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President and Chair of the AFAC Board: “The commitment of our fire and emergency services across Australia and New Zealand is something to be proud of. Working together is one of our great strengths, and I’m delighted to take on this role to help guide our collective effort and strategic direction.” Commissioner Baxter is stepping down from the AFAC Board after nine years, and five years as AFAC President. “Commissioner York’s appointment reflects the integration of SES into AFAC and our priority on diversity and inclusion. The past few years have shown us that we need to be ready for anything, and Commissioner York’s appointment represents the cultural shift required to meet the challenges of the future,” he said. Former AFAC CEO Stuart Ellis said, “I am very grateful for the support and guidance from Commissioner Baxter during his time as AFAC President. Commissioner York’s appointment begins an exciting new chapter for fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand and her leadership will be a significant asset to the AFAC National Council.” Commissioner York was voted in
NEW PRESIDENT AND BOARD FOR FPA AUSTRALIA
director Yvonne Pengilly. Ms Pengilly is a former Assistant Commissioner Technical and Board member at the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and has extensive, and relevant, board experience. The Board expressed its appreciation for Mr Lea and Ms Fazio, who have worked tirelessly in the interests of the fire protection sector and community safety. Mr Lea, in particular, has been heavily involved in creating a sustainable future for the industry, especially through the reforms in NSW and the introduction of mandatory accreditation. The new Board takes over at a time of significant regulatory reform and increasing competition for skilled workers.
At the FPA Australia annual general meeting (AGM) in November 2021, President Bill Lea and Director Elissa Fazio retired from the FPA Australia Board after 12 and three years’ service, respectively. The new Board met straight after the AGM and elected Bob Grieve as President and Patrick Conway as Vice-President. Remaining on the Board are Rob Broadhead, Patrick Conway, Bob Grieve and Russell Porteous, who are joined by newly elected directors Michael Donegan and Mark Potter; co-opted previous directors John Lynch and Stuart Yarnall; and new co-opted 4
FIRE AUSTRALIA
ISSUE ONE 2022
as AFAC President at the AFAC National Council meeting on 27 October 2021. The AFAC National Council comprises 34 members representing fire, emergency and land management agencies across Australia and New Zealand.
It will continue the work of FPA Australia to improve member engagement, increase activity, deliver accreditation and training, and raise the profile of the Association. FPA Australia thanks Mr Lea and Ms Fazio for their service and looks forward to delivering for our members with the new Board.
PHOTO: FPA AUSTRALIA
AFAC has appointed NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Commissioner Carlene York APM as AFAC President and Chair of the AFAC Board. Commissioner York is the tenth president of AFAC, and both the first SES Commissioner and the first woman to hold the position. She replaces Paul Baxter QSO, Commissioner Fire and Rescue NSW, who has held the AFAC presidency for five years. As the inaugural SES Commissioner to preside over AFAC, Commissioner York’s appointment reflects the contributions of SES organisations to the AFAC National Council. Commissioner York’s appointment as the first female AFAC president supports the continuing effort to address gender balance and support women in leadership roles across a traditionally male-dominated sector. As the severity and frequency of hazard events increases with a changing climate, inviting a diversity of experience, thinking and capability will better equip the sector with the skills needed to adapt to this future. Commissioner York said it was an honour to be voted in as AFAC
PHOTO: NSW SES
CARLENE YORK: FIRST SES COMMISSIONER, FIRST FEMALE APPOINTED AS AFAC PRESIDENT
Commissioner Carlene York APM, AFAC President and Chair of the AFAC Board.
Bob Grieve, FPA Australia President.
