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Agenda


Sunday, July 26, 2026

Track 1
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Pre-Conference Tour - Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre - Group One
Delegates attending DEMC have the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive guided tour of the new state-of-the-art $24 million Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre. This cutting-edge facility plays a critical role in coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters, providing insight into real-time crisis management, technology integration, and resilience planning.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Pre-Conference Tour - Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre - Group Two
Delegates attending DEMC have the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive guided tour of the new state-of-the-art $24 million Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre. This cutting-edge facility plays a critical role in coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters, providing insight into real-time crisis management, technology integration, and resilience planning.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Welcome Drinks
Join us on Sunday before the conference kicks off to collect your name badge and conference materials. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow delegates—both familiar faces and new connections. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a drink in hand while networking and settling in ahead of Monday’s sessions.
Track 1
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Pre-Conference Tour - Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre - Group One
Delegates attending DEMC have the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive guided tour of the new state-of-the-art $24 million Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre. This cutting-edge facility plays a critical role in coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters, providing insight into real-time crisis management, technology integration, and resilience planning.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Pre-Conference Tour - Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre - Group Two
Delegates attending DEMC have the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive guided tour of the new state-of-the-art $24 million Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre. This cutting-edge facility plays a critical role in coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters, providing insight into real-time crisis management, technology integration, and resilience planning.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Welcome Drinks
Join us on Sunday before the conference kicks off to collect your name badge and conference materials. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow delegates—both familiar faces and new connections. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a drink in hand while networking and settling in ahead of Monday’s sessions.

Track 1
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Pre-Conference Tour - Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre - Group One
Delegates attending DEMC have the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive guided tour of the new state-of-the-art $24 million Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre. This cutting-edge facility plays a critical role in coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters, providing insight into real-time crisis management, technology integration, and resilience planning.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Pre-Conference Tour - Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre - Group Two
Delegates attending DEMC have the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive guided tour of the new state-of-the-art $24 million Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre. This cutting-edge facility plays a critical role in coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters, providing insight into real-time crisis management, technology integration, and resilience planning.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Welcome Drinks
Join us on Sunday before the conference kicks off to collect your name badge and conference materials. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow delegates—both familiar faces and new connections. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a drink in hand while networking and settling in ahead of Monday’s sessions.

Monday, July 27, 2026

Gold Coast Ballroom
Coolangatta Room
Southport Room 1
Southport Room 2
Southport Room 3
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Hazards on the Horizon: Emerging Threats for ANZ
Topic: Open Topic
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
Topic: Building and Sustaining the Emergency Management Workforce
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Seeing Through the Smoke: Satellite-Enabled Bushfire Intelligence During the 2026 Victorian Fires
Tristan Dowler, Iceye 		Channelling “We Do Whatever It Takes” into Primary Health Care Continuity on the Discovery Coast
Nell Angus, IMPACT Community Health Service 		AI Workshop for Volunteer Leadership in the Emergency Services
Ali Cupitt, Queensland State Emergency Service
Participants must bring a laptop to participate in the second part of this workshop 		Measuring What Matters: Turning Community Connections into Emergency Management Capability
Renae Hanvin, Resilient Ready 		Co-Designing and Testing a Stabilisation Intervention for Australian/NZ Critical Incident Frontline Responses Using Bilateral Stimulation
Carol Gutierrez, Critical Incident Response Network Australasia
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM Identifying Seismically Vulnerable Vintage Masonry Buildings in Queensland: Foot Surveys and QFD Actions
Matt Dyer, Queensland Fire Department 		Does Anyone Have a Crystal Ball? Imagining the Future of Disaster Management in Queensland
Kate Retzki, Office Of The Inspector-general Of Emergency Management
Workshop continued
Workshop continued Workshop continued
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM Presentation to be Announced Presentation to be Announced
Workshop continued
Workshop continued
Workshop continued
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Politics, Governance and Whole-of-System Coordination
Topic: Regional and International Perspectives
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
Topic: Business Continuity, Infrastructure and Systems Resilience
Topic: Building and Sustaining the Emergency Management Workforce
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Panel: Working with Local Governments to Co-Design a National LGA Disaster Readiness Capability Framework
Zoe D'arcy, Monash University
Ian Williams, Noosa Council
Sophie Millstead, Adelaide Hills Council
Annette Plowman, Douglas Shire Council 		Perspective from Pacific Partnership 2025
Emily Chapman, ADF 		Technology at the Heart: From Emergency WA to Manitoba’s MB Ready in 36 Hours
Brad Birt & Kirstin Butcher, Genvis 		Critical Telecommunications Infrastructure: The Consequence of Outage and Actions to Mitigate Risk
Nic Mesic & Peter Heinmiller, Value Advisory Partners 		Leading with Care: Health and Safety Leadership in Disaster Response Organisations
Michelle Gillman, Planit Safe / Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM
Panel continued
Integrated Crisis Response Isn’t New: 135 Years of Global Practice from The Salvos
Daryl Crowden, The Salvation Army
Presentation to be Announced
Building Regional Partnerships to Understand Cascading Climate Risks & Critical Infrastructure Failure at Local Scales
Shayan Barmand, Noosa Council, Gillian Smith, Sunshine Coast Council, Ella Reeks, Climate in Mind 		Technology, Initiative and Fun! – Motivating Today’s Volunteer Workforce
Mike Shapland, Brisbane City SES Unit
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Embedding Resilience into Governance Frameworks: The City of Gold Coast Disaster Resilience Scorecard
Liesel Rennie & Mark Ryan, City Of Gold Coast 		Elevating Risk: Making Informed Flood Design Decisions
Adam Reeder, CDM Smith 		Developing Approaches to Trusted Governance (TIG) for Social Sustainability in Times of Crisis
Deborah Bunker, University Of Sydney 		Ready for Anything? Making Sure Essential Facilities Can Support Response After Severe Storms
Dr Geoff Boughton & David Henderson, Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University 		Building the Next Generation of Emergency Managers: What's Required and How Do We Do It?
Russell Dippy, Charles Sturt University
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!
Gold Coast Ballroom
Coolangatta Room
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Hazards on the Horizon: Emerging Threats for ANZ
Topic: Open Topic
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Seeing Through the Smoke: Satellite-Enabled Bushfire Intelligence During the 2026 Victorian Fires
Tristan Dowler, Iceye 		Channelling “We Do Whatever It Takes” into Primary Health Care Continuity on the Discovery Coast
Nell Angus, IMPACT Community Health Service
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM Identifying Seismically Vulnerable Vintage Masonry Buildings in Queensland: Foot Surveys and QFD Actions
Matt Dyer, Queensland Fire Department 		Does Anyone Have a Crystal Ball? Imagining the Future of Disaster Management in Queensland
Kate Retzki, Office Of The Inspector-general Of Emergency Management
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM Presentation to be Announced Presentation to be Announced
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Politics, Governance and Whole-of-System Coordination
Topic: Regional and International Perspectives
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Panel: Working with Local Governments to Co-Design a National LGA Disaster Readiness Capability Framework
Zoe D'arcy, Monash University
Ian Williams, Noosa Council
Sophie Millstead, Adelaide Hills Council
Annette Plowman, Douglas Shire Council 		Perspective from Pacific Partnership 2025
Emily Chapman, ADF
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM
Panel continued
Integrated Crisis Response Isn’t New: 135 Years of Global Practice from The Salvos
Daryl Crowden, The Salvation Army
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Embedding Resilience into Governance Frameworks: The City of Gold Coast Disaster Resilience Scorecard
Liesel Rennie & Mark Ryan, City Of Gold Coast 		Elevating Risk: Making Informed Flood Design Decisions
Adam Reeder, CDM Smith
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Southport Room 1
Southport Room 2
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM AI Workshop for Volunteer Leadership in the Emergency Services
Ali Cupitt, Queensland State Emergency Service
Participants must bring a laptop to participate in the second part of this workshop 		Measuring What Matters: Turning Community Connections into Emergency Management Capability
Renae Hanvin, Resilient Ready
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM
Workshop continued
Workshop continued
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Workshop continued
Workshop continued
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
Topic: Business Continuity, Infrastructure and Systems Resilience
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Technology at the Heart: From Emergency WA to Manitoba’s MB Ready in 36 Hours
Brad Birt & Kirstin Butcher, Genvis 		Critical Telecommunications Infrastructure: The Consequence of Outage and Actions to Mitigate Risk
Nic Mesic & Peter Heinmiller, Value Advisory Partners
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM
Presentation to be Announced
Building Regional Partnerships to Understand Cascading Climate Risks & Critical Infrastructure Failure at Local Scales
Shayan Barmand, Noosa Council, Gillian Smith, Sunshine Coast Council, Ella Reeks, Climate in Mind
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Developing Approaches to Trusted Governance (TIG) for Social Sustainability in Times of Crisis
Deborah Bunker, University Of Sydney 		Ready for Anything? Making Sure Essential Facilities Can Support Response After Severe Storms
Dr Geoff Boughton & David Henderson, Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Southport Room 3
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Building and Sustaining the Emergency Management Workforce
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Co-Designing and Testing a Stabilisation Intervention for Australian/NZ Critical Incident Frontline Responses Using Bilateral Stimulation
Carol Gutierrez, Critical Incident Response Network Australasia
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM Workshop continued
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Workshop continued
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Building and Sustaining the Emergency Management Workforce
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Leading with Care: Health and Safety Leadership in Disaster Response Organisations
Michelle Gillman, Planit Safe / Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM Technology, Initiative and Fun! – Motivating Today’s Volunteer Workforce
Mike Shapland, Brisbane City SES Unit
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Building the Next Generation of Emergency Managers: What's Required and How Do We Do It?
Russell Dippy, Charles Sturt University
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Gold Coast Ballroom
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Hazards on the Horizon: Emerging Threats for ANZ
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Seeing Through the Smoke: Satellite-Enabled Bushfire Intelligence During the 2026 Victorian Fires
Tristan Dowler, Iceye
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM Identifying Seismically Vulnerable Vintage Masonry Buildings in Queensland: Foot Surveys and QFD Actions
Matt Dyer, Queensland Fire Department
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM Presentation to be Announced
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Politics, Governance and Whole-of-System Coordination
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Panel: Working with Local Governments to Co-Design a National LGA Disaster Readiness Capability Framework
Zoe D'arcy, Monash University
Ian Williams, Noosa Council
Sophie Millstead, Adelaide Hills Council
Annette Plowman, Douglas Shire Council
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM
Panel continued
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Embedding Resilience into Governance Frameworks: The City of Gold Coast Disaster Resilience Scorecard
Liesel Rennie & Mark Ryan, City Of Gold Coast
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Coolangatta Room
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Open Topic
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Channelling “We Do Whatever It Takes” into Primary Health Care Continuity on the Discovery Coast
Nell Angus, IMPACT Community Health Service
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM Does Anyone Have a Crystal Ball? Imagining the Future of Disaster Management in Queensland
Kate Retzki, Office Of The Inspector-general Of Emergency Management
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM Presentation to be Announced
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Regional and International Perspectives
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Perspective from Pacific Partnership 2025
Emily Chapman, ADF
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM Integrated Crisis Response Isn’t New: 135 Years of Global Practice from The Salvos
Daryl Crowden, The Salvation Army
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Elevating Risk: Making Informed Flood Design Decisions
Adam Reeder, CDM Smith
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Southport Room 1
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM AI Workshop for Volunteer Leadership in the Emergency Services
Ali Cupitt, Queensland State Emergency Service
Participants must bring a laptop to participate in the second part of this workshop
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM
Workshop continued
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Workshop continued
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Technology at the Heart: From Emergency WA to Manitoba’s MB Ready in 36 Hours
Brad Birt & Kirstin Butcher, Genvis
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM
Presentation to be Announced
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Developing Approaches to Trusted Governance (TIG) for Social Sustainability in Times of Crisis
Deborah Bunker, University Of Sydney
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Southport Room 2
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Measuring What Matters: Turning Community Connections into Emergency Management Capability
Renae Hanvin, Resilient Ready
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM Workshop continued
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM Workshop continued
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Business Continuity, Infrastructure and Systems Resilience
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Critical Telecommunications Infrastructure: The Consequence of Outage and Actions to Mitigate Risk
Nic Mesic & Peter Heinmiller, Value Advisory Partners
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM Building Regional Partnerships to Understand Cascading Climate Risks & Critical Infrastructure Failure at Local Scales
Shayan Barmand, Noosa Council, Gillian Smith, Sunshine Coast Council, Ella Reeks, Climate in Mind
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Ready for Anything? Making Sure Essential Facilities Can Support Response After Severe Storms
Dr Geoff Boughton & David Henderson, Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Southport Room 3
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
Visit our friendly team at the registration desk located in the Event Centre and collect your name badge and conference materials.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Conference Opening & Housekeeping
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM Beyond Borders: Human-Centered Lessons from Global Disasters
Kjell Brataas, Security Specialist, DNB
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Presentation
Vonda Malone, Director Partnerships & Strategy, Indigenous Energy Australia
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Poster Presenter Session
Meet our poster presenters in the Exhibition Hall to view their poster displays and ask them questions!
Topic: Building and Sustaining the Emergency Management Workforce
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Co-Designing and Testing a Stabilisation Intervention for Australian/NZ Critical Incident Frontline Responses Using Bilateral Stimulation
Carol Gutierrez, Critical Incident Response Network Australasia
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM Workshop continued
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Workshop continued
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Building and Sustaining the Emergency Management Workforce
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Leading with Care: Health and Safety Leadership in Disaster Response Organisations
Michelle Gillman, Planit Safe / Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University
1:55 PM - 2:25 PM Technology, Initiative and Fun! – Motivating Today’s Volunteer Workforce
Mike Shapland, Brisbane City SES Unit
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Building the Next Generation of Emergency Managers: What's Required and How Do We Do It?
Russell Dippy, Charles Sturt University
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Adapting, Learning, Leading - Recovery and Resilience in Queensland
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Recovery After Terror: Coordinating Whole-of-Government Recovery for Community Healing
Jamie Caldwell, Executive Lead - Bondi Recovery Task Force, NSW Reconstruction Authority
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Day One Reflection & Wrap Up
Join us to hear when and where DEMC27 will be taking place!
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Networking in the Exhibition: Engage with Industry Leaders Over Drinks
Join us among the exhibitors to enjoy a drink and canapés while connecting with others and reflecting on the key learnings from day one.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Official DEMC26 Conference Dinner
Be a part of the very first Official DEMC Conference Dinner! Unwind in a relaxed, social atmosphere and connect with industry peers over great food and entertainment. Tickets include a stand-up style dinner, a two-hour beverage package, and an evening of lively entertainment. Don't miss out—secure your spot when you register!

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Gold Coast Ballroom
Coolangatta Room
Southport Room 1
Southport Room 2
Southport Room 3
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Lessons Identified to Lasting Change
Topic: Climate Change, Indigenous Knowledge and Nature-Based Solutions
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
Topic: Politics, Governance and Whole-of-System Coordination
Topic: Hazards on the Horizon: Emerging Threats for ANZ
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Lessons Identified but Not Learned About Learning Lessons
Mark Cuthbert, Consultant 		Panel: Cultural Fire Management in the Burdekin Dry Tropics
Karen Vidler & Trinity Georgetown, Tropics NQ Dry Tropics & Eddie Smallwood, Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation 		Managing the Invisible Population: Practical Emergency Planning for Tourist Destinations
Adam Lynch, Reliance Risk 		Strengthening Capability Across Jurisdictions Through a Shared Exercise Platform: Lessons from a Federated National Implementation
Miles Macdonald, 4C Strategies & Russell Dippy, Charles Sturt University 		Unravelling the Earthquake History in Our Backyard: An Investigation into the Caboolture Scarp
Coralie Muddle, City Of Moreton Bay & Jane Sexton, QLD Fire Department
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM Lessons‑Led Change: Embedding Lessons into Response at Operational Tempo
Sanna Verhoef & Chris Jacobson, Transport For NSW
Panel continued
From Policy to Practice: Building Inclusive Disaster Resilience Through Social Capital and Trust
Yetta Gurtner, State Emergency Service 		Alpine Emergency Management in Victoria: From Fragmentation to a Unified System
Nathan Small, Alpine Resorts Victoria & Mark Owens, Country Fire Authority 		Interpreting Threat in Civilian HighThreat Environments: Comparative Lessons from Australia, United States and Europe
Matthew Richardson, Tacmed Training
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM Recovery Coordination in a Changing Political, Community and Risk Environment
Dave Owens, Risk-e Business Consultants 		Walking Together: Indigenous Knowledge to deliver Climate Resilience for a Changing World
Rachelle Cooper Kalkarni MSc, Sustainify & Aunty Leanne Phillips 		The Power of Community-Led Action in Building Community Resilience
Moira Williams, South Brisbane Resilient Communities 		Mapping the Invisible System: Trust, Boundaries, and Adaptation in Emergency Management
Todd Miller, AUT University 		AF8 Intelligence: Decision Support Tools & Systems
Jo Paterson, Af8
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
Topic: Regional and International Perspectives
Topic: Human Impacts: Mental Health, Wellbeing and Recovery
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
Topic: Cross Category
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Ngā Kōrero Parekura – Iwi Māori Experiences Across the 4 R’s
Loraine Eade, Tokomaru Research Centre 		Professionalizing Disaster Risk Management Workforce in Fiji - Development Competency Framework
Yos Malole, Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office 		Imagining Emergency Services’ Recovery Operations in a Climate-Challenged World Through Application of Transformative Scenarios
Matt Dyer & Natalie Oliver, Queensland Fire Department 		SAIL: Surveillance Artificial Intelligence for Lifesaving
Matthew Ingersole, Surf Life Saving NSW 		Implementing a Successful Lessons Management Framework Across Multiple Major Disaster Events
Kelli Hudson & Troy Gersback, City Of Gold Coast
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Empowering the First Nations Tourism Industry: Co-Designed and Community-Led Disaster Resilience Resources and Workshops
Sue Monk & Cassandra Packer, Articulous 		Panel: National Disaster Management in the Pacific: Leadership Across Large Ocean States
George Connor, Australia Assists, Mafua Maka, Tonga NDRMO, Napolioni Boseiwaqa, Fiji NDMO, Abraham Nasak, Vanatu NDMO, Jonathan Tafiariki, Solomon Island NDMO 		Operational ‘Hot’ Debriefs for Potentially Traumatic Events: Reducing the Risk of Harm to First Responders
Mark Welch, Fire Rescue Victoria 		Paper to Platform - Digitising Disaster Welfare
Patrick Moore, Homes NSW & David O'Brien, Department of Communities and Justice NSW 		Beyond the Front Line: Supporting and Developing Future Female Leaders in Emergency Management
Cara Gordon, Victorian Department Of Health
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Get Ready Queensland Goes National: Leading the Charge in Disaster Preparedness
Kasey Donald & Gillian Moody, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Panel continued
Beyond the Response: Understanding Community Disillusionment in Biosecurity Outbreaks to Strengthen Recovery and Resilience
Kirsten Phillips, Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Department of Primary Industries 		Trust Before Reliance: AI Influence in Decision-Making
Sara Mills-Kerr, University Of Newcastle 		Panel: Beyond Consultation: What Community Partnership Looks Like in Disaster Practice
Facilitator: Tracey Martinovich, DisasterWISE
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM Human and Social Impacts of Disasters on Residential Aged Care Facilities and Their Residents
Annabelle Johnsone, Churchill Fellow 		Panel continued The First Response We Never Built: ASSYST-HEART Neuro-Stabilisation in Australasian Disaster Management
Vania Miteva, VM Psychology Services Amanda Jones, Critical Incidents Response Network 		Presentation To Be Announced Panel continued
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Gold Coast Ballroom
Coolangatta Room
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Lessons Identified to Lasting Change
Topic: Climate Change, Indigenous Knowledge and Nature-Based Solutions
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Lessons Identified but Not Learned About Learning Lessons
Mark Cuthbert, Consultant 		Panel: Cultural Fire Management in the Burdekin Dry Tropics
Karen Vidler & Trinity Georgetown, Tropics NQ Dry Tropics & Eddie Smallwood, Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM Lessons‑Led Change: Embedding Lessons into Response at Operational Tempo
Sanna Verhoef & Chris Jacobson, Transport For NSW
Panel continued
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM Recovery Coordination in a Changing Political, Community and Risk Environment
Dave Owens, Risk-e Business Consultants 		Walking Together: Indigenous Knowledge to deliver Climate Resilience for a Changing World
Rachelle Cooper Kalkarni MSc, Sustainify & Aunty Leanne Phillips
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
Topic: Regional and International Perspectives
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Ngā Kōrero Parekura – Iwi Māori Experiences Across the 4 R’s
Loraine Eade, Tokomaru Research Centre 		Professionalizing Disaster Risk Management Workforce in Fiji - Development Competency Framework
Yos Malole, Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Empowering the First Nations Tourism Industry: Co-Designed and Community-Led Disaster Resilience Resources and Workshops
Sue Monk & Cassandra Packer, Articulous 		Panel: National Disaster Management in the Pacific: Leadership Across Large Ocean States
George Connor, Australia Assists, Mafua Maka, Tonga NDRMO, Napolioni Boseiwaqa, Fiji NDMO, Abraham Nasak, Vanatu NDMO, Jonathan Tafiariki, Solomon Island NDMO
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Get Ready Queensland Goes National: Leading the Charge in Disaster Preparedness
Kasey Donald & Gillian Moody, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Panel continued
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM Human and Social Impacts of Disasters on Residential Aged Care Facilities and Their Residents
Annabelle Johnsone, Churchill Fellow 		Panel continued
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Southport Room 1
Southport Room 2
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
Topic: Politics, Governance and Whole-of-System Coordination
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Managing the Invisible Population: Practical Emergency Planning for Tourist Destinations
Adam Lynch, Reliance Risk 		Strengthening Capability Across Jurisdictions Through a Shared Exercise Platform: Lessons from a Federated National Implementation
Miles Macdonald, 4C Strategies & Russell Dippy, Charles Sturt University
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM From Policy to Practice: Building Inclusive Disaster Resilience Through Social Capital and Trust
Yetta Gurtner, State Emergency Service 		Alpine Emergency Management in Victoria: From Fragmentation to a Unified System
Nathan Small, Alpine Resorts Victoria & Mark Owens, Country Fire Authority
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM The Power of Community-Led Action in Building Community Resilience
Moira Williams, South Brisbane Resilient Communities 		Mapping the Invisible System: Trust, Boundaries, and Adaptation in Emergency Management
Todd Miller, AUT University
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Human Impacts: Mental Health, Wellbeing and Recovery
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Imagining Emergency Services’ Recovery Operations in a Climate-Challenged World Through Application of Transformative Scenarios
Matt Dyer & Natalie Oliver, Queensland Fire Department 		SAIL: Surveillance Artificial Intelligence for Lifesaving
Matthew Ingersole, Surf Life Saving NSW
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Operational ‘Hot’ Debriefs for Potentially Traumatic Events: Reducing the Risk of Harm to First Responders
Mark Welch, Fire Rescue Victoria 		Paper to Platform - Digitising Disaster Welfare
Patrick Moore, Homes NSW & David O'Brien, Department of Communities and Justice NSW
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Beyond the Response: Understanding Community Disillusionment in Biosecurity Outbreaks to Strengthen Recovery and Resilience
Kirsten Phillips, Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Department of Primary Industries 		Trust Before Reliance: AI Influence in Decision-Making
Sara Mills-Kerr, University Of Newcastle
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM The First Response We Never Built: ASSYST-HEART Neuro-Stabilisation in Australasian Disaster Management
Vania Miteva, VM Psychology Services Amanda Jones, Critical Incidents Response Network 		Presentation To Be Announced
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Southport Room 3
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Hazards on the Horizon: Emerging Threats for ANZ
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Unravelling the Earthquake History in Our Backyard: An Investigation into the Caboolture Scarp
Coralie Muddle, City Of Moreton Bay & Jane Sexton, QLD Fire Department
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM Interpreting Threat in Civilian HighThreat Environments: Comparative Lessons from Australia, United States and Europe
Matthew Richardson, Tacmed Training
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM AF8 Intelligence: Decision Support Tools & Systems
Jo Paterson, Af8
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Cross Category
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Implementing a Successful Lessons Management Framework Across Multiple Major Disaster Events
Kelli Hudson & Troy Gersback, City Of Gold Coast
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Beyond the Front Line: Supporting and Developing Future Female Leaders in Emergency Management
Cara Gordon, Victorian Department Of Health
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Panel: Beyond Consultation: What Community Partnership Looks Like in Disaster Practice
Facilitator: Tracey Martinovich, DisasterWISE
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM Panel continued
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Gold Coast Ballroom
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Lessons Identified to Lasting Change
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Lessons Identified but Not Learned About Learning Lessons
Mark Cuthbert, Consultant
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM Lessons‑Led Change: Embedding Lessons into Response at Operational Tempo
Sanna Verhoef & Chris Jacobson, Transport For NSW
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM Recovery Coordination in a Changing Political, Community and Risk Environment
Dave Owens, Risk-e Business Consultants
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Ngā Kōrero Parekura – Iwi Māori Experiences Across the 4 R’s
Loraine Eade, Tokomaru Research Centre
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Empowering the First Nations Tourism Industry: Co-Designed and Community-Led Disaster Resilience Resources and Workshops
Sue Monk & Cassandra Packer, Articulous
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Get Ready Queensland Goes National: Leading the Charge in Disaster Preparedness
Kasey Donald & Gillian Moody, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM Human and Social Impacts of Disasters on Residential Aged Care Facilities and Their Residents
Annabelle Johnsone, Churchill Fellow
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Coolangatta Room
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Climate Change, Indigenous Knowledge and Nature-Based Solutions
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Panel: Cultural Fire Management in the Burdekin Dry Tropics
Karen Vidler & Trinity Georgetown, Tropics NQ Dry Tropics & Eddie Smallwood, Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
Panel continued
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM Walking Together: Indigenous Knowledge to deliver Climate Resilience for a Changing World
Rachelle Cooper Kalkarni MSc, Sustainify & Aunty Leanne Phillips
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Regional and International Perspectives
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Professionalizing Disaster Risk Management Workforce in Fiji - Development Competency Framework
Yos Malole, Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Panel: National Disaster Management in the Pacific: Leadership Across Large Ocean States
George Connor, Australia Assists, Mafua Maka, Tonga NDRMO, Napolioni Boseiwaqa, Fiji NDMO, Abraham Nasak, Vanatu NDMO, Jonathan Tafiariki, Solomon Island NDMO
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM
Panel continued
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM Panel continued
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Southport Room 1
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Community Resilience, Preparedness and Recovery
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Managing the Invisible Population: Practical Emergency Planning for Tourist Destinations
Adam Lynch, Reliance Risk
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM From Policy to Practice: Building Inclusive Disaster Resilience Through Social Capital and Trust
Yetta Gurtner, State Emergency Service
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM The Power of Community-Led Action in Building Community Resilience
Moira Williams, South Brisbane Resilient Communities
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Human Impacts: Mental Health, Wellbeing and Recovery
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Imagining Emergency Services’ Recovery Operations in a Climate-Challenged World Through Application of Transformative Scenarios
Matt Dyer & Natalie Oliver, Queensland Fire Department
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Operational ‘Hot’ Debriefs for Potentially Traumatic Events: Reducing the Risk of Harm to First Responders
Mark Welch, Fire Rescue Victoria
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Beyond the Response: Understanding Community Disillusionment in Biosecurity Outbreaks to Strengthen Recovery and Resilience
Kirsten Phillips, Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Department of Primary Industries
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM The First Response We Never Built: ASSYST-HEART Neuro-Stabilisation in Australasian Disaster Management
Vania Miteva, VM Psychology Services Amanda Jones, Critical Incidents Response Network
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Southport Room 2
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Politics, Governance and Whole-of-System Coordination
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Strengthening Capability Across Jurisdictions Through a Shared Exercise Platform: Lessons from a Federated National Implementation
Miles Macdonald, 4C Strategies & Russell Dippy, Charles Sturt University
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM Alpine Emergency Management in Victoria: From Fragmentation to a Unified System
Nathan Small, Alpine Resorts Victoria & Mark Owens, Country Fire Authority
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM Mapping the Invisible System: Trust, Boundaries, and Adaptation in Emergency Management
Todd Miller, AUT University
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Digital Transformation and Technology in Action
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM SAIL: Surveillance Artificial Intelligence for Lifesaving
Matthew Ingersole, Surf Life Saving NSW
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Paper to Platform - Digitising Disaster Welfare
Patrick Moore, Homes NSW & David O'Brien, Department of Communities and Justice NSW
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Trust Before Reliance: AI Influence in Decision-Making
Sara Mills-Kerr, University Of Newcastle
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM Presentation To Be Announced
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Southport Room 3
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Exhibition Open!
If you’ve already collected your name badge, you’re welcome to head straight in. If not, please visit the registration desk and our team will be happy to assist you.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome to Day Two
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
Tim Webb, Soter International & Brigadier David Ward, Specialist Emergency Physician and Senior Australian Army Reserve Medical Officer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM The Whakaari White Island Eruption
Dr Tony Smith, Deputy Clinical Director, Hato Hone St John
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Tea With Exhibitors
Topic: Hazards on the Horizon: Emerging Threats for ANZ
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Unravelling the Earthquake History in Our Backyard: An Investigation into the Caboolture Scarp
Coralie Muddle, City Of Moreton Bay & Jane Sexton, QLD Fire Department
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM Interpreting Threat in Civilian HighThreat Environments: Comparative Lessons from Australia, United States and Europe
Matthew Richardson, Tacmed Training
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM AF8 Intelligence: Decision Support Tools & Systems
Jo Paterson, Af8
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM
Lunch With Exhibitors
Topic: Cross Category
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM Implementing a Successful Lessons Management Framework Across Multiple Major Disaster Events
Kelli Hudson & Troy Gersback, City Of Gold Coast
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Beyond the Front Line: Supporting and Developing Future Female Leaders in Emergency Management
Cara Gordon, Victorian Department Of Health
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM Panel: Beyond Consultation: What Community Partnership Looks Like in Disaster Practice
Facilitator: Tracey Martinovich, DisasterWISE
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM Panel continued
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea With Exhibitors
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote To Be Announced
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote Presentation
Jacinta Carroll, Senior Advisor in International Security and Public Policy, and Researcher, Deakin University
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM Conference Closing
Conference Chair: Des Hosie, National Operations Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand

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