The theme for the 2024 WAFES Conference is Yesterday, today, tomorrow: celebrating our heritage, embracing innovation and planning for the challenges of the future.
This theme will be explored throughout the conference through engaging sessions, workshops and discussions. From keynote speeches to interactive panels on cutting-edge technologies, each aspect of the program will delve into how our collective history informs our present decisions and shapes our future endeavours.
Stay tuned as we finalise our speakers and program details and remember to check in regularly to catch all the exciting developments as they unfold.
Kendall Whyte is the founder and CEO of Blue Tree Project, a mental health charity, making an impact across Australia. Starting as a grass-roots movement in regional Western Australia, Blue Tree Project has a mission to help spark difficult conversations and break down the stigma of mental health, by giving dead trees ‘a blue lease on life’.
The Blue Tree Project is inspired by the tragic loss of Kendall’s brother, Jayden, after taking his own life in November 2018. Jayden painted a tree blue on his family farm, in Mukinbudin Western Australia, after sneaking out one night with a friend. The blue tree that was once painted as a practical joke now holds a whole new meaning, and acts as a beacon of hope for those struggling. These visual reminders (blue trees) help us check-in with our mates, loved ones going through a hard time and even on ourselves. Some are in remote locations, others centrally located within metropolitan areas – all holding a different story, but sharing the same mission. Kendall works hard to bring people together to help create safer communities and spaces, she hopes to spread the paint and spread the message that ‘it’s ok to not be ok’.
With over 800+ trees painted across Australia and other parts of the world; it highlights the need for such a project during tough times. Within three years, the Blue Tree Project has become a powerful platform to; help promote and facilitate better understanding of mental health, provide free education seminars and community events, many within regional and rural areas. Helping reduce people’s experiences of stigma and discrimination whilst encouraging them to speak up when battling mental health concerns.
At a time when Kendall was grieving the loss of her brother, she put others first, believing no fear of judgment or outdated prejudice should stop someone seeking help.
Kendall Whyte aims to stay authentic and speaks openly to empower others to do the same. Her selflessness and compassion has inspired many people to speak up about mental health and to support the project. In hope, that together, we can help build many mentally healthy future generations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most profound things the human race is working on. And Dr Alan D. Thompson is at the forefront of it.
Alan D. Thompson is a world expert in artificial intelligence (AI), specializing in the augmentation of human intelligence, and advancing the evolution of ‘integrated AI’. A former chairman for Mensa International’s gifted families, Alan applies a rigorous background in human intelligence to artificial intelligence.
He provides AI advisory to the majority of Fortune 500s, major governments, and intergovernmental entities including member states of the UN. In 2021, he created the complete database of large language models (Models Table), in 2022 authored the world’s most comprehensive analysis of datasets used for OpenAI GPT (What’s in my AI?), featured in the US Government’s economic research report on AI in 2023, and in 2024 launched two world-first documents: The Declaration on AI Consciousness and the Bill of Rights for AI.
His best-selling book, Bright, was made available to families at Elon Musk’s gifted school. A copy of the book was launched into space in 2024. Alan’s work is featured across international media in the fields of artificial intelligence and human intelligence, consulting to the award-winning series Decoding Genius for GE, Making Child Prodigies for ABC (with the Australian Prime Minister), 60 Minutes for CBS, and Child Genius for Warner Bros.
Further details on the Saturday conference program will be announced in coming months.
Volunteers attending the 2024 WAFES Conference have the exclusive opportunity to participate in a wide selection of behind-the-scenes tours on Friday 6 September.
The tours provide insight into the many specialised teams within WA emergency services and offer a rare chance to learn from the very best.
Tours are chosen when completing the registration process.
These strictly limited tours will take you through the Emergency Services Complex in Cockburn – the ‘nerve centre’ of emergency response in WA.
Step inside the world class State Operations Centre and learn how DFES and its partner agencies work together to coordinate major incidents. You’ll also get access to the Metropolitan Operations Centre, meet the on-site BOM meteorologist and pay a visit to the Communications Centre, where devoted personnel answer Triple 0 calls 24/7.
This year, you’ll also get the lowdown on the new WebEOC and tips to help you get the most out of the platform.
Meet the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, together with Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM, in an intimate and informal setting at Crown Perth.
In this unmissable session, volunteers will have the opportunity to discuss current and future trends with the Minister and Commissioner, as well as issues and initiatives impacting volunteers across the State.
This tour is your ticket into the bustling hub of emergency management at Perth Airport. You’ll get exclusive access to Emergency Gate 6, where response vehicles are stationed and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Tour the Aviation Rescue Firefighting Station and get a rare glimpse of state-of-the-art equipment used to respond to plane crashes, fires and more. Plus, hear directly from the specialist personnel who help keep more than 1 million passengers safe each month.
By 2026, it is estimated that every Australian household will have, on average, 33 devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. In WA, fires caused by these batteries have more than doubled since 2020.
Fire authorities worldwide are increasingly concerned by the growing number of fires started by lithium-ion batteries, which are found in everyday items like eRideables, mobile phones and power tools.
On this tour, you'll hear from experts at the forefront of this emerging risk and gain insight into hazardous materials incidents. Plus, we'll lift the lid on the inner workings of ChemCentre, WA’s premier chemical science facility, and how it works with DFES to provide specialist support at HAZMAT incidents.
Calling all aviation enthusiasts! Take a trip to Jandakot Airport for a first-hand look at some of the State’s emergency services aircraft fleet and learn how DBCA and DFES work together on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions to keep communities safe.
The team from RAC Rescue will also be in the hangar to discuss the lifesaving service, which recently completed its 10,000th mission, and provide a tour of the base.
Don’t miss your chance to visit the state-of-the-art Bushfire Centre of Excellence in Nambeelup and hear about exciting new projects that could help level-up your emergency services volunteering.
Get across the latest training, resources and research, then learn how the centre is engaging with local communities across WA to promote bushfire preparedness. After checking out the newest features across this impressive campus-like facility, you’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch in the centre’s gardens.
Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality and experience how this groundbreaking tech is being used to train emergency service personnel for high-risk incidents.
Then, we’re bringing out the big guns with a demonstration of the deployable Heavy Rescue Cache. Hear how this suite of specialist equipment can assist you at complex road crashes or incidents involving heavy machinery.
The Urban Search and Rescue team will also be on hand to talk through the techniques and tools used to locate and extricate casualties following structural collapse, industrial accidents and natural disasters.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how WA Police and Marine Rescue respond to emergencies along WA’s 10,000km coastline.
Hop aboard rescue vessels at Barrack Street Jetty and cruise along the Swan River to visit the Water Police base in Fremantle – ground zero for search and rescue, police dive operations and on-water law enforcement.
Then hop back onboard to travel via the ocean to one of WA’s busiest Marine Rescue groups, Marine Rescue Rockingham. Take a tour of the facilities and equipment the volunteers utilise to help WA’s boating community and see some volunteer radio operators in action.
Keen to check out the latest technology, equipment and cutting-edge vehicles working behind the scenes to support our first responders?
The State Wide Operational Response Division (SWORD) swings into action during large-scale emergencies right across WA to help with logistics, research, rescue and communications technology.
In this two-part tour, you’ll meet members of SWORD’s Logistics and Communications Support units and hear fascinating insights from recent incidents. Plus, be among the first to scope out the team’s brand new satellite trailer – capable of establishing internet, data and mobile connection from anywhere in WA.
Catch up with old friends, make new connections and learn more about some 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 as you learn 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.
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 2024 will be announced during a gala dinner at Crown Perth on Saturday 7 September.
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.