bungendore NSW to discuss ADF capability in assisting during natural disasters. There is a developing relationship between the ADF and fire and emergency services which is being facilitated by Emergency Management Australia in Canberra, and in each state and territory with local ADF representatives.

CCOSC also conducted scenario planning for major emergencies beyond the capacity of a single jurisdiction and impacting on two or more jurisdictions simultaneously. This exercise is an important preparedness activity which CCOSC conducts to practice strategic decision making within emergency management.

2015 NATIONAL STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY In January 2015 the first ever National Statement of Capability was published by AFAC and Emergency Management Australia.

This statement was a collaborative effort and provides a single consolidated picture of the capabilities of fire and emergency services that enable Australia to respond to the challenges posed by the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters.

Over the coming years the statement will be updated and progressively enhanced to include the capabilities that exist to manage emergencies before and after an event. The true extent and ability of Australia’s emergency management capability is extensive and over time will be fully articulated.

2

positions and

9

new guidelines ENDORSED POSITIONS AND GUIDELINES Over the past financial year AFAC Council endorsed the following Positions: • Wind Farms and Bushfire Operations Revised and Approved 30 October 2014 • Class A Recycled Water for Firefighting Purposes Revised and Approved 5 November 2014 Guidelines were also signed off on: • Heavy Tanker - Crew Cab Chassis Guideline Approved 25 March 2015 • Medium Tanker - Crew Cab Chassis Guideline Approved 25 March 2015 • Aerial Appliance Maintenance Guideline Approved 25 March 2015 • Operational Response Vehicle Tyre Management Guideline Approved 25 March 2015 • Optimising the Service Life of Response Vehicles Guideline Approved 25 March 2015 • Rural Firefighting Appliances Burn-over Protection Guideline Approved 25 March 2015 • Emergency Service Vehicle Warning Devices (Audible, Optical and Visual) Guideline Approved 25 March 2015 • Operational Guideline for Acetylene Cylinder Incidents Approved 22 May 2015 • Guideline for First Responders Attending a Swift Water Incident Approved 20 October 2014 Council endorsed Positions and Guidelines are available on the AFAC website.

REPRESENTATION ON AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AFAC is a leading advocate of the development and revision of fire related standards among Australasian fire agencies. AFAC is represented on a number of Australian/New Zealand and International Standards Committees (ISO). Representatives are required to consult with all AFAC member agencies when providing comment in relation to the development or revision of Australian or International Standards and in doing so put forward the collective view of all agencies. An ongoing example of the consultation process and the collective view of AFAC being demonstrated is with respect to the ISO TC/94 SC/14 Firefighters’ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Committee.

AFAC, through Standards Australia, continue to provide significant input into the development of a range of standards for firefighters’ PPE, in particular playing a leading role in the development of a new range of standards for rescue PPE. The following committees have also seen significant contribution by the AFAC representatives over the past 12 months: • CS113 Wheat Bags • EL042 Electrical Installations • FP001 Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment • FP002 Fire Detection, Warning, Control and Intercom Systems • FP004 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Installations • FP009 Fire Hydrant Installations • FP017 Emergency Evacuation Procedures • FP018 Fire Safety • FP020 Construction in Bushfire Prone Areas • ME015 Storage and Handling of LPG • ME017 Flammable and Combustible Liquids • ME057 Road Tankers for Hazardous Liquids and Gas • ME062 Ventilation and Air-conditioning • ME070 Liquefied Natural Gas Storage and Handling • ME089 Mechanical Parking Devices • SF006 Eye Protection • SF010 Occupational Respiratory Protection • SF049 Firefighter’s Personal Protective Equipment • TX004 Ropes and Cordage • ISO TC/94 SC14 Firefighter’s Personal Protective Equipment • ISO TC/94 SC13 Occupational Protective Clothing • NFPA Correlating Committee for PPE for all Fire and Emergency Services

Representation on

60

national and

9

INTERNATIONAL

STANDARDS COMMITTEES

⁄ 11

SUBMISSIONS

PREDICTIVE SERVICES

October 2014 Australian Government – Productivity Commission AFAC’s response to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Natural Disaster Funding arrangements provided a broad overview of the contribution AFAC member agencies provide to the national emergency management capability of Australia.

The response suggests that supporting and improving capability provided by AFAC member agencies will improve and optimise mitigation and operational response, reducing the resources required for recovery.

18 May 2015 Public Safety Communications Governance Review

In April 2015, AFAC established a Predictive Services Project to improve decision support capability, for AFAC members, initially for bushfires. The project, a high priority initiative for both the AFAC Board and Council, will see the preparation of a Predictive Services Strategy to expand and optimise predictive capability in the future. The strategy will consider the medium and long term development pathway for predictive services taking into account current simulators used by member agencies, as well as new and evolving simulators and research outcomes from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and other organisations.

Other key outcomes will be the preparation of a capability development plan to expand member capability in using fire spread simulators to assess risk and improve incident management; and to develop a training and qualifications framework for Fire Behaviour Analysts.

The project will also establish business arrangements relating to intellectual property ownership, management and licencing of the PHOENIX Rapidfire simulator currently in use across a number of agencies.

AFAC’s response to the Public Safety Communications Governance Review Consultation Paper supported the option of creating a new Public Safety Communications Sub-Committee under ANZEMC. This approach will best support the key integrated concerns of AFAC around ensuring the National Review of Warnings and Information including Emergency Alert, the Triple Zero Operator Review and the Public Safety Mobile Broadband Review best meet the needs of AFAC member agencies.

WARNINGS AND INFORMATION The National Review of Warnings and Information project provided an opportunity to investigate across a multi-hazard and national sphere, how warnings are conveyed to communities.

AFAC, together with representatives of the Commonwealth and all jurisdictions, contributed as a member of the national Steering Committee for this project, which aimed to share jurisdictional knowledge, look for commonalities applied in practice, and develop a picture of good practice across a range of hazard types, such as fire, flood, storm and cyclone.

The Review explored good practice, innovation and key challenges through the lens of six key themes: Policy and Practice, Channels and Systems, Construction of Warnings, Community Response, Workforce Capability and Continuous Improvement.

In April 2015, ANZEMC endorsed the final report detailing nine recommendations and 42 findings. The first recommendation, to establish a dedicated multi-hazard national group for public information and warnings, was implemented with the establishment of the Warnings Group under the AFAC Collaboration Model.

The project Steering Committee, which contains representatives from each jurisdiction, meet regularly to determine that project work is being guided in the right direction for a broad range of agency needs.

9

RECOMMENDATIONS and

42

findings for

WARNINGS AND INFORMATION

AUSTRALIAN FIREFIGHTERS’ HEALTH STUDY In 2011 AFAC Council commissioned Monash University’s Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health to carry out a national retrospective study of firefighters’ mortality and cancer incidence, known as the Australian Firefighters’ Health Study. Nine Australian fire agencies participated. This study was prompted, in part, by the results of several overseas studies which had identified excesses of several types of cancers in firefighters.

This study had an Advisory Committee whose membership was drawn from AFAC, fire agencies, trade unions and volunteer firefighter associations.

The aims of the study were to examine mortality and cancer among firefighters and investigate different subgroups, based on type of employment, duration of firefighting service, era of first employment/service, serving before/ including or only after 1985, by the number of incidents attended and whether an individual was identified as having been a trainer. Over 232,000 records were reviewed including past and current firefighters, both paid and volunteer.

The Final Report Australian Firefighters’ Health Study was published on 11 December, 2014. Findings included: • Overall, firefighters have better health, in relation to mortality, than the general population, in most instances being 30% less likely to die of certain diseases than their counterparts in the general population.

• Compared to the general population, the incidence of cancer was elevated by about 8-11% for male full-time career and part-time paid firefighters. This increase is largely due to higher incidence of prostate cancer and melanoma. No major categories of death significantly elevated.

• There is evidence to suggest that increased risk is associated with the number of incidents attended.

• Volunteers, on the whole, do not appear to have an increased cancer risk when compared to the general population – some further analysis of this data is being completed.

• There was not enough data to make any findings about cancer incidence for female firefighters.

Over

232,000 RECORDS REVIEWED

12 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

in health study

17

PANEL MEMBERS to assess

2

credentials for EMPS

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALISATION SCHEME In 2014, under the direction of the AFAC Council, a team of expert practitioners from across the membership worked with AFAC staff to develop the Emergency Management Professionalisation Scheme (EMPS). EMPS is a program to provide credentials for emergency management practitioners, commencing with Incident Controllers.

The scheme provides a mechanism for AFAC to: • Lead the way in providing ongoing development of emergency management practice and practitioners.

• Establish standards that define emergency management roles and the quality of services provided.

• Assure the community, government and industry colleagues that practitioners are certified to undertake their duties.

To support EMPS a range of Professional Standards have been developed and endorsed by the AFAC Council. The scheme is open to career and volunteer personnel of AFAC member agencies, as well as individuals from commercial or government entities. To assess candidates, an Emergency Management Certification Panel has been appointed and inducted.

In the second half of 2015, a number of AFAC agencies will be preparing to participate in EMPS. Operations will commence towards the end of 2015, with an initial offering of two credentials: • Registered Incident Controller • Certified Incident Controller Other Emergency Management roles will be introduced over time.

RESEARCH UTILISATION Since moving from the former Bushfire CRC on June 30 2014, the research utilisation function has been integrated into AFAC business from strategy and governance through to planning and implementation. Key achievements include: • Conduct of the last seven Research to Drive Change Bushfire CRC Webinar Forums. The series of 10 forums reached 798 participants and was widely accessed.

• The AIIMS Capability Development Roadshow, with eight events and 623 participants.

• Release of a wide range of quality products, including: - A Guide to Rate of Fire Spread Models for Australian Vegetation, published jointly with CSIRO. - Conducting Successful Debriefs; a suite of three products including a handbook to assist facilitators, a summary form field guide and an aide-memoire with practical checklists.

- Building Capability through Simulation, a resource which synthesizes research in the use of simulation-based activities to develop incident management capability.

- Revision of AFAC’s Case Study Guidelines and their application to a case study on the utilisation of research

by Tasmania Fire Service to re-build their approach to community education.

- The final seven Fire Notes from the Bushfire CRC research were published.

Other ongoing initiatives include embedding research into AFAC’s training materials and the awarding of two international conference travel support scheme grants to members.

NATIONAL BURNING PROJECT An injection of $2.2million in funding from the National Bushfire Mitigation Program, through the NSW Rural Fire Service, has allowed the National Burning Project to deliver three publications which are a result of consultation with prescribed burning practitioners across all jurisdictions.

The overall intent of the Project is to develop interoperability between agencies and staff to allow for capability sharing. The published reports are helping to build a consistent approach to prescribed burning by developing overarching risk management frameworks and best practice guidelines. Further work has been undertaken on developing a national Bushfire Fuel Classification with key agency staff and fire behaviour scientists helping to refine a system that will have multiple benefits and uses.

The Project has a Steering Committee containing representatives from each state and meets regularly to determine that it is being guided in the right direction for a broad range of agency needs.

Three publications were published in March 2015 and are: • Risk Management Framework – Smoke and Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Risk Management Framework – Fuel Hazards • Overview of Prescribed Burning in Australasia.

12

sub-projects

within the National Burning Project ⁄ 13

AIIMS-4 RESOURCES 1. AIIMS–4 Principles Online AFAC has completed the development of the inaugural AIIMS-4 Principles Online. This now enables AIIMS-4 users to access training, knowledge and research online.

The course supports the delivery, take-up and understanding of Bushfire CRC research, it includes 13 modules that cover the principles and key concepts of AIIMS and the eight functions within the system. Reflection questions, Learner Workbook activities, learning checks, scenarios, case studies and review activities are included in each of the 13 sessions. There is also a comprehensive suite of scenario-based tasks for assessment and a suite of supporting resources included.

The program meets the requirements of the 22202VIC Course in AIIMS and successful completion results in a national statement of attainment.

2. AIIMS-4 Introduction Online AFAC has developed AIIMS-4 Introduction Online for personnel that want an introduction to AIIMS. This course explores how AIIMS-4 can be applied in a variety of private and public sector organisations and enables members within both sectors to access further knowledge about AIIMS. Completion of AIIMS-4 Introduction Online does not result in a national statement of attainment.

3. AIIMS Doctrine Moving from AIIMS 3rd Edition to AIIMS-4 AFAC has developed a training and exercise package to support agencies in their gap training from AIIMS-3 to AIIMS-4. This training provides a nationally-consistent approach to addressing the enhancements and refinements to the AIIMS-4 doctrine.

The resource is divided into two parts in order to give agencies flexibility in the way they deliver training on the enhanced doctrine.

• Part 1: A half-day professional-development workshop focusing on how the new AIIMS-4 doctrine differs from AIIMS-3.

• Part 2: A half-day workshop in which course participants can apply their newly acquired knowledge of AIIMS-4 to a range of hypothetical scenarios.

REVIEW OF AIIMS In October 2014, the AIIMS Steering Group initiated a review of incident management doctrine, with the intention of publishing the next edition of AIIMS in 2017.

Five broad areas of doctrine were submitted to the Steering Group for review. In response to the nominations received from agencies, three working groups were formed to cover the following areas: • Incident management doctrine • Recovery and management of spontaneous volunteers • Regional and state arrangements.

Local business and continuity are also topics of interest, covered through targeted discussion and consultation with stakeholders.

Each working group has developed a series of propositions that have been advanced through research, discussion and resolution.

The propositions will be presented to the Steering Group, supported by a case for change and a suggestion on how to capture it within doctrine.

Once propositions are endorsed by the Steering Group, the process of codifying doctrine will commence. This process will occur during 2016 and will be directed by an Editorial Board.

OUR PARTNERS NATIONAL AERIAL FIREFIGHTING CENTRE During 2014-15 AFAC continued to collaborate closely with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC). Undertaking a number of major procurement activities on behalf of members, NAFC finalised an invitation to tender for fixed-wing firebombing services plus fixed-wing air attack supervision and reconnaissance services based in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. NAFC also commenced a major tender for Type 2 and Type 3 helicopter services based primarily in Victoria.

At the request of Victoria, two Large Airtankers (LATs) and a dedicated Air Attack Supervision (AAS) aircraft were contracted by NAFC for the 2014-15 fire season to fill a capability gap identified by the state. A comprehensive evaluation report of the LATs delivered by NAFC, confirmed that the aircraft had met the key objectives and provided a proficiency that was not necessarily available from other aerial resources.

Another major project for NAFC during the year was the establishment and production of the ARENA system. This groundbreaking project provides a single source of consistent, quality-managed information regarding aviation resources through a national registry of aircraft, operators and people.

Finally, in late 2014 AFAC and NAFC collaborated to facilitate a strategic outlook workshop which aimed to identify future capability requirements and provide the sector with an opportunity to plan for the future directions of the organisations.

AFAC continued to provide administrative and support services to NAFC under a service agreement, whilst NAFC also provided executive support to AFAC’s Fire and Emergency Aviation Technical Group.

BUSHFIRE AND NATURAL HAZARDS COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE As a partner in the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, AFAC participates in long-term national research that directly supports the fire and emergency services as they work to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters.

The research program is end user driven and spans the priorities of those working in a multi-hazard environment. This means that the fire and emergency service agencies, government departments and non-government organisations, including AFAC, have a significant role in the ongoing development and delivery of the research program.

AFAC has direct participation through its CEO on the Board and AFAC Directors’ membership of project end user groups.

The joint annual conference of AFAC and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is the most visible part of the relationship but it is supported by a series of joint activities and promotion at other partner events and conferences, professional development events, research utilisation and through products including Fire Australia magazine and the Bushfire Seasonal Outlooks for northern and southern Australia.

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clusters

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CRC projects 14 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

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EVENT ATTENDEES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS AFAC’s professional development events program provides the industry with continuous opportunity for valuable ongoing development of skills and capability as well as contributing to a shared understanding that supports the adoption of knowledge transfer. A total of 44 events were held over the past year, with 2363 delegates attending from across the country.

COMMISSIONERS AND CHIEF OFFICERS EXECUTIVE FORUM The sixth AFAC Executive Forum was held at the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM) in Manly over three days in June. Sponsored by Tait Communications, the event explored ‘Internal governance and responding to non-operational crises’.

The forum provided an opportunity for Commissioners and Chief Officers to develop strategic level operational thinking through the sharing of experience, alternative approaches and lessons learned.

Guest speakers reflected on their own experiences in leadership positions, managing change and internal governance.

Participants reflected on issues affecting the industry and leadership, focusing on the topics of culture, diversity and political acumen. A summary of the key issues identified throughout the event will be presented to AFAC Council in October 2015 with a proposal to explore these issues in more depth over the coming year.

AIIMS CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT ROADSHOW The AIIMS Capability Development Roadshow is an ongoing series of professional development events conducted with various AFAC members to facilitate agency utilisation of research. The series began in early 2015 and has already included two webinars, six clinics and two masterclasses. All events were well attended and their success is demonstrated by the fact that demand required the series be extended into the second half of 2015 and beyond. An evaluation has been completed for each event and a consolidated report will inform the next phases of the series.

From January to June 2015, 623 delegates participated in the series with the events focusing on facilitating debriefs, managing under adversity, decision making under pressure and how to conduct a staff ride.

KNOWLEDGE EVENT SERIES: THE CHALLENGES OF A MULTI-STOREY HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL FIRE As part of AFAC’s commitment to raising the national capability of fire and emergency services, the annual Knowledge Event Series again took place around the country in May and June. This year’s event focused on the challenges of multi-storey high rise residential fires and was developed in response to the November 2014 Lacrosse fire in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct which saw over 400 residents evacuated.

The seminar, supported by Motorola Solutions, featured presentations from Deputy Chief Officer David Youssef and Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Carter of the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency services Board, VIC (MFB). Together David and Mark outlined the challenges and implications from an operational, built environment and community safety perspective.

The series took place in seven cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin) and was attended by over 560 delegates. The event raised several issues for ongoing consideration from operations, to building materials and associated building standards, to overcrowding of apartments.

Risks to responders, evacuation management, building materials and challenges of coordinating a multi-agency event will be on the agenda for further discussion at upcoming meetings to determine how these issues can be further explored at a national level.

The issue of combustible building materials that fail to adhere to Australian building standards is now also being examined under a Senate inquiry. The Senate Standing Committee on Economics is due to report back on this issue in December 2015.

AFAC SIMULATION FORUM Over 70 representatives from fire, SES, Airservices, land management, police and ambulance agencies came together in May 2015 to attend the second national AFAC Simulation Forum.

The forum was a successful event and provided an opportunity to explore how simulation can be used for different purposes within emergency management, such as to build understanding, make predictions, support decision making, facilitate learning, or to exercise capability. The forum enabled the presenters, researchers, participants and exhibitors to share their knowledge and experience with one another and to build networks.

Topics covered at the forum included: • How simulation is being used within the health, defence and aviation industry.

• Research findings from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC on good practice in simulation design, development and evaluation when used for exercising.

• Research into assessment of simulation exercises.

• A case study on how one major fire service is approaching the use of simulation.

• Fire simulation modelling for buildings.

• A case study of one low fidelity and low cost simulation.

• A panel session with allocated question time.

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NATIONAL FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEMORIAL SERVICE

UAS IN ACTION: APPLICATION OF REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (RPAS) IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT NAFC and AFAC, together with the Australian Association of Unmanned Systems and Queensland University, ran a userfocused workshop on the Application of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Over 120 delegates from across the Australasian fire and emergency services sector, including a number of industry suppliers, attended the symposium held at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane on June 30 2015.

Discussion at the event has contributed significantly to enhancing a shared understanding between users and suppliers regarding the appropriate application, capabilities and limitations of RPAS. Feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive and delegates confirmed that the symposium greatly enhanced their understanding of the potential of this important, developing capability.

Outcomes from the symposium are expected to influence regulatory processes. During the symposium NAFC also announced the availability of funding for collaborative research into the application of remotely piloted aircraft in fire and emergency services.

AFAC LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AFAC, in partnership with the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM), again held a number of professional development courses during the year. Representatives from emergency services across Australia and New Zealand, as well as Police, attended the various programs. The integration of urban and rural fire, SES and land managers, together with Police officers, has proven a valuable learning environment.

AFAC member agencies had a combined total of 128 delegates in attendance at the leadership program courses in the 2014-15 financial year.

The various courses included: • Volunteer Leaders Program - Targeted at current and emerging leaders of volunteer emergency services and associations.

• Developing Future Leaders Program - Targeted at operational and non-operational personnel with demonstrated leadership potential.

• Graduate Certificate in Applied Management (Policing and Emergency Services) - Targeted at managers with significant experience and a capability for higher office.

• Graduate Diploma of Executive Leadership (Policing and Emergency Services) - Targeted at senior public safety leaders identified by their organisation as having the capacity for executive leadership.

• Strategic Command Program - Targeted at senior leaders with the strategic operational management and leadership capability to manage emergencies at zone, regional and state levels.

16 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

On Friday 1 May an inaugural Memorial Service was held for fire and emergency services personnel at the National Memorial, on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.

The event marked the first annual, public memorial service to honour the commitment and sacrifice of fire and emergency services personnel who have been killed on duty.

The ceremony was attended by nearly 300 family and friends of emergency service workers as well as several Members of Parliament. The former serving Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan both gave an address paying tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The GovernorGeneral Sir Peter Cosgrove was also in attendance joined by the Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department Chris Moraitis and ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Joy Burch.

AFAC President and Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins addressed attendees following which the Governor-General and Prime Minister presented special commemorative medallions to the families of those members who have lost their lives in recent times.

Five men were honoured at the service including David Balfour from ACT Fire and Rescue, Andrew Harrison and Brian Johnston from SA Country Fire Service, Daniel Howard from Fire & Rescue NSW and David Black from NSW Rural Fire Service.

The service also included a wreath laying ceremony and a recital of the firefighters prayer from New Zealand Fire Service’s Chief Executive and National Commander, Paul Baxter and the emergency services prayer narrated by Chief Officer of ACT State Emergency Service, Tony Graham.

This is the first step towards establishing a national day of significance for fire and emergency services, noting that previously agencies have only recognised such a day in their own states or territories and never before at a national level.

AFAC will continue to work toward the goal of a day of national recognition for the sacrifice of fire and emergency service personnel.

AFTER DISASTER STRIKES – LEARNING FROM ADVERSITY 2014 AFAC AND BUSHFIRE & NATURAL HAZARDS CRC CONFERENCE The annual AFAC and Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC Conference took place in Wellington, New Zealand and showcased 100 national and international speakers alongside over 80 leading exhibitors from Tuesday 2 September to Friday 5 September 2014. Attended by a total of 1129 delegates, the conference established itself once again as the industry’s leading knowledgesharing event for the Australasian region, attracting delegates from all over the globe.

The conference was hosted by the New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) at the combined venue TSB Bank Arena and Shed 6 with NZFS playing a key supportive role in all elements of the planning and implementation of the conference.

The conference theme After Disaster Strikes – Learning from Adversity highlighted the wide array of both natural and manmade disasters that we are subject to, and continue to learn from, in the Australasian region. Close to 60 sessions were scheduled over the two-day main program, with leading experts sharing agency activities, research utilisation and case studies.

The impact of disasters, sector capacity building and increasing resilience featured highly among topics. The 2014 conference was also the inaugural event in what has become an ongoing partnership with the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, taking over from predecessors the Bushfire CRC. As in previous years, the Research Forum opened the event with a record total of 392 delegates taking part. The three-day program encompassed 89 sessions running across four concurrent streams, with seven keynote speakers, nine invited speakers and three panel sessions.

The conference boasted 81 exhibitors, 15 of which were firsttimers, a record nine were platinum loyalty members with 15 years or more of service and two were platinum+ members celebrating 20 years of participation. Major sponsor Scania also celebrated their ninth year at the conference. The Dräger Knowledge Lounge also returned to the conference for its fifth year, following previous popularity.

An extensive social program once again added to the networking opportunities for delegates. The Conference Dinner, ‘A night at te Papa’ was held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa and proved to be a highlight of the week, with Maori cultural ceremonies flowing throughout the event.

The conference proceedings were again made available in “real time” on the website. For the first time the conference was also live-tweeted and delegates, speakers and trade exhibitors were encouraged to use the hashtag #AFAC2014 which generated a greater social media presence than in previous years.

1129 DELEGATES

100 SPEAKERS

81 EXHIBITORS

SURVEY SNAPSHOT 98% rated the overall conference as good, very good or excellent 96% said the conference met or exceeded their expectations 97% said they would recommend the conference to others 94% rated the Trade Expo as good, very good or excellent 85% agreed or strongly agreed that within their area of interest there was enough to maintain their engagement across the conference program

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INDUSTRY AWARDS MOTOROLA KNOWLEDGE INNOVATION AWARD AFAC partnered with Motorola Solutions for the fifth consecutive year to present the Motorola Knowledge Innovation Awards.

The Awards recognise innovation, creativity and contribution to knowledge management across the industry. New Zealand Fire Service were the joint recipients of the Agency Award for the implementation of the Absence Management Project, a nationwide procedure that tracks and manages absences. The Project has created vast improvement in staff morale and accelerated a true cultural shift towards attendance, honesty and overall staff wellbeing.

By adopting a balanced approach the organisation was able to help staff prevent avoidable absences while providing support for those who were genuinely ill or injured to enable them to return to work.

The Project also includes a Return to Wellness Check which ensures staff members only return to work when they are well and ready after meeting with a supervisor.

Country Fire Authority also received an Agency Award for their Knowledge Strategic Plan (KSP) and the Knowledge and Innovation Policy (KIP) development which have transformed the agency into a more collaborative and strategic organisation by embedding evidence driven decision making into everyday business.

The KSP has been implemented across the CFA and underpins the agencies approach to innovation and the sharing of ideas at all levels. Similarly the KIP outlines a number of procedures that recognise the importance of building on continuous improvements and establishing the linkages between research, evaluation, knowledge, and innovation functions.

Richard Host, Director of Information Technology at Fire & Rescue NSW received the Individual Award for introducing major reforms in information technology and knowledge management. Richard developed a SAP platform, which has not only benefited FRNSW but has also now been adopted by a number of other agencies including NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Ministry for Police & Emergency Services and the Department of Police & Justice.

Steve Crutchfield, Managing Director of Motorola Solutions for Australia and New Zealand, presented all three awards at the Welcome Ceremony of the AFAC and Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC Conference in Wellington, NZ in 2014.

18 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

LAURIE LAVELLE AWARD The Laurie Lavelle Achiever of the Year Award acknowledges significant contributions to enhancing the knowledge or skills, operations, performance or public profile of the emergency services sector. The Award was jointly presented to Anthony Clark of the NSW Rural Fire Service (top) and Mark Wright of the Tasmanian Police (seconded to Tasmanian State Emergency Service).

Anthony was awarded in recognition of his exceptional commitment and leadership of the NSWRFS corporate communications function, setting it up as a sector leader in engaging with the community and media, and effectively utilising new media channels to enhance the breadth of engagement.

As a result of this NSWRFS has established itself as a significant leader in the use of social media, with demonstrated capacity to develop best practice frameworks. These have proved beneficial to other agencies by allowing them to leverage off the work that has been done and enhance their own social media capabilities.

Mark Wright was awarded in acknowledgement of his outstanding development work on the State Emergency Management Committee Project: ‘Enhancing interoperability for the management of emergencies’. While on secondment to the Tasmanian SES, Mark made a significant contribution to the project which supports the development and enhancement of these capabilities not only in Tasmania, but also nationally.

Laurie Lavelle presented both recipients with the awards at the 2014 conference in Wellington, NZ.

AFAC COLLABORATION Through a collaborative approach, AFAC assists the emergency services sector to identify and achieve strategic and operational priorities.

Member agencies engage through AFAC to share knowledge, exchange insights, explore opportunities and create solutions that shape practice and guide the industry’s development. This approach facilitates and supports engagement, enabling members to jointly consider common challenges, generate solutions, develop positions and inspire new directions in practice.

This synergy gives our industry the capacity and capability to contribute outcomes greater than our individual parts. AFAC members participate on the Groups, Technical Groups and Networks in the following:

6

practice areas • Emergency Management Practice • Community Safety & Engagement • Knowledge & Research • Capability Development • Regulations & Standards • Business & Workforce Management Groups

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collaboration groups

192

group meetings

Emergency Management Practice

AIIMS Steering Group Co-Chair: Alan Goodwin, DELWP VIC Co-Chair: Steve Rothwell, NTFRS AFAC Manager: Erin Liston-Abel Executive Officer: Geoff Conway, Crossbow Consulting Services Andrew Lawson, SA CFS Adam Dent, NSW SES Bryan Fahy, SAPOL Cameron Leary, OEH-NSW Cherry Harrop, ANZPAA Chris Beattie, SASES Chris Quinn, Airservices Christopher Arnol, DFES-WA Damien Killalea, TFS Darren Klemm, DFES-WA David Nugent, ParksVIC Gary Featherston, AFAC Greg Mullins, FRNSW Iain Mackenzie, IGEM QLD John Cawcutt, QFES (Previous Chair) Lee Johnson, QFES Mal Crondtedt, SEMCS-WA Malcolm Gill, Australian National University Mark Brown, ACT FR Murray Carter, OBRM-WA Paul Turkington, AFAC Sandra Lundari, AFAC Simon Rickard, ARC Steve Davies, Airservices Steve Warrington, CFA VIC Stu Rooney, NZFS Stuart Ellis, AFAC Stuart Midgley, NSWRFS Tony Graham, ACT SES Trevor White, VIC SES

Rural & Land Management Group Chair: Murray Carter, OBRM-WA AFAC Manager: Gary Featherston Adam Lewis, Geoscience Adrian Pyrke, PWS-TAS Alen Slijepcevic, CFA VIC Andrew Graystone, ParksVIC Andrew Stark, ACTRFS Brian McKinlay, CAVFA Chris Smith, SA MFS Christopher Arnol, DFES-WA Craige Brown, Melbourne Water Darrin McKenzie, DELWP VIC David Nugent, ParksVIC Dean Sheehan, ForestryTAS Graham Swift, DFES-WA Jeremy Smith, TFS John Haynes, CFA VIC Justin Cook, ForestrySA Kevin O’Connor, NZFS Leigh Kleinschmidt, HQP Luigi Cucchiaro, NTFRS Malcolm Cronstedt, SEMCS-WA Mark Chladil, TFS Mike Meinema, DPAW-WA Murray Dudfield, NRFA NZ Naomi Stephens, OEH-NSW Neil Cooper, ACT PCS Neil Gallant, QFRS Nick Lhuede, ACT ESA Noreen Krusel, AFAC Paul Black, PWS-TAS Paul Brennan, DPAW-WA Peter Leeson, NPRSR-QLD Rob McNeil, FRNSW Rob Rogers, NSWRFS Rob Sandford, SA CFS Robin Hicks, BoM Shane Wiseman, DEWNR SA Stephen Warren, VIC SES Tim McGuffog, ForestryNSW

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SES Operations Group Chair: Chris Beattie, SASES AFAC Manager: Erin Liston-Abel Anthony Bradstreet, SLSA Brian Edmonds, TAS SES Clare Barker, NTES George Cretu, TAS SES Keith Fitzgerald, NSW SES Ken Cooper, NZFS Lloyd Bailey, DFES-WA Mark Morrow, NSW SES Paul Turkington, AFAC Peter Jeffrey, QFES Stu Rooney, NZFS Tim Wiebusch, VIC SES Tracey Allen, ACT ESA Trevor White, VIC SES Urban Operations Group Sponsor: Paul Baxter, NZFS Chair: Malim Watts, SA CFS AFAC Manager: Erin Liston-Abel Brad Stringer, DFES-WA Bruce Byatt, CFA VIC Conrad Barr, ACT ESA Darren Klemm, DFES-WA David Youssef, MFB VIC Gavin Freeman, TFS Ian Mitchell, QFES Jim Hamilton, FRNSW John Watson, QFES Mark Spain, NTFRS Michael Morgan, SA MFS Paul Jones, NSWRFS Paul Turkington, AFAC Rodney Reith, Airservices Steve Edwards, ACT ESA Steve Warrington, CFA VIC Stu Rooney, NZFS Trevor Arnold, SASES Fire & Emergency Aviation Technical Group Chair: Andrew Stark, ACT-RFS AFAC Manager: Gary Featherston Adam Lawson, DELWP VIC Andrew Marnie, QFES Andrew Matthews, NAFC Andrew Turner, BushfiresNT Bryan Rees, DELWP VIC David Pearce, SA CFS Greg Butters, TFS

20 â „ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Martin Batt, NAFC Maryanne Carmichael, NSWRFS Matt Plucinski, CSIRO Raymond Jasper, VIC SES Richard Alder, NAFC Richard McNamara, NRFA-NZ Terry Maher, DPAW-WA Wayne Bates, QFES Wayne Rigg, CFA VIC Fire Weather Technical Group Chair: Rob Sandford, SA CFS AFAC Manager: Gary Featherston Andreia Siqueira, Geoscience Andrew Sturgess, QFES Brad Irvin, CFA VIC Claire Yeo, BoM Fergus Adrian, QFRS John Bally, BoM Laurence McCoy, NSWRFS Mark Chladil, TFS Murray Mitchell, DPAW WA Paul Brockhoff, DELWP VIC Rick McRae, ACT ESA Robin Hicks, BoM Simon Heemstra, NSWRFS Hazardous Material Technical Group Chair: Gavin Freeman, TFS AFAC Manager: Erin Liston-Abel Andrew Andreou, CFA VIC Barry Byrne, MFB VIC Craig Brownlie, CFA VIC Craig Tonks, MFB VIC David Gill, DFES-WA David Pettit, NTFRS Dick Thornton-Grimes, NZFS Gavin Rooney, MFB VIC Greg Mason, ACTFR Jason Jones, ACTFR Jeff Harper, QFES Mark von Nida, Airservices Matthew Allen, CFA VIC Michael Logan, QFRS Pat Finlay, SA MFS Paul Johnstone, FRNSW Paul Turkington, AFAC Stuart Males, TFS Terry Trewin, NTFRS Warren Glover, CFA VIC Wayne Atkins, SA CFS

Urban Search & Rescue and Technical Rescue Group Chair: John Denny, FRNSW AFAC Manager: Erin Liston-Abel Bill Drysdale, MFB VIC Colin Lindsay, SA CFS Craig Brownlie, CFA VIC Daryl Rush, QFES David Pettit, NTFRS Gary Mann, MFB VIC Gary McKinnon, FRNSW Gavin Travers, NZFS Jon Broomhall, DFES-WA Mark Dobson, TFS Mark von Nida, Airservices Paul Turkington, AFAC Phil Canham, ACT ESA Sam Evans, ACT ESA Samuel Woodman, Airservices Terry Trewin, NTFRS Chief Information Officers Network AFAC Manager: Jillian Edwards Aaron Little, NSW SES Andrew Edwards, NSW SES Andrew Ferrarese, VIC SES Ann De Piaz, SA CFS Anthony Griffiths, DELWP VIC Cain Trist, EMV Femina Metcalfe, DPAW-WA Iain Larner, TFS Jenson Spencer, PSBA Justin Bree, CFA VIC Matthew Smith, NSWRFS Murray Mitchell, NZFS Owen Samuel, SA CFS Richard Host, FRNSW Robbie Lefroy, DFES-WA Scott Wilson-Haffenden, DPEM

Fire Investigation Network Chair: Peter Wilding, NZFS (Acting Chair) AFAC Manager: Rob Llewellyn Andrew Duckworth, DFES-WA Anthony Styring, MFB VIC Bob Alexander, FRNSW Bob Mathieson, NSWRFS Charles Barnard, Airservices Gordon Hemphrey, QFES Jeremy Fewtrell, FRNSW Leslie Vearing, DELWP VIC Mark Klop, TFS Nicole Harvey, CFA VIC Peter Van Boxtel, NTFRS Richard Woods, ACT ESA Shaun Ruxton, SA MFS Unwanted False Alarm Network Chair: Jo Rosenhain, MFB VIC Deputy Chair: Brian Talbot, ACT ESA AFAC Manager: Erin Liston-Abel (Previous Chair) Neil Reid, QFES Annette Vandersluis, NTFRS Carolyn Blake, CFA VIC Christine Herridge, FRNSW John Harrison, QFES Kevin Churchward, SA CFS Mark Phillips, ACTFR Paul Turkington, AFAC Phillip McDonough, SA CFS Rod Bahr, SA MFS Rodney Reith, Airservices Ron Haines, MFB VIC Simon Burt, NTFRS Stephen Lowe, TFS Syd Bignell, DFES-WA Todd O’Donoghue, NZFS

Community Safety & Engagement

Community Safety Group Sponsor: Jim Higgins, MFB VIC Chair: Damien Killalea, TFS AFAC Manager: Amanda Leck Adam Dalrymple, MFB VIC Alan Rhodes, EMV Andrew Stark, ACTRFS Christopher Arnol, DFES-WA Faruk Yay, AGD Glenn Benham, SA MFS Holly Foster, EMV Jennifer O’Beirne, DELWP VIC John Watson, QFES Leigh Miller, SA CFS Lew Short, EMV Mark Edwards, GA Mark Morrow, NSW SES Mark Whybro, FRNSW Rob Llewellyn, AFAC Rob Rogers, NSWRFS Rob Saunders, NZFS Samuel Woodman, Airservices Simon Burt, NTFRS Terry Hayes, CFA VIC SES Community Safety Group Chair: Ben McFadgen, VIC SES AFAC Manager: Amanda Leck Clare Barker, NTES Colleen Ridge, TAS SES Greg Mennie, SASES Mark Morrow, NSW SES Peter Jeffrey, QFES Sarah Anderson, SLSA Tracey Allen, ACT ESA

Community Engagement Technical Group Chair: Fiona Dunstan, SA CFS AFAC Manager: Amanda Leck Andrew Richards, NSW SES Andrew Stark, ACTRFS Chris Lewis, FRNSW Darryl McCormick, Airservices Faruk Yay, AGD Frances Taylor, VIC SES Greg Howard, SA MFS Greg Mennie, SASES Gwynne Brennan, CFA VIC Isabelle Holzberger, NTFRS Kathryn Mroczek, DEWNRS Kevin Reading, QFES Rob Llewellyn, AFAC Sandra Barber, TFS Sarah Anderson, SLSA Steve Cameron, EMV Suellen Flint, DFES-WA Sunara Fernando, NSWRFS Tamara Beckett, DELWP VIC Built Environment Technical Group Chair: Mark Whybro, FRNSW AFAC Manager: Rob Llewellyn Adam Dalrymple, MFB VIC Allan Oates, NTFRS Andrew Andreou, CFA VIC Brian Talbot, ACT ESA Colin Paton, SA CFS Corey Shackleton, NSWRFS David Brazel, QFES Gary Baxter, DFES-WA Greg Buckley, FRNSW Paul McBride, Airservices Rod Bahr, SA MFS Simon Davis, NZFS Stuart Beltz, TFS Bushfire Standards Technical Group Chair: Andrew Stark, ACTRFS AFAC Manager: Rob Llewellyn Andrew Andreou, CFA VIC Corey Shackleton, NSWRFS Leigh Miller, SA CFS Len Leslie, CFA VIC Lew Short, EMV Mark Chladil, TFS Ralph Smith, DFES-WA

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Fire Engineering Network Chair: Greg Buckley, FRNSW AFAC Manager: Rob Llewellyn Angela Chen, NZFS Brian Talbot, ACT ESA Cihan Soylemez, MFB VIC David Boverman, NSWRFS David Kearsley, CFA VIC David Kubler, SA MFS Jamie Vistnes, FRNSW Jeff Knight, TFS John Oliver, NTFRS Paul McBride, Airservices Stephen Keel, DFES-WA Steven McKee, QFRS Fire Investigation Network Chair: Peter Wilding, NZFS (Acting Chair) AFAC Manager: Rob Llewellyn Andrew Duckworth, DFES-WA Anthony Styring, MFB VIC Bob Alexander, FRNSW Bob Mathieson, NSWRFS Charles Barnard, Airservices Gordon Hemphrey, QFES Jeremy Fewtrell, FRNSW Leslie Vearing, DELWP VIC Mark Klop, TFS Nicole Harvey, CFA VIC Peter Van Boxtel, NTFRS Richard Woods, ACT ESA Shaun Ruxton, SA MFS

Knowledge & Research

AIRS User Network AFAC Staff: Alyce Scanlon-Batt Anne-Marie Bayly, SA MFS Annemarie Black, MFB VIC Chris Cowley, CFA VIC David Van Geytenbeek, TFS Hari Prasad Ravirala, PSBA Janna Shnaider, MFB VIC Jared Ebrall, DFES-WA Jodie Helmore, SA MFS Munzer Shamali, FRNSW Mymy Murphy, FRNSW Rashid Hazarika, NTFRS Russell Passmore, DFES-WA Selena Stanley, QFRS Tim Hanrahan, QFES Yvette Dowling, SA CFS Knowledge Innovation & Research Utilisation Network Chair: Heather Stuart, NSWSES AFAC Manager: Noreen Krusel Amanda Leck, AFAC Ann De Piaz, SA CFS April Flux, NZFS Bernard Marshall, CFA VIC Brenda Leahy, AFAC Cameron Wade, ForestryNSW Geoff Kaandorp, MFB VIC Grant Hamon, NTFRS John Schauble, EMV Kym Fowlie, NZFS Leigh-Anne Sorensen, QFES Liz Tasker, OEH-NSW Michael Bourne, CFA VIC Michael Wouters, DEWNR SA Mick Ayre, SA CFS Nicola Laurence, AFAC Regan Hopkins, NRFA NZ Stephanie Underwood, DFES-WA Stephen Glassock, NSWRFS

Capability Development

Learning & Development Group Chair: Cassandra Curtis, SA MFS AFAC Manager: Sandra Lunardi Adam Barnett, VFBV Andrew Buckley, DELWP VIC Andrew Short, QFES Andrew Werner, Airservices Chharvi Shaw, FRNSW Deborah Parsons, SA MFS Geoffrey Barnes, NTFRS Jarna Vilayrack, QFES Leigh-Anne Sorensen, QFES Max Hood, NZFS Nicola Laurence, AFAC Paul Salter, TFS Sam Sanderson, DEWNR SA Tracey Kick, FRNSW Cameron Leary, OEH-NSW Cameron Wade, ForestryNSW Cassandra Curtis, SA MFS Daniel Hooley, EM-QLD David Evenis, DFES-WA David Rawet, DPAW-WA Diana MacMullin, SASES Eddie Brizzio, MFB VIC Jamie Molloy, DELWP VIC Jocelyn Brace, NZFS Julie Nolan, ACT ESA Kaye Morris, OEH-NSW Liz Walker, NTFRS Loretta Orsini, VIC SES Naomi Gilders, Airservices Nick Connolly, TAS SES Pamela Simon, SLSA Serena Eales, SA CFS Stephen Glassock, NSWRFS Stuart Wade, DFES-WA Susan Gronow, NSW SES Tony Duckmanton, CFA VIC Wendy Blair, OEH-NSW Predictive Services Steering Committee Chair: Stuart Ellis, AFAC AFAC Manager: Greg Esnouf Gerd Bossinger, UM (Observer) Liam Fogarty, DELWP VIC Michael Wouters, DEWNR SA Simon Heemstra, NSWRFS

22 â „ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Pacific Islands Liaison Officers Network Chair: Grant Lupton, SA MFS AFAC Manager: Jillian Edwards Barry Gray, MFB VIC Chris Jurgeit, FRNSW Darryl McCormick, Airservices Glenn Benham, SA MFS Greg Kent, ACT ESA Jeremy Smith, TFS Malim Watts, SA CFS Mark Roche, QFRS Max Hood, NZFS Nick Ferrante, FRNSW Steve Warrington, CFA VIC Terry Trewin, NTFRS Simulation Network Chair: Aaron Stockton, CFA VIC AFAC Manager: Sandra Lunardi Adrian Skene, QFES Bernie O’Rourke,NSWRFS Brendon Wood, NZFS Chris Mower, SA MFS Darren Williams, MFB VIC Kevin White, QFRS Mark Fieldew, MFB VIC Matt Crowley, Airservices Paul Cockerill, CFA VIC Robert Lightfoot, FRNSW Roger Bird, QFES Stephen Walls, CFA VIC Wayne Green, DFES-WA Wayne Miller, FRNSW VectorCommand Strategic Management Group AFAC Manager: Sandra Lunardi Andrew Short, QFES Peter Button, SA MFS Stephen Wall, CFA VIC Brad Delaval, DFES-WA Neil Bibb, Vector Command Ltd Max Hoo, NZFS

Regulations & Standards

Fleet Technical Group Chair: Leon Smith, TFS AFAC Manager: Russell Shephard Allan Jones, DPAW-WA Amanda Singleton, NSW SES Andrew Canderle, NSWRFS Arthur Tindall, AFAC Carl Hollis, OEH-NSW Corey Paton, MFB VIC Dan Jones, CFA VIC David Lloyd, QFRS Emmanuel Varipatis, FRNSW Geoff Williams, SA MFS Hanut Dodd, DELWP VIC Jeff Davis, QFRS John (Jock) McLeod, NTFRS John Welke, QFRS Lee Watson, SA CFS Mark Wootton, DFES-WA Mick Ivill, ACT PCS Mike Moran, NZFS Natalie McLean, NSW SES Nigel Robertson, DELWP VIC Paul Carr, DFES-WA Peter Fanning, FRNSW Peter Mason, SA MFS Rob Walker, QFRS Ryan Clay, NTFRS Sam Sanderson, DEWNR SA Sandy Paterson, SA CFS Satinder Sahota, AG Simon Errington, ACT SES Tim Norris, ACT ESA Tim Smith, CFA VIC

Personal Protective Equipment Technical Group Chair: Arthur Tindall, SA CFS AFAC Manager: Russell Shephard Andre Belterman, Melbourne Water Andrew Dixon, MFB VIC Carl Hollis, OEH-NSW David Bowing, NSW SES David Falla, MFB VIC David Mack, SA MFS Gregory Mason, ACTFR Harry Vertsonis, NSWRFS Helen Ellis, DELWP VIC Ian Laing, ForestryNSW Jane Imrie, ForestryNSW John Helgesen, ACTFR Keith Whale, NZFS Lee Watson, SA CFS Mark Luchetti, NSWSES Mark Tarbett, CFA VIC Mark von Nida, Airservices Mick Ivill, ACT PCS Mike Brown, TFS Morgan Marsh, DPAW-WA Nicole Middleton, DELWP VIC Paul Carr, DFES-WA Paul McBride, Airservices Peter Button, SA MFS Ragini Pope, DELWP VIC Richard Li, VIC SES Robert Trewartha, RR Sam Sanderson, DEWNR SA Shane Batt, TFS

VectorCommand Technical Group Chair: Aaron Stockton, CFA VIC AFAC Manager: Sandra Lunardi Chris Mower, SA MFS John Manocchio, DFES-WA Kevin Whit, QFRS Neil Bibb, Vector Command Ltd Wayne Mille, FRNSW

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Standards Network Chair/AFAC Manager: Russell Shephard Adam Dalrymple, MFB VIC Andrew Sharrad, SA MFS Arthur Tindall, AFAC Barry Byrne, MFB VIC Cihan Soylemez, MFB VIC Corey Shackleton, NSWRFS Deanne Smith, RR Jamie Vistnes, FRNSW Jeff Harper, QFES Jeff Knight, TFS Jeremy Fewtrell, FRNSW John Parrôt, CFA VIC Jonathon Black, FRNSW Keith Whale, NZFS Malim Watts, SA CFS Mark Castelli, FRNSW Mark Chladil, TFS Mark Porter, FRNSW Mark Potter, CFA VIC Mark Reilly, FRNSW Mark Tarbett, CFA VIC Matthew Dahlberg, FRNSW Michael Gleeson, FRNSW Michael Ridgway, QFRS Nick Nicolopoulos, FRNSW Paul Bailey, FRNSW Paul Beylerian, FRNSW Peter Nugent, FRNSW Ralph Smith, DFES-WA Raymond Bott, QFRS Rob Llewellyn, AFAC Rod East, MFB VIC Scott Bilsborough, RR Shaohua Xia, FRNSW Sreten Landolac, CFA VIC Stephen Apps, FRNSW Steve Moore, MFB VIC Steven McKee, QFRS Tim Fox, FRNSW Trevor Owen, CFA VIC Warwick Isemonger, FRNSW

24 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Business & Workforce Management Groups Collaborative Procurement Group Chair: Frank Pasquale, DFES-WA AFAC Manager: Russell Shephard Amanda Singleton, NSW SES Andre Belterman, Melbourne Water Anthony Dick, TAS SES Arthur Tindall, AFAC Bruce Byatt, CFA VIC Darren Stafford, NZFS Gerard Balmanno, PSBA Guy Tesoriero, FRNSW Ian Barnes, MFB VIC John Grech, CFA VIC John Parnaby, NSWRFS Justin Justin, NTFRS Kristy Phelps, SAFECOM Lee Watson, SA CFS Mark Luchetti, NSW SES Matthew Kay, Airservices Michael Somers, DELWP VIC Mick Strange, TFS Peter Kiernan, RR Russell Neuendorf, QFRS Ryan Clay, NTFRS Scott Wilson-Haffenden, DPEM Sharon King, QFES Tim Norris, ACT ESA Todd Crawford, TP Business Intelligence Group Sponsor: Dominic Lane, ACT ESA Chair: Nick Nicolopoulos, FRNSW AFAC Manager: Jillian Edwards Ann De Piaz, SA CFS Anna Georgalis, OESC-VIC Annette Vandersluis, RR Anthony Griffiths, DELWP VIC Carole Dowd, DFES-WA Catherine Mitchell, CFA VIC David Van Geytenbeek, TFS Fraser Fyfe, NZFS Heather Stuart, NSW SES James Lonergan, OEH-NSW Jose Montemayor, NSWRFS

Kim Macdonald, NTFRS Meg Lowe, CFA VIC Paul Fletcher, SA MFS Roy Thompson, SA MFS Russell Hay, Geoscience Sara Pulford, SASES Selena Stanley, QFRS Stephen Glassock, NSWRFS Work Health & Safety Technical Group Chair: Robyn Pearce, TFS AFAC Manager: Lorna O’Dwyer Alison Barnes, NZFS Alison Donohoe, FRNSW Andrew McKay, Airservices Andrew Taylor, TFS Colin Anderson, PSBA Cyrel Wright, PSBA David Heslop, NSWRFS David Kemp, SAFECOM David Letheby, NTFRS Emma-Lee Finch, DPAW-WA Gary Zuiderwyk, NSW SES Jeff Green, CFA VIC Justin Justin, NTFRS Leah Parlour, DFES-WA Martin Braid, MFB VIC Michael Taylor, FRNSW Morgan Marsh, DPAW-WA Nicole Middleton, DELWP VIC Peter Langridge, CFA VIC Ragini Pope, DELWP VIC Richard Woods, ACT ESA Sam Sanderson, DEWNR SA Samantha Kitchen, AFAC Steve Pavlich, SAFECOM Terese Howlett, VIC SES

Volunteer Management Technical Group Chair: Karen Roberts, DFES-WA AFAC Manager: Lorna O’Dwyer Andrew Ford, VFBV Gerry Seville, NTFRS Karla Hietbrink, QFES Kate Harrap, CFA VIC Kristine Wendtman, NSWRFS Lorna Calder, NSW SES Lucas van Rijswijk, TFS Madonna Day, QFRS Narelle Koteff, NSWRFS Robert Trewartha, RR Samantha Colwell, FRNSW Toni Richardson, SAFECOM Tracey Allen, ACT ESA Business Management Network Chair: Frank Pasquale, DFES-WA AFAC Manager: Jillian Edwards Aaron Little, NSW SES Adam Summons, FRNSW Andrew Edwards, NSW SES Bruce Byatt, CFA VIC Christinea Neumayer, TFS Harry Wiedemann, MFB VIC Jan Southon, CFA VIC Joel Schirmer, SA CFS John Casey, VIC SES Julie Hately, NSW SES Justin Justin, NTFRS Lisa Lew, SA MFS Meiken Bassant, NZFS Nigel McCormick, CFA VIC Peter Lambropoulos, SAFECOM Ron Fasciani, CFA VIC Russell Neuendorf, QFRS Scott Wilson-Haffenden, DPEM Stephen Glassock, NSWRFS Todd Crawford, TP William Norfolk, PSBA

Workforce Management Network Sponsor: Greg Crossman, SA MFS Chair: Darren Husdell, FRNSW AFAC Manager: Lorna O’Dwyer Bronwyn Jones, NSWRFS Bruce Byatt, CFA VIC Chris Wells, NZFS Conrad Barr, ACT ESA Danielle Byrnes, MFB VIC Frank Pasquale, DFES-WA Hamish More, NZFS Jeanette Kerr, NTP Karen Roberts, DFES-WA Kathleen Iacurto, NSW SES Lyn Lambert, SAFECOM Mark Roche, QFRS Miranda McMahon, Airservices Paul Swain, NTFRS Peter Bertolus, CFA VIC Peter Cordova, CFA VIC Robyn Pearce, TFS Sandra Lunardi, AFAC

Mental Health & Well Being Network Chair: Robyn Pearce, TFS AFAC Manager: Lorna O’Dwyer Andrew Pitt, TAS SES Angela Seach, CFA VIC Anneliese Smith, DFES-WA Annette Balshaw, DELWP VIC Bruce Van Haeften, NTFRS Colin Anderson, PSBA Glen Cook, SA MFS Jane Abdilla, SAFECOM John Kingsbury, NZFS Judith Crowe, VIC SES Lucas van Rijswijk, TFS Michael Taylor, FRNSW Morgan Marsh, DPAW-WA Peter Kueffer, VIC SES

Employee Relations Network Chair: Darren Husdell, FRNSW AFAC Manager: Lorna O’Dwyer Bruce Byatt, CFA VIC Chris Wells, NZFS Conrad Barr, ACT ESA Danielle Byrnes, MFB VIC Felicity Novy, TFS Glenn Carthew, QFRS Hamish More, NZFS Jason Skiba, CFA VIC Jeanette Kerr, NTP Karen Roberts, DFES-WA Mark Roche, QFRS Mary Kinsella, DFES-WA Michael Morgan, SA MFS Miranda McMahon, Airservices Robyn Pearce, TFS Sean Hogan, MFB VIC

SPONSORS:

AFAC sincerely acknowledges and thanks our corporate supporters:

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY

2014/15

AFAC has reported a total deficit for the financial year ended 30 June 2015 of $73,267, this compares favourably to the approved budget deficit for 2014/15 of $88,000.

Commercial Activities $756,777 30% Members Fees $1,773,478 70%

The annual audit has been successfully carried out and the auditor has provided an unqualified report.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

1129 DELEGATES The New Zealand 2014 conference was another highly successful event. A total of 1129 delegates attended the conference, exceeding initial expectations given the |size and location of the venue compared to previous years.

he development of AFAC’s events T program has continued to grow through 2014-15 with 40 events held around Australia.

The research utilisation function from the Bushfire CRC was transferred and embedded into the AFAC office in 2014-15.

AFAC has funding to carry out these activities until 2016-17.

uring the year AFAC also invested heavily in the refurbishment D of the AFAC website, concentrating on the user experience and providing an improved service to our members.

FAC sold a 50% share in its annual A conference to Hannover Fairs Australia (a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, Germany). AFAC Conferences Pty Ltd has been established as the vehicle for the running of the annual conference from 2016 onwards, in which AFAC and Hannover Fairs Australia will each have 50% ownership. The sale was finalised on 11 August 2015.

LEAD ORGANISATION AFAC as the lead organisation, together with the Australian Red Cross and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, was announced as the successful tenderer to deliver emergency management professional development products and services on behalf of Emergency Management Australia. These services were previously provided by the Australian Emergency Management Institute (AEMI).

During the year, AFAC developed an online version of the nationally-recognised course in the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS). Access to this training will provide the underpinning foundation training in the principles of AIIMS for all fire and emergency services personnel across Australia and will lead to improved operations across fire and emergency services. Funding for the project was provided by the Paul Newman’s Own Foundation, Bushfire CRC Research Utilisation and AFAC members.

Auditor’s Opinion In our opinion the financial report of Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Ltd is in accordance with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission Act 2012, including: (a) giving a true and fair view of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Srvice Authorities Council Ltd financial position as at 30 June 2015 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and (b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission Act 2012.

John S Creffield.

27 August, 2015 26 ⁄ AFAC ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE/POSITION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015

REVENUE

2015 2014

$ $ Members Subscriptions 1,773,478 1,721,247 Gross Margin From Trading Activities 756,777 873,040 Other Revenue 2,486,688 1,404,884

Total Revenue 5,016,943 3,999,171

EXPENSES Salaries & Related Expenses 3,230,836 2,808,159 Travel & Meeting Expenses 211,255 191,183 Research Utilisation Expenses 790,823 0 Office Expenses 558,532 609,967 Other Expenses 345,025 317,223

Total Expenses 5,136,471 3,926,532

Surplus/(Deficit) (119,528) 72,639 Other Comprehensive Income 46,261 50,694

Total Comprehensive Income (73,267) 123,333

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2015

CURRENT ASSETS Cash & Debtors 6,278,761 7,868,826 Others 323,940 225,215 Total Current Assets 6,602,701 8,094,041

NON CURRENT ASSETS IT, Office Equipment & Leasehold Improvements 375,651 127,049

TOTAL ASSETS 6,978,352 8,221,090

CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade Creditors 1,047,828 1,257,302 Revenue in Advance 2,667,695 3,331,075 Special Project Funding 928,134 1,316,218

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 4,643,657 5,904,595

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES Others 350,427 258,960

TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 350,427 258,960

NET EQUITY 1,984,268 2,057,535

Designed and produced by Adcore Creative 03 9662 3248 — www.adcore.com.au Front cover image supplied by Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA. Back cover image supplied by New Zealand Fire Service.

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PROFESSIONALS IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Level 1, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3002 T +61 3 9419 2388 | F +61 3 9419 2389 E afac@afac.com.au www.afac.com.au