Australia’s leading experts focus on engaging communities

Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Rob Rogers said the 22^nd Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness (ACEFA) conference, hosted by the RFS, will include 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.

“The theme for this year’s conference is ‘We’re All in This Together - Partnerships and future challenges’,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“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.

“This conference will help leaders in fire and emergency services, government and the private sector better understand how to engage with communities and pass that information on, ultimately helping residents better prepare for and protect themselves against the very real threat of bush fire.”

Commissioner Rogers said it takes a collective effort to build impactful and lasting community preparedness.

“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,” he said.

“This conference is a valuable opportunity for community engagement practitioners to interrogate the latest research and innovation, enhancing our capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from tragedy.”

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

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

The ACEFA conference will be held from 20-22 June at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Conference Centre and is sponsored by the NRMA and Rural Fire Service Association.

For more information about the conference, including the full program, visit acefa.arinex.one