2013-2014 AFAC Annual Report

Annual Report 2013-2014 Professionals in risk and emergency management Annual Report 2013-2014 From the President Greg Mullins AFSM, FIFireE, FAIM Commissioner Fire and Rescue NSW AFAC President This past year the Board has remained focused on Across this period, more than 2000 urban, rural and land strengthening AFAC’s national recognition and standing. management agency firefighters were deployed each day and over The approval of the Strategic Directions document was 400,000 Emergency Alert telephone warnings were sent, with mass the most significant development in the maturing of AFAC media, social media and online communication reinforcing this and gaining recognition at a national level. With Australian safety messaging. This effort was a major test for new information Government, State and Territory Government, ANZEMC and and warning systems recently put in place in Australia and a great member agency support, AFAC for the first time has been testament to all those involved. able to clearly communicate its priorities and what it values. Similarly, South Australia experienced its most demanding We now have four National Principles and five Strategic summer in 20 years due to the number and intensity of fires in Directions to help further shape and strengthen our industry. February. These fires were coupled with severe heatwaves and followed by widespread flooding across the State with Fire, We have also begun conducting Board meetings on a rotational SES, Health Services and Ambulance agencies partnering in basis around Australia. These meetings have included a their response to such extreme conditions. South Australia’s stakeholder event where Board Members had the opportunity experiences over the fire season were reflected across much of to meet and discuss AFAC’s achievements, current projects as the country and their response highlighted well the resilience of well as our future direction with local stakeholders. This has been communities and the proficiency and comradery of our industry. initiated to ensure that we remain connected and relevant to member agencies and parties who have an interest in the work of Victoria also experienced a series of grass and bushfires, AFAC, and the initiative has been very well received. with communities in the Grampians and outer metropolitan areas impacted. However it was the Hazelwood Mine Fire that Operationally the year presented some significant challenges, and demonstrated the capability of our sector with firefighters from interstate assistance arrangements were tested. Of particular note several states assisting their Victorian colleagues. Burning for was the interstate deployment of urban appliances and career 45 days, the fire placed significant strain on response crews firefighters in addition to the well-practiced interstate deployment as well as sending smoke and ash over the surrounding towns of volunteer rural crews. In October 10 pumpers and crews from causing significant community and recovery issues. The use of Melbourne backfilled Sydney fire stations, releasing crews to deploy compressed air foam systems (CAFS) proved to be decisive, to the various fire grounds, 10 pumpers and crews from Brisbane and AFAC later facilitated a seminar. An inquiry into the mine fire, joined Fire & Rescue NSW Strike Teams, and ACT Fire and Rescue the emergency response and the support provided to affected covered some NSW stations. In February appliances and crews communities has recently handed down its recommendations. from Sydney deployed to 10 CFA stations in Victoria to release career firefighters for operations at the Hazelwood mine fire. As we enter another potentially serious fire season, AFAC has facilitated a review of aviation capabilities and assisted with the The NSW fires in October 2013 were one of the most challenging development of new interstate assistance arrangements. and significant periods of fire activity experienced by the State in more than a decade. From 13-26 October, 627 bush and grass Finally, on behalf of the Board and Council, I wish to thank the AFAC fires burnt 164,053 hectares of land, causing major property loss staff and all those from member agencies who have supported and significant threat to local communities, particularly in the Blue and contributed to AFAC Collaboration Groups through the year. Mountains and Central Coast regions. The contribution of all involved ensures that AFAC can continue to represent our industry in a well coordinated and collaborative manner. Greg Mullins AFAC President Contents Mission AFAC Governance ................................................................ 2 AFAC Members and Affiliates ............................................... 4 “The peak body for Australasian AFAC Staff ............................................................................ 5 Statement of Financial Performance and Position ................ 6 fire, land management and Financial Summary ............................................................... 7 Sponsors .............................................................................. 7 emergency services, creating Industry Initiatives ................................................................ 8 Professional Development Events ....................................... 15 synergy across the industry” AFAC 2013 Conference ........................................................ 18 Industry Awards .................................................................... 20 AFAC Collaboration Group and Network Members .............. 21 Annual Report 2013-2014 From the CEO Stuart Ellis, AM Chief Executive Officer, AFAC The 2013-14 year has provided a range of opportunities In an effort to further strengthen the industry we have facilitated for AFAC to present as more than the peak body for fire overseas experts and local specialists to talk on critical incidents, and emergency services. AFAC is the national (with New on subjects as diverse as gas pipeline explosions and the London Zealand) council for fire and emergency services and floods, with 48 knowledge events delivered for members. This offers policy, strategy and operational outcomes for its has again been completed in conjunction with AFAC’s annual members, governments and the broader community. conference which continues to be the most important event for With 32 members and a further 14 affiliate members, knowledge sharing for the industry. operating a combined budget of over $4.0bn annually Lastly, we maintain the collaborative procurement arrangements and engaging almost 300,000 volunteer, part time and full that benefit all agencies through tendering processes and keep time employees, AFAC represents a significant element members updated on current positive practice in procurement. of Australian society that is working hard to reduce risk, raise awareness and keep individuals and communities This is a diverse and busy range of actions which has evolved safe. It is honorable work and all in the industry should be over many years and is overseen by the AFAC Council and Board. proud of what they are achieving. I trust it serves the industry well. During the 2013-14 year AFAC has specifically: The range of activities emanating from the AFAC Office in support • Progressed the ‘Strategic Directions’ document through of the industry is significant. Of course our managers and staff AFAC Council, ANZEMC and SCPEM for it to become the first facilitate and support the over 30 Collaboration Groups, Technical single document articulating a common approach to fire and Groups and Networks established to progress the industry in emergency service delivery. a broad range of concerns and endeavours which ultimately lead to AFAC Positions and approaches adopted in national, • Reviewed the AIIMS-4 offerings including progressing and at times international, contexts. In addition, AFAC has over commercial delivery of AIIMS to business, infrastructure and 30 representatives on Standards and Regulation Committees, commercial entities. advocating for improved safety, performance and specification. • Progressed the relationship with the Australian Government and While this work is understated, its impact is substantial. partnered in a range of projects such as the National Capability Further, we continue to enable operations through ongoing Statement and the Arrangements for Interstate Assistance. development of AIIMS-4 and supporting products such the Aides- • Delivered another successful industry conference this year in memoire App, e-books and e-learning resources. AFAC also Melbourne with 1900 industry representatives participating support community safety through focusing effort and consistency across the four days of the conference proceedings. on national warning frameworks. AFAC will continue to represent and serve the interests of the Our professional development offerings continue to expand and industry and welcomes the ongoing involvement of member be updated, with guides, handbooks and accredited courses agencies and individuals. Finally I wish to thank the committed supporting individuals and agencies to further develop the skills and and diligent AFAC staff for their efforts throughout the year. competencies of their people. Stuart Ellis CEO AFAC National Principles: Strategic Directions: • Primacy of Life • Direction 1: Supporting resilient communities • Trust through risk reduction • Interoperability • Direction 2: Providing trusted response • Accountability • Direction 3: The source of credible and timely information • Direction

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