18–20 August 2026 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Co-located with AFAC26
WAFA26 conference
Leading for the Future:
From Intent to Impact.
Is there a seat at the table, or is it standing room only?
Across our sector, we continue to hear the language of integrity and inclusion. Yet for many women and diverse people the day-to-day experience still looks different. They remain more likely to encounter discrimination, more likely to be held to higher standards, and more likely to carry the unpaid load of culture change in their teams.
With positive duty obligations now requiring organisations to actively prevent sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment, it’s no longer enough to be compliant on paper.
WAFA26 is where we move from intent to impact – together.
In 2026, we're addressing the issues that matter most.
Women’s representation in leadership, decision-making and sector governance
Gender-inclusive PPE, facilities, health policies and workplace systems
Recruitment, retention and career progression for women and diverse people
Organisational culture and the unpaid load carried by those already underrepresented
Allyship, accountability and the role of leaders in preventing harm
Building safer, fairer and more inclusive organisations through action, not intent
WHAT TO EXPECT
Three days that can change the direction of your career.WAFA26 sits within AFAC26 – bringing together thousands of emergency management professionals, industry leaders, and innovators at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
WAFA's program goes deeper on the issues that matter most for women and diverse team members
LEARN
Hear the latest research and evidence from practitioners, academics, and sector leaders at the forefront of gender equality in fire and emergency services.
CONNECT
Meet women and allies from agencies across Australasia, and build relationships and networks that open doors long after the conference ends.
ACT
Leave with practical solutions, new perspectives, and the momentum to drive real change in your agency and your career.
WAFA25 SNAPSHOT
WAFA25 brought together researchers, practitioners, and sector leaders to tackle the issues that matter most. Presentations covered 3D body scanning for gender-inclusive PPE fit, managing menstruation on operational deployment, First Nations women in fire and land management, and building gender diversity in senior operational roles.
"It's great that you can attend across the different streams. Allows you enjoy sessions aimed at female firefighters but also a broader range of topics such as electric vehicle fires, community resilience, volunteerism etc. It's often very hard to choose which session to attend!"
- Megan, South Australia
"So well run and such an excellent range of topics and presentations. Thank you"
- Briony, Victoria
"It's always good to be able to see the different community engagement resources each state uses. It's a good learning opportunity, and so good to connect with other people experiencing the same challenges and rewards in other places."
- Steph, Western Australia
Speakers & Program
WAFA26 tickets are on sale now
Join us in Melbourne this August. WAFA members receive a discounted registration rate.
Member Pass
3 Day Pass - $1,680
2 Day Pass - $1,275
1 Day Pass - $675
Research and Innovation Day Pass - $675
Non-Member Pass
3 Day Pass - $1,990
2 Day Pass - $1,480
1 Day Pass - $780
Research and Innovation Day Pass - $780
All prices shown are exclusive of GST
Thank you to the organisations backing WAFA26
WAFA AWARDS
Celebrating the women driving change.The WAFA Awards recognise outstanding contributions to gender equity and leadership in fire and emergency services. Presented annually at the WAFA conference.
