Fire Experts Gather in Darwin for AFAC Conference 2010
Date Published: 2010-09-02
Press release: Fire Experts gather in Darwin for AFAC Conference 2010
Follow the events online on the Kowledge Web's Window on the Conference
More about Fire Experts Gather in Darwin for AFAC Conference 2010.
The Science of Climate Change
Date Published: 2010-08-27
The Science of Climate Change: Questions and Answers
The Australian Academy of Science has released one of the clearest statements on climate change yet produced.
More about The Science of Climate Change.
Revised 2010 AFAC Meeting Schedule
Date Published: 2010-08-04
Revised 2010 AFAC Meeting ScheduleMore about Revised 2010 AFAC Meeting Schedule.
Royal Commission Recommendations Have National Implications
Date Published: 2010-08-02
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) believes the Final Report of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission to have national implications for fire and emergency management agencies across Australian and NZ.
More about Royal Commission Recommendations Have National Implications.
Signals of Change - a Royal Commission
Date Published: 2010-08-01
Sometimes change is subtle and sneaks up, other times it is like a sledge hammer. This week saw the release of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission Report which includes findings and recommendations that regretfully confirm once again that it takes a catastrophic disaster to convince people of the need to avoid one. AFAC wishes to foster debate and conversations regarding the changes that this Royal Commission represents, as well as other signals that are occurring that have the potential to reshape the future of fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand.
More about Signals of Change - a Royal Commission.
Updated Report - Alerts and Advice
Date Published: 2010-08-01
The Final Report on the development of revised arrangements for bushfire advice and alerts to the community now contains the detailed bibliography of the material used to inform the work.More about Updated Report - Alerts and Advice.
Inaugural AFAC Motorola Knowledge Innovation Award - 2010
Date Published: 2010-07-26
Nominations are currently being received for the inaugural AFAC Motorola Knowledge Innovation Award.
More about Inaugural AFAC Motorola Knowledge Innovation Award - 2010.
New staff join the AFAC Team
Date Published: 2010-07-26
AFAC welcomes new staff members Margaret Staples, Kate Twentyman and Kent MacCarter.
More about New staff join the AFAC Team.
Tasmanian firefighter participates in Japanese study tour
Date Published: 2010-07-26
Heath Bracey from Tasmania Fire Service recently participated in the JENESYS East Asia Future Leaders Program Disaster Prevention and People: Working Toward the Creation of a Strong Society.
More about Tasmanian firefighter participates in Japanese study tour.
International USAR deployments
Date Published: 2010-07-26
The Urban Search and Rescue/Technical Rescue Sub-Group met in Melbourne on 24-25 June.
More about International USAR deployments.
Neil Comrie appointed as MFESB President
Date Published: 2010-07-26
Former Chief Commissioner of the Victoria Police Force, Mr Neil Comrie, has been appointed to the position of Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFESB) President.
More about Neil Comrie appointed as MFESB President.
Good practice guidelines for fire and emergency services doctrine
Date Published: 2010-07-26
AFAC has commenced work on developing good practice guidelines for fire and emergency services doctrine.More about Good practice guidelines for fire and emergency services doctrine.
European Commission studies aerial firefighting resource sharing
Date Published: 2010-07-26
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) office recently contributed to the European Commission’s project: Study on Wild Fires Fighting Resources Sharing Models.More about European Commission studies aerial firefighting resource sharing.
PIFSA Fire and Emergency Services - Executive Forum
Date Published: 2010-07-26
The inaugural Pacific Islands Fire Services Association (PIFSA) Fire and Emergency Services Executive Forum was held in Papua New Guinea from 21 to 25 June, 2010.More about PIFSA Fire and Emergency Services - Executive Forum.
Queen’s Birthday 2010 Honours Awards
Date Published: 2010-07-26
Congratulations to all the agency members who were recognised as 2010 Queens Birthday Honours recipients!More about Queen’s Birthday 2010 Honours Awards.
Natural Disaster Mitigation Program
Date Published: 2010-07-21
The NSWFB is managing two key information projects of national significance; the Data Dictionary Project and the Impact of Natural Disasters and Emergencies Project.More about Natural Disaster Mitigation Program.
Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Protection Course - UWS
Date Published: 2010-06-15
Bushfire Protection acknowledges the critical need to understand bushfires and their impact on the natural and built environment. The University of Western Sydney run a Graduate Diploma course on Bushfire Protection. Anyone interested in course details should contact UWSMore about Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Protection Course - UWS.
AFAC 'Laurie Lavelle" Award 2010
Date Published: 2010-06-10
AFAC "Laurie Lavelle" Award 2010 - Nominations for the highest AFAC award are now open.More about AFAC 'Laurie Lavelle" Award 2010.
A Common Incident Management System
Date Published: 2010-05-21
Simon Overland, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, attended the recent AFAC Council meeting to discuss issues in relation to Command and Control and the potential for Police and Fire and Emergency Management agencies to adopt a common incident management system.More about A Common Incident Management System.
AFAC Strategic Plan
Date Published: 2010-05-21
Abraham Lincoln once said “the dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”More about AFAC Strategic Plan.
Project Management Forum
Date Published: 2010-05-21
Across fire and emergency services there are many topics in the project/ program management area of potential interest to the project management community.More about Project Management Forum.
The Victorian Royal Commission Examines Aerial Firefighting
Date Published: 2010-05-21
On Monday, April 19, The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission dedicated a day of hearing to the subject of aerial firefighting.More about The Victorian Royal Commission Examines Aerial Firefighting.
2009-10 Bushfire Season Closes for NAFC
Date Published: 2010-05-21
The 2009-10 bushfire season is finished for the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) which boasted its biggest national fleet to date, with 44 aircraft providing 48 services across Australia.More about 2009-10 Bushfire Season Closes for NAFC.
NAFC Roll Out National Tracking and Event Logging Services for Aircraft
Date Published: 2010-05-21
In late 2009, NAFC and its members (Australian States and Territories) adopted a national standard approach to the provision of tracking and event logging services for aircraft involved in firefighting and related operations.More about NAFC Roll Out National Tracking and Event Logging Services for Aircraft.
Review of the Public Safety Training Package
Date Published: 2010-05-21
The Public Safety Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) has managed the review of a number of the Public Safety industry wide units in the Public Safety Training Package (PSTP) under the auspices of Government Skills Australia (GSA).More about Review of the Public Safety Training Package.
AFAC Learning and Development Strategy
Date Published: 2010-05-21
AFAC Strategic Plan for 2010 – 2015 identifies in Goal 4 that it is committed to working with the member agencies to develop A fire and emergency services sector with capability and capacity.More about AFAC Learning and Development Strategy.
Colour Coding Fuel Cans
Date Published: 2010-05-21
The following colour codes have been adopted for Australia and New Zealand fire and emergency services agencies:
More about Colour Coding Fuel Cans.
Water Point Markers
Date Published: 2010-05-21
Around Australia, there are uses other than marking water points proposed for blue reflective markers. To avoid confusion AFAC has adopted the following position.More about Water Point Markers.
National Procurement Arrangements
Date Published: 2010-05-21
At the recent AFAC Council meeting a significant step forward was realised in relation to a national approach to the procurement of a wide range of items.More about National Procurement Arrangements.
Performance Standards for Private Bushfire Shelters
Date Published: 2010-05-21
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) was tasked by the Victorian Royal Commission to develop a Standard for Private Bushfire Shelters (PBS).More about Performance Standards for Private Bushfire Shelters.
Job Opportunity: Dir Education & Training, NSWFB
Date Published: 2010-04-29
NSW Fire Brigades are looking to recruit a new Director or Training and Education. Full details can be found on the Careers section of the AFAC Corporate site.More about Job Opportunity: Dir Education & Training, NSWFB.
State of Climate 2010
Date Published: 2010-04-20
Australia's two lead climate science agencies - the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology have produced and released a snapshot of the state of the climate in Australia and what it means.
More about State of Climate 2010.
New look homepage
Date Published: 2010-04-20
The Knowledge Web homepage has undergone a design change.New Bushfire CRC Firenotes
Date Published: 2010-04-16
The Bushfire CRC has released 2 new fire notes.More about New Bushfire CRC Firenotes.
Secondment - Communications Officer, Bushfire CRC
Date Published: 2010-04-13
An immediate three month secondment opportunity exists within the Bushfire CRC for a Communications Officer.More about Secondment - Communications Officer, Bushfire CRC.
Trial of bushfire-detection technology
Date Published: 2010-03-30
The trial of bush fire detection cameras commenced on 15 February in the Otway Ranges in Victoria and near Tumut in New South Wales and will run until the end of April, with a possible one month extension depending on prevailing conditions.
The cameras are able to continually monitor bushland and automatically detect smoke and lightning to enable the provision of exact information on where and when a fire starts. This will potentially assist fire fighters get to a fire in the shortest possible time in order to prevent it becoming an inferno.
More about Trial of bushfire-detection technology.
Issue 3/10 of KW News out now!
Date Published: 2010-03-29
KW News was sent out today to those subscribed and can be viewed online under our News section of the website.More about Issue 3/10 of KW News out now!.
AFAC Updated 2010 Meeting Schedule
Date Published: 2010-03-25
The AFAC 2010 Meeting Schedule has just been updated.More about AFAC Updated 2010 Meeting Schedule.
Vacancy: Victoria State Emergency Service Manager, Operations Performance
Date Published: 2010-03-19
Victoria State Emergency Service, in addition to its role in emergency response, has a major planning role, providing support and advice to Local Government. The successful incumbent of this newly created role will be responsible for monitoring the operational performance of VICSES. The role will also be responsible for conducting research, designing, developing and implementing programs to improve operational performance.More about Vacancy: Victoria State Emergency Service Manager, Operations Performance.
Supreme Court judgment on smoke and wine grapes
Date Published: 2010-03-17
The Supreme Court has dismissed court action against the Department of Environment and Conservation for negligently carrying out a prescribed burn that resulted in smoke taint of wine grapes. Justice Graeme Murphy handed down his decision on Friday 12 MarchMore about Supreme Court judgment on smoke and wine grapes.
Vacancy: VIC SES Manager, Media and Community Information
Date Published: 2010-03-16
Victoria State Emergency Service is currently seeking a new team member with proven, comprehensive experience in media and public relations. The successful candidate will be required to build the VIC SES profile in the media and build the community and volunteer networks within the emergency services sector.More about Vacancy: VIC SES Manager, Media and Community Information.
2010 Pre Conference Workshops Announced
Date Published: 2010-03-15
Building on the success of the 2009 Bushfire CRC Pre-Conference Workshops, a series of pre-conference Professional Development Events has been finalised and will be held on the day prior to the Annual AFAC/BCRC Conference.More about 2010 Pre Conference Workshops Announced.
Tsunami Awareness Project
Date Published: 2010-03-12
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Director of Life Saving, Peter George, announced on the 6 March an innovative awareness program to help the general public and surf life savers better prepare and respond to tsunami warnings.
More about Tsunami Awareness Project.
New Industry Appointments
Date Published: 2010-03-10
AFAC would like to congratulate Graham Fountain, Gavin Freeman and Mick Ayre on their new appointments within the fire and emergency service sector and looks forward to working with them in their new roles.- Mr Graham Fountain has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Board, Melbourne.
- Mr Gavin Freeman has been appointed as Deputy Chief Officer of Tasmania Fire Service.
- Mr Mick Ayre has been appointed as the Assistant Director Strategy and Development Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service.
More about New Industry Appointments.
Uniform interpretation of LACES
Date Published: 2010-03-10
The Rural Land Management (RLM) Group and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Group are currently considering a discussion paper proposing a uniform interpretation of the safety acronym LACES.More about Uniform interpretation of LACES .
Australian Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition
Date Published: 2010-02-23
The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition is being established to lobby the use of home fire sprinklers as a method of reducing the risk to lives and property and for the inclusion of home sprinklers in future home designs. The Coalition currently consists of: AFAC, NSWFB, FPAA, Institute of Fire Engineers Australia, and Insurance Council of Australia. Membership will be expanded as necessary.
More about Australian Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.
Australia Day Honours
Date Published: 2010-02-03
Congratulations to all the agency members who were recognised as 2010 Australia Day Honours recipients. It is most pleasing to see that dedicated service and commitment has been acknowledged through these Awards.More about Australia Day Honours.
Bushfire Detection Cameras
Date Published: 2010-02-03
Bushfire detection cameras are being trialed in Australia this year by the Bushfire CRC. The cameras have been placed in strategic positions in Victoria and New South Wales and will be evaluated on their performance in detecting fire starts, compared with current methods.More about Bushfire Detection Cameras.
Black Saturday mail survey results released
Date Published: 2010-02-03
A survey designed to help better understand residents’ actions in the 7 February 2009 Victorian bushfires has been completed by the Bushfire CRC as part of more extensive research project on the Black Saturday fires.More about Black Saturday mail survey results released.
Issue 1/10 of KW News out now!
Date Published: 2010-02-01
KW News was sent out today to those subscribed and can be viewed online under our News section of the website.
More about Issue 1/10 of KW News out now!.
Protecting Firefighters Information Package now available
Date Published: 2010-01-04
The Protecting Firefighters Information Package developed by the Bushfire CRC is now available on the Knowledge Web. It combines crucial research projects on Safe Behaviour and Decision Making (led by Dr. Mary Omodei, La Trobe University), Effective Incident Management Teams (led by Dr. Christine Owen, University of Tasmania), and Firefighter Health and Safety (led by Dr. Brad Aisbett, Deakin University and David Nichols, CFA).More about Protecting Firefighters Information Package now available.
