The AFAC powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference brings a broad spectrum of emergency management practitioners together to learn and share experiences.

Showcasing the latest research and practice across the sector, AFAC26 will feature the multi-streamed AFAC Conference, incorporating  the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference and the Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference.

AFAC26 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.

 

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Tuesday 18 – Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria 

Join Australasia’s largest gathering of emergency management professionals at the AFAC Conference in vibrant Melbourne. Featuring inspirational keynote speakers and thought leaders, this main conference is designed for leaders, policy influencers, and operational experts seeking to elevate their approach in fire and emergency services. Located in the heart of Victoria, Melbourne offers a dynamic backdrop to connect with change-makers across Australasia, share knowledge, and engage in multi-stream sessions that explore the challenges and innovations shaping our region.

Who Should Attend:

  • Fire and Emergency Service Leaders: Chiefs, commanders, and regional leaders looking to elevate their approach.
  • Policy Makers and Government Officials: Decision-makers shaping public safety and community protection policies.
  • First Responders and Operational Managers: Those on the front lines of crisis response, eager for actionable insights.
  • Community Resilience Coordinators: Leaders focused on building resilient, prepared communities.
  • Interagency Collaboration Leads: Professionals in roles that connect multiple agencies for emergency response.
  • Emergency Communications Officers: Specialists overseeing public information and crisis communication during emergencies.
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Tuesday 18 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria

Start AFAC26 with a deep dive into cutting-edge ideas and groundbreaking science, all set against the innovative energy of Melbourne. Research and Innovation Day is designed for those leading change and advancing technology in emergency management, making it ideal for researchers, technology specialists, and professionals interested in exploring how the latest developments are transforming emergency response across the region.

Who Should Attend:

  • Researchers and Academics: Scholars advancing the science behind emergency management and resilience.
  • Innovation and Technology Leaders: CTOs, product developers, and tech specialists focusing on new solutions.
  • Emergency Service Managers: Leaders aiming to incorporate evidence-based strategies and technologies into their operations.
  • Data Analysts and Digital Transformation Leads: Professionals specialising in data-driven emergency response.
  • Environmental Scientists and Climate Specialists: Focused on how climate science impacts disaster preparedness.
  • Product and Solution Developers: Innovators in fire-resistant materials, safety technology, and emergency response equipment.
     
Research Day

Wednesday 19 – Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria 

Dedicated to the technical and regulatory aspects of fire safety, the IFE (Australia) National Conference takes place in Melbourne, one of Australia’s key hubs for engineering and safety industries. This conference is ideal for technical experts, SEA engineers, and industry leaders, providing a space to explore the latest advancements in fire engineering, regulatory standards, and industry solutions.

Who Should Attend:

  • Fire Engineers and Structural Safety Experts: Professionals addressing fire risk in building and infrastructure.
  • Safety and Compliance Managers: Focused on upholding fire safety standards and regulations.
  • Facility and Plant Engineers: Managing fire safety protocols in industrial and commercial facilities.
  • Insurance and Risk Assessment Officers: Experts assessing fire risks in structures and providing mitigation recommendations.
  • Fire Suppression and Equipment Specialists: Professionals responsible for fire suppression technology and installations.
  • Building Code and Regulatory Authorities: Officials ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and building codes.
IFE

Friday 21 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria 

Located in one of Australia’s leading hubs for innovation and emergency management, Melbourne provides the ideal setting for a day of hands-on learning. The Professional Development Program features interactive workshops and field trips that draw on Victoria’s diverse landscapes and industry expertise. Attendees will expand their practical knowledge and operational skills in the field, an invaluable opportunity for professionals from across Australasia and Southeast Asia looking to build real-world competencies.

Who Should Attend:

  • First Responders: Firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel looking for tactical skills.
  • Operational Team Leaders and Supervisors: Those who manage field teams and want advanced response training.
  • Training Officers and Instructors: Professionals responsible for developing and delivering training programmes.
  • Safety and Compliance Officers: Focused on maintaining high safety standards and protocols in emergency settings.
  • Facility Managers and Site Safety Leaders: Those overseeing safety in high-risk environments like industrial sites or large facilities.
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinators: Planners involved in drills, field training, and community preparedness programmes.
Professional Development Day

Wednesday 19 – Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria

The Australian Disaster Resilience Conference (ADRC), hosted in the coastal city of Perth, welcomes resilience coordinators and community safety leaders from Australia and SEA. This essential event focuses on disaster risk reduction, resilience strategies, and community protection. Perth’s unique environment provides an inspiring setting to discuss proactive approaches to safeguard communities from natural and human-induced hazards.

Who Should Attend:

  • Disaster Resilience and Risk Reduction Specialists: Experts in community-focused disaster preparedness.
  • Government Officials: Local, state, and federal representatives focused on building resilient infrastructure and communities.
  • Community Leaders and Social Service Coordinators: Individuals working to support vulnerable populations during crises.
  • Environmental and Climate Adaptation Officers: Professionals addressing climate impacts on disaster risk.
  • Public Health and Humanitarian Coordinators: Focusing on the health and welfare of communities post-disaster.
  • Insurance and Risk Management Professionals: Engaged in planning and recovery efforts to minimise loss.
  • Nonprofit and NGO Leaders: Those supporting disaster-affected communities with resources and recovery programmes.
ADRC Conference

Wednesday 19 - Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria

The Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Conference in Melbourne brings together female firefighters, emergency responders, and advocates from across Australasia to share knowledge, foster connections, and advance diversity and inclusion in emergency services. With sessions on technical skills, leadership, and best practices, this empowering event cultivates a supportive community dedicated to strengthening and inspiring women in firefighting.

Who Should Attend:

  • Female Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Those on the front lines who are dedicated to protecting lives and property.
  • Fire Service Leaders and Trainers: Professionals committed to developing inclusive training programs and leadership pathways.
  • Diversity and Inclusion Advocates: Individuals working to create equitable opportunities within emergency services.
  • Government and Policy Representatives: Focused on creating policies that encourage diversity in emergency response roles.
  • Researchers and Academics: Examining gender-specific challenges and promoting research on diversity in emergency services.
  • Community Engagement Officers: Promoting community resilience and strengthening ties between fire services and the communities they serve.
WAFA Conference

Testimonials

"I really enjoyed the conference. The diversity of the program was excellent, so much to see and hear. Thank you, I hope to be back."
“I thought the idea of having the AFAC, IFE and ADRC conferences together was very innovative and made for a much broader program. Congratulations.”
“It was fantastic having the disaster resilience conference running concurrently. There is so much value in being able to move between both conferences. It was really good to see so many people with the white lanyard [AFAC conference delegate] attending sessions in the resilience conference, I don’t think that many of those staff would have had time to attend both if they were on at different times.”
“I found this seminar very informative and the information provided was up-to-date, relevant and provided an opening for discussion with our own policies and procedures.”

The AFAC Conference and Exhibition will focus on Solutions to these Industry Groups?

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Do you know the exhibition is free to attend? (opens in a new tab)

Who should attend the AFAC Conference?

  • Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Front-line personnel seeking the latest tools and techniques for effective crisis response.
  • Incident Commanders & Control Room Managers: Leaders coordinating large-scale, multi-agency responses.
  • Emergency Communications Officers: Specialists responsible for public alerts, crisis communication, and information management during emergencies.
  • Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR): Professionals enhancing skills and equipment for complex rescues.
  • Community Resilience & Recovery Coordinators: Leaders focused on community preparedness, resilience, and long-term recovery support.

  • Local, State, and Federal Government Officials: Policymakers invested in community safety, disaster resilience, and risk mitigation.
  • Defence and Security Personnel: Those responsible for national safety, including fire, rescue, and disaster relief capabilities.
  • Public Health Coordinators & Humanitarian Workers: Addressing community health and welfare in post-disaster scenarios.
  • Environmental Policymakers & Climate Adaptation Specialists: Professionals tackling the climate impact on emergency readiness and response.

  • Business Continuity Planners: Preparing organisations to withstand and recover from major incidents.
  • Insurance and Risk Assessment Officers: Providing risk management solutions and recovery strategies to reduce financial loss.
  • Financial Services and Business Resilience Coordinators: Working to secure organisational resilience against potential disasters.

  • Environmental and Climate Scientists: Researchers addressing climate-related risks and their impact on disaster management.
  • Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Coordinators: Ensuring the well-being of workers and civilians in emergency situations.
  • Facility & Plant Managers: Overseeing emergency readiness in industrial and commercial settings.
  • Industrial Hygienists and Toxicologists: Experts in chemical and biological hazards critical to emergency preparedness.

  • Mining Safety Officers and Engineers: Professionals from high-risk industries aiming to minimise hazards and improve emergency protocols.
  • Oil & Gas and Resource Industry Safety Managers: Ensuring safety in volatile environments with robust emergency strategies.
  • Utilities and Energy Sector Professionals: Leaders addressing safety in essential services and critical infrastructure.
  • Transportation and Rail Industry Safety Officers: Developing protocols for large-scale incidents and operational safety.
  • Construction and Building Safety Managers: Experts in risk assessment, fire safety, and emergency evacuation planning.

  • Data Scientists and Analysts: Using data-driven insights to shape predictive models and response strategies.
  • Digital Transformation Specialists: Bringing technological advancements to emergency response and resource management.
  • Innovation and Product Developers: Creators of fire-resistant materials, life-saving equipment, and advanced detection systems.
  • AI and Machine Learning Experts: Innovators exploring AI applications for crisis forecasting, resource management, and on-ground support.
  • Drone and Robotics Engineers: Specialists in drone applications and robotics for surveillance, delivery, and assistance in hard-to-reach areas.

  • Researchers and Academics: Advancing the science behind fire safety, emergency preparedness, and resilience.
  • Training Officers and Field Instructors: Developing emergency response skills through hands-on training programs.
  • Public Safety Educators and Outreach Coordinators: Professionals dedicated to public safety awareness and community education.
  • Human Factors and Ergonomics Experts: Analysing human behaviour in emergencies to improve safety measures.

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