Conference Theme | Leading together: Integrity, inclusion and impact

AFAC26 will examine how transformational leadership grounded in integrity, equity, and inclusion can shape the future of our industry. We will explore and celebrate how diverse voices and inclusive cultures foster innovation, strengthen social licence and build community trust.  

The program will encourage thinking and highlight successes across environments where people feel empowered to contribute, collaborate, and innovate. It will demonstrate how we can further enhance and embed ethical leadership into every layer of our organisations to meet the evolving expectations of the communities we serve. 

AFAC26 will consider the impact of constant change and transformation across communities, organisations and cultures. It will challenge our thinking and will seek to understand how we can all navigate complex environments, overcome challenges and lead in the face of adversity. 

Supporting topics

The committee encourages you to submit an abstract under one of the following supporting topics. Consider practical examples, case studies and insights that give delegates inspiration, actions to take back to their organisations and concepts that can guide the future of the fire and emergency service sector.  

Across Australia and New Zealand, our communities are changing. There is an ageing population, culture is transforming and genuine connection can be difficult to achieve in an increasingly technologically-connected world.  

How do these factors impact on the ability for fire and emergency services to operate? How are we engaging with First Nations to understand different ways of caring for the environment? What role can we play in supporting inclusive and community-driven approaches? How can we ensure that our communications reach those who need it, no matter what community they belong to? How do we collaborate better so the community ultimately benefits from us working together in all stages of disasters from preparedness to recovery? 

Abstracts submitted under this topic could include, but are not limited to: 

  • Communications 

  • Community engagement 

  • Cultural land management 

  • Diversity, equity and inclusion 

  • First Nations 

  • Partnerships 

  • From preparedness to recovery 

Leading teams, leading change and leading innovation is central to guiding our sector into the future. However, genuine leadership cannot succeed without building trust and maintaining integrity. Public sector leaders must also be accountable, responsible and transparent in their decision making.  

How do we build and maintain trust with communities, organisations and ourselves? How important is ethical and values-based leadership to fire and emergency services? What does the community expect our leaders will do in times of crisis? How does collaboration across communities, agencies, and the public and private sector build better outcomes before and after emergencies? 

Abstracts submitted under this topic could include, but are not limited to: 

  • Crisis management 

  • Decision making 

  • Ethics 

  • Leadership approaches 

  • Public accountability 

  • Reviews and inquiries 

  • Cross sector collaboration 

As our communities change, we are experiencing and adapting to demographic and structural shifts in our workforces. Organisations must balance fiscal pressures while maintaining or improving service delivery.  

How do we maintain connection with a decentralised workforce? How are the fire and emergency services planning for the workforce of the future? How do we embrace change and harness talent and innovation? What does an operational response look like with a changing population? 

Abstracts submitted under this topic could include, but are not limited to: 

  • Human resources 

  • Operational effectiveness 

  • Organisational strategy 

  • Service delivery 

  • Volunteerism 

  • Workforce planning 

  • Building sustained trust 

  • Establishing a culture of belonging 

Evidence-based approaches are key to driving change in the fire and emergency service sector. Organisations are seeking new ways of working and looking for ways to foster a culture that supports innovation and ideas. Technological advances can improve systems, processes and procedures, providing positive outcomes for organisations and communities. 

What impact has research and knowledge-sharing had? How has technology been utilised to solve complex problems? What role does leadership play in fostering a culture of continuous learning, improvement and innovation? How can new ideas be embedded into practice? What are the challenges of new approaches? 

Abstracts submitted under this topic could include, but are not limited to: 

  • Continuous improvement 

  • Knowledge and innovation 

  • Lessons management 

  • Research 

  • Systems and technology 

 

Submit your Call for Abstract (opens in a new tab)

 

Abstract Submission Process

Abstract submissions for AFAC26 are open to all, including career staff, volunteers, researchers and academics, industry, community and all levels of government. The submission and selection process is as follows, and please ensure you have the approval and support from your agency before submitting an abstract:

STAGE 1: Authors are invited to lodge a personal submission, a submission on a colleague's behalf, or a submission on behalf of their organisation, addressing the relevant theme and topics. An author can submit multiple abstracts for consideration by the Conference Committee. Submissions open on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 and require written responses which can be uploaded via the online submission system.

STAGE 2: Submissions must be lodged online and completed by 11pm AEDT on Monday, 02 February 2026.

STAGE 3: Submissions will be reviewed by the Program Committee who will assess each submission. The Committee will score each submission based on its relevance to the overall conference theme and the topic being addressed.

STAGE 4: Submissions are assessed and shortlisted, and the final oral presenters are selected by the Program Committee - these will then be endorsed by the Steering Committee on Thursday, 02 April 2026.

STAGE 5: Authors who have been successful in being granted an oral presentation and/or poster presentation will be notified as soon as possible following endorsement from the Steering Committee.

STAGE 6: Authors must accept their offer by Thursday, 23 April 2026. Following the acceptance of the offer, speakers agree to register to attend the Conference and provide the following:

  • A high-resolution headshot and 200-word bio to be emailed to info@afacconference.com.au by Wednesday, 06 May 2026
  • If you are presenting on the AFAC Research and Innovation Day or Main Conference Program, you will need to upload a 2,000 exteded abstract, by Wednesday, 01 July 2026
  • An oral presentation (if applicable) including accompanying PowerPoint slides (event template will be distributed accordingly) by Wednesday, 05 August 2026 

Submit your Call for Abstract (opens in a new tab)

For any questions about abstract submissions or for more information, please contact:

  • Zoe Kenyon, Director Engagement and Member Experience, AFAC
  • Ana Moreno, Director Engagement and Member Experience, AFAC
  • Silvia Verdina, Senior Conference and Events Manager, Hannover Fairs Australia