AFAC24 - call for abstracts

Published: 13/12/2023 | Event | National

Next year’s Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) conference is being held in Sydney between 3-6 September 2024.

Next year’s theme

The theme for the conference is “Embracing innovation and disruption: designing the future for our sector”.

Resource constraints, declining volunteer numbers and a changing climate drive the need for organisations to think differently and look for new solutions. Creating an inclusive culture that encourages new ideas and diversity of thought is key. We need to embrace innovation and disruption so we can adapt and be prepared for the future.

In addition to several keynote speakers, engaging presentations from across emergency services will explore how we can foster new thinking to ensure we are prepared for the challenges we face now and into the future.

The call for abstracts is now open

As part of AFAC24, we want to showcase the high-quality and innovative mahi (work) happening across Fire and Emergency New Zealand. This is a great opportunity to showcase your mahi with people from across the emergency services sector.

We’re seeking abstract submissions of mahi that reflects the theme of next year’s conference. You can submit an abstract for inclusion as either a poster or presentation at the event.

The AFAC24 committee encourages you to submit an abstract under one of the following supporting topics:

Climate and environment
People and community
Systems and technology
Working and learning together

You can read more about the theme and supporting topics here: AFAC24 powered by INTERSCHUTZ | Abstracts (afacconference.com.au)(external link). Please do not submit your abstract via this website; the information is for guidance only.

Next steps

If you’re planning to submit an abstract, please follow the following process.

First, check out our conference and attendance guidelines and discuss your abstract idea with your manager.
Next, draft your abstract. These should be no more than 300 words in length; you can submit multiple abstracts for consideration. If you’d like help with drafting your abstract, get in touch with Te Ao Mārama (research@fireandemergency.nz) and they will work with you to shape it into the AFAC format.
When you are happy with your abstract, arrange for this to be reviewed and signed off by your National Manager, the Chief Advisor of your branch and your Deputy Chief Executive. Please factor any leave you’re taking or leave being taken by these reviewers into your timeline.
Submit your final abstract to AFAC.Conference@fireandemergency.nz by close of play Friday 19 January 2024. Your abstract will be presented to ELT before being finalised and submitted by Te Ao Mārama in early February. Please do NOT submit your abstract directly to AFAC.

Based on previous years, we anticipate successful candidates will be notified of the outcome in mid-April.

Want to know more?

If you’d like to find out more about the event, check out the AFAC24 website: https://www.afacconference.com.au/(external link) You’ll find out more about the conference and can view videos from some of last year’s presenters.

If you’d like some additional guidance about what to include in your abstract and what AFAC is like, contact AFAC.Conference@fireandemergency.nz. The team can put you in touch with someone from last year’s conference from your branch.

Barb Olah presents at AFAC23

Keynote speakers share insights relevant to the conference theme

Some of the Fire and Emergency posters at AFAC23

Chef de Mission and DCE Piki Thomas speaks about the Mauri Stone presented to AFAC23 by Fire and Emergency