AFAC 15: New Directions in Emergency Management

The annual AFAC (Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council) and Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre conference is Australasia’s largest and most important emergency services and public safety conference and trade exhibition.

The conference, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on the banks of the iconic River Torrens, will include a full week of conferencing activities, with the Research Forum and 2-day Main Program running from Tuesday 1st – Thursday 3rd September 2015.

The approach to emergency management is rapidly evolving, and with it the need for better knowledge and understanding. Driven in part by the escalating cost and complexity of major incidents, the emphasis is shifting towards a holistic view that encompasses research, readiness, risk reduction, response and recovery. At the same time, our emergency agencies are being comprehensively reformed to improve their effectiveness before, during and after major events.

This conference will provide an opportunity to discuss and share new approaches in an all-hazard emergency management environment, and work together to examine sector reform, the challenges and opportunities of 'Shared Responsibility', and seek out new and engaging ways to partner with the community, researchers and the sector to foster and build disaster resilience.