AFAC25 – call for abstracts

Published: 13/12/2024 | Event | National

Next year’s Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) conference is being held in Perth between 26 to 28 August 2025.

Next year’s theme

The theme for the conference is “From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection”.

In an era where opportunities for fire and emergency services transcend borders, it is imperative to find new connections and optimise systems to drive progress and innovation. Across Australia, New Zealand, and the world, we look to an inclusive future where we innovate with intent, forge new understanding across the system, and drive progress together. 

The sharing of knowledge, advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and decision support, offers insights and data-driven solutions to improve outcomes. We are part of a diverse but connected system. 

What more can be done to embrace partnerships and collaboration to enable skills and capabilities of future workforces, industries, and communities? 

AFAC25 will explore the dynamic intersection between society, systems, and technology; and how we can capitalise on local and global connections to build a safer future together.  

The call for abstracts is now open

As part of AFAC25, 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 AFAC25 committee encourages you to submit an abstract under one of the following supporting topics: 

Community and culture

Case studies and knowledge sharing

Partnerships and collaboration

Research and technology

Future thinking and innovation

You can read more about the theme and supporting topics here: AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ | Abstracts(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(external link) 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 17 January 2025. 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. 

Tips for preparing an AFAC25 abstract

We have prepared these handy tips for preparing an AFAC25 abstract. [PDF, 353 KB]

Want to know more?

If you’d like to find out more about the event, check out the AFAC25 website: https://www.afacconference.com.au/(external link)(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.