Conference program

The theme for the 2026 WAFES Conference is Bright Futures, Stronger Services: Celebrating the people who shape our sector today and those who will guide it tomorrow. By embracing new ideas, bridging generational strengths and welcoming emerging volunteers, we look to the future with a commitment to modern, innovative and connected emergency services.

Saturday Conference

Date: Saturday 5 September

Time: 8am arrival for 8.30am start

Venue: Crown Ballroom, Crown Perth

Dress code: Smart casual (no uniforms required)

Doors open 8.00am
8.30am – 9.00am
Official conference opening – Crown Ballroom
9.00am – 10.00am Keynote speaker: Jessica Watson
10.00am – 10.45am Morning tea – Crown foyer and Crown terrace
10.45am – 11.45am Keynote speaker: Scott Millar
11.45am – 1.00pm Lunch – Crown foyer and Crown terrace
Astral 1 Astral 2 Ballroom 3A Ballroom 3C
1.05pm – 1.45pm Beyond the stereotypes – bridging the generation gap

Scott Millar

Sam Gibling, Marine Rescue Rockingham

Patrick Wake, North Coastal BFB
Interstate deployments – lessons from the Victoria fire response

Sven Andersen, DFES Superintendent State Bushfire Mitigation

Ash Gasmier, DFES DO Hazmat CBRN

Volunteer (TBC)
Improving flood intelligence in WA – insights, tools and your role

Petina Blackwell, DFES Manager Hazard Research and Intelligence

Rob Lawry, Bureau of Meteorology Senior Hydrologist
Fake news in the field: How to spot it in a crisis and what to do about it

Ika Trijsburg, Director of Urban Analytics ANU Institute for Infrastructure in Society in the Crawford School for Public Policy
2.00pm – 2.40pm El Nino and other global circulations – what they mean for WA

Gianni Colangelo, Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologiste
The power of storytelling – from a grassroots movement to a global symbol of hope

Kendall Whyte
Vertical rescue across diverse terrain – insights from the Pilbara and Great Southern

Ben Whittle, Albany SES

Cameron Hunt, Tom Price SES
Marina boat fires – understanding the joint emergency response

Rob Johnstone, DFES District Officer Stirling

Andy Lennox, Marine Rescue Whitfords

Steve Parsons, Marine Rescue Whitfords

Alistair Doorey, Marine Rescue Whitfords
2.40pm – 3.10pm Afternoon tea – Crown foyer and Astral foyer/Astral 3
3.20pm – 4.00pm Behind the scenes of the Appelbee rescue

Paul Bresland, Marine Rescue Naturaliste

Dennis Van Kinderen, Water Police Marine Communications Officer
Managing and responding to lithium-ion incidents

Leigh Bishop, DFES Superintendent Metropolitan Central Operations

Mitch Walker, ChemCentre

Michael Williams, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Tanya Gillett, Department of Health
Engaging your local community through Social Media

Hana Anderson, DFES Digital Communications Officer

Krista Ricupero, DFES Digital Communications Officer
Contemporary Rescue – bringing together changes to equipment, space creation and extrication

Peter McConkey, DFES Senior Firefighter
*Program topics, presenters and times are subject to change

Keynote speakers

Friday tours

Volunteers attending the 2026 WAFES Conference have the exclusive opportunity to participate in a wide selection of behind-the-scenes tours on Friday 4 September.

‍The tours provide insight into the many specialised teams within WA emergency services and offer a rare chance to learn from the best. Tours are chosen when completing the registration process.

All tours depart and return to Crown Perth, while the Ministerial Volunteer Advisory Forum is held onsite at Crown.

Sundowner


Date: Friday 4 September

Time: 5pm to 7pm

Venue: Burswood on Swan

Dress code: Smart casual (no uniforms required)

Catch up with old friends, make new connections and learn about some of the game-changing projects underway at DFES during Friday night’s sundowner on the Burswood foreshore.

As the sun sets over the picturesque Swan River, talk one-on-one with key personnel who are at the forefront of next-generation initiatives shaping the future of WA’s emergency services.

Walk from booth to booth to discover what these exciting projects mean for volunteers and career personnel. You’ll also get a firsthand look at the latest technological advancements in the DFES fleet, with new appliances and vessels on display.

Please note: To attend, volunteers and DFES staff must select the sundowner as one of their optional events during registration. A parent or guardian must accompany attendees under 18 years of age. Children of attendees are not permitted.

WAFES Awards gala dinner

Date: Saturday 5 September

Time: 6.30pm  

Venue: Crown Ballroom, Crown Perth

Dress code: Semi formal with miniature medals

The WAFES Awards recognise volunteers and DFES staff who have gone above and beyond to help communities prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Winners for 2026 will be announced during a gala dinner.

This spectacular night will showcase the inspiring stories of all nominees and celebrate their excellence, professionalism and selflessness.

Volunteers and DFES staff can register to attend the WAFES Awards gala dinner when completing their conference registration.

To find out more, visit the WAFES Awards website.


Please note: A parent or guardian must accompany attendees under 18.

WAFES Conference: Youth edition


This year, the WAFES Conference will introduce a youth edition – a new initiative designed to inspire the next generation of emergency services cadets and junior volunteers.

Running on Saturday 5 September, this dedicated youth stream will give up to 25 cadets and juniors the opportunity to experience the WAFES Conference and feel part of the broader DFES community.

The program offers them the chance to develop their skills, meet peers from across the State and strengthen their leadership potential in a supportive and inspiring environment.

As part of the experience, they will attend the Saturday morning plenary session, where they will hear from keynote speaker Jessica Watson OAM, gaining inspiration from her remarkable journey and insights into leadership, resilience and determination. The program will also provide valuable opportunities for them to connect with volunteers from across the State during shared meal breaks, helping them build networks and feel part of the wider emergency services community.

Eligibility and how to apply