Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference 2016

Written on the 12 February 2016 by Anna Stephan

"Stepping Up and Standing Out"

The Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Conference 2016 will be held from 30th August until 1st September 2016 at the Brisbane Entertainment and Convention Centre, Brisbane, Queensland.  This year, WAFA has entered into an exciting new partnership with the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) which will see the 2 conferences collocated.

Attendance at this conference will not only give you access to a host of excellent and informative presentations, hands-on workshops, mentoring and career advice but it will also allow you access to AFAC Conference keynote speakers, local and international Commissioners, CEOs and Fire Chiefs and complimentary entry to the international standard AFAC Fire Industry Tradeshow.

Call for Abstracts

We are currently calling for abstracts for presentations at the conference.  The conference theme  is "Stepping Up and Standing Out" with proposed topics including:

• Leadership and Management,
• Diversity and Inclusion,
• Pathways to Promotion, and
• My Personal Journey. 

Abstract submissions are due by COB Friday 29th April 2016 - to submit an abstract or find out more click HERE.

WAFA Awards 2016

This year's conference will also see the inaugural WAFA Awards. We are currently seeking nominations for the following categories:

• Outstanding Contribution by a Female Firefighter This award is designed to show the appreciation, dedication and congratulations to a woman working in the Fire and Emergency Services industry, who has demonstrated outstanding behaviour, heroism or dedication to our industry.
• Male Champion Award Without our male counter parts supporting and encouraging us our movement would be a lot slower.  This award aims to recognize a male within our industry who continually demonstrates his commitment to women and diversity in Fire and Emergency Services.
• Industry Diversity and Inclusion Scorecard Award WAFA recognizes that all organisations are striving to be proactive in the Diversity and Inclusion space, this award is to recognize an organisation's effort and dedication to diversity and inclusion through programs and initiatives which have produced tangible results.

Award nominations are due by COB Friday 29th April 2016 and will be presented at the Conference Gala Dinner - to make a nomination or find out more click HERE.

Register to attend the WAFA conference 2016:  http://www.afacconference.com.au/register/

AFAC Gala dinner and welcome drinks are optional extras (see website for details)