2013 saw some of the most challenging fire conditions experienced by NSW in more than a decade, providing the first real test of NSW emergency crews’ recent focus on information and warnings. Yet, despite some of the worst conditions ever recorded, and the extensive fire activity, not a single life was lost.
Then, in October 2013, more than 200 homes were destroyed in a series of fires across the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Port Stephens and Central Coast. Throughout these fire events, the NSW Rural Fire Service delivered as many as a million telephone warnings a day, as well as engaging with millions of people through social media. The information effort saw a strong but measured response from the community.
Mr Anthony Clark, NSW Rural Fire Service, will outline some of the experiences, highlights and unexpected issues experienced during this period at the Australian & New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference, to be held at The QT Gold Coast on 5-7 May 2014.
The international event brings together key stakeholders involved in the prevention, management, and recovery of major disastrous events. It provides a forum to examine the issues surrounding natural and man-made hazards.
The theme of “Earth; fire and rain” will inspire national and international speakers invited by the committee. Speakers will provide a dynamic and topical program and discuss a vast range of subject including emergency management, public safety, security, community resilience, business continuity, data protection, and much more.
There will be multiple streams and informative workshops as well as an all-encompassing exhibition showcasing equipment, products, services, and solutions. The conference is an outstanding platform for education and to initiate new business relationships.
The conference is a joint initiative of three ‘not-for-profit’ organisations – the Australian Institute of Emergency Services, the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Organisation Inc, and the Association for Sustainability in Business Inc.
Early bird registration for the event ends in just a few days, on the 28 March 2014.
Visit the Australian & New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference website to view the full educational program and register.
