7 minute read
FA22: Fire Protection Industry Awards—Industry’s leading lights
ALL PHOTOS: JAMES THOMAS
Above For the second year in a row, the Fire Protection Industry Awards were held in conjunction with the Conference Gala Dinner.
Middle Megan Basioli gave an inspiring talk about her experiences during, and recovering from, the Bali bombing.
Right Kelly Walpole and Neil Pinchers from Firemex. For the second year in a row, the Fire Australia 2022 Conference Gala and Awards Dinner recognised excellence in fire protection with the hosting of the Fire Protection Industry Awards.
HAJNAL NAGY
FPA Australia
In its sixth year, the Fire Protection Industry Awards showcased some of the current and emerging leaders of our industry and the excellent work being carried out in relation to fire protection.
As always, the proceedings started with a speech on behalf of the Fiona Wood Foundation.
Megan Basioli is an inspiring young woman. A survivor of the Bali bombing, she gave a harrowing tale of the blast and aftermath, which she experienced at just 14 years of age, and her long road to recovery with the support of the Foundation.
By continually growing its body of knowledge in burns management and recovery, saving lives, and making a significant difference to the recovery of people locally and internationally who have sustained burn injuries, the Fiona Wood Foundation has been able to support the victims of fire and to return their lives to normal.
Miss Basioli’s moving speech reminded attendees of the importance of protecting people from the effects of fire and emphasised the essential role that our industry plays in protecting the community.
It was a sobering introduction to the awards winners, and FPA Australia thanks all the finalists for their excellent work and support of the fire protection industry.
AV Viscogliosi Award for Excellence for Outstanding Service to Fire Protection
This year’s recipient was Honorary Life Member Norm Winn of Norm Winn and Associates.
Mr Winn has been working in the fire industry space for over 50 years, starting at the Country Fire Authority as the manager in charge of training, and then moving into consultancy.
He is a former chair of Technical Advisory Committee 17, bringing to it professionalism, experience and a depth of knowledge. As the appointed chair of Standards Australia committee FP/17, he was instrumental in developing AS 3745-2010.
Mr Winn continues to be an active member of TACs and the Victorian Committee, and participates in industry activities every chance he gets.
Meritorious Service Award recognising personal contributions to the industry over a substantial length of time
Matthew Press, from Construct NSW, was recognised for his support of the Association, particularly through the creation of the NSW Fire Safety Reform Steering Committee—chaired by Michael Lambert—which looks likely to result in the legislation of AS 1851 in NSW and the possible creation of a Fire Systems Certifier class of accredited practitioner.
He is a huge supporter of the Association’s efforts to educate the strata and facility management industries about fire protection, and has attended and actively helped FPA Australia to resolve challenging interpretations of current accreditation requirements under NSW law.
Barry Lee Technical Excellence Award (sponsored by Wormald Australia) for technical excellence in the fire protection industry through active participation in technical committees
David Isaac of Fire and Safety Technologies has advocated for better fire safety for decades and regularly provides advice and technical instruction on all aspects of fire safety.
He has been an active member of FPA Australia and contributed to relevant committees, including Standards Australia committees, TACs, state and territory membership groups, special interest groups and other recognised working groups.
Neil Pinchers and Firemex were recognised for successfully managing the manufacture, supply and installation of sliding fire doors to the Sydney North Connex Project—a nine-kilometre twin tunnel underground project.
The supply contract required 160 cross passage sliding fire rated doors and four huge three-tonne oversized (9 x 4.6 metres) cross tunnel sliding fire doors. All doors were manufactured in Brisbane, then transported and installed in Sydney. The project was completed in scope, on time and within budget during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite border restrictions being in place.
Firas Shawash of i-Fire Engineers received this award for developing fire separation performance solutions and reducing the number of operating sprinkler heads, in vertical car stackers in small buildings. He based his solution on structural heat transfer analysis to demonstrate that reinforced concrete slabs and walls with a fire resistance level of 120 minutes would withstand unsprinklered fire until the fire service arrives.
Harry Marryatt Fire Protection Company of the Year Award (1–49 Employees) for businesses that are committed to staff training, technical advancement, community safety, ongoing professionalism and emerging best practice and innovation
Civil Fire is a premier fire company operating in Sydney, which is committed to ensuring that employees are given the best possible opportunities to progress their careers, regardless of the cost to the business. The company supports staff and community safety through an exceptional work health and safety system that is externally audited each year and rarely returns any non-conformances. Staff are financially encouraged to report any hazards/ incidents, and regularly do so.
Civil Fire keeps abreast of all emerging best practice and changes in the fire industry through involvement with professional bodies such as FPA Australia and Smoke Control Association.
Above FPA Australia's Board with Megan Basioli.
PHOTOS: JAMES THOMAS
Above Kathryn Jackson.
Innovative Product and Technology Award (sponsored by Uptick) for an innovative, commercially available product or technology fire protection solution that complies with applicable Australian standards and regulatory requirements
Scott Russell and Wastech Engineering received this award for the Fire Rover, which was developed to mitigate risks in waste and recycling operations as a safe and effective means for dealing with fire hazards. The Fire Rover detects and extinguishes fires before anyone sees flames or any other typical fire detection/ suppression system operates, and can perform non-stop without the need for on-site personnel.
Ron Coffey Award for Excellence in Bushfire Protection
Kathryn Jackson of WA Planning and Logistics is the only accredited female bushfire consultant north of Perth. She works with the building and construction industry and local governments to educate and update companies on bushfire legislation and help them improve the early design process to produce the most sustainable and cost-effective construction outcomes.
She is a shining example of female leadership in a male-dominated field, holding the respect of her colleagues as an expert in the industry. She participated as the only regional WA representative in the review of state bushfire legislation, travelling 500 km one way, at her own cost, to attend.
Emerging Fire Protection Industry Leader for industry professionals who are making their mark in their workplace and the fire protection industry
With over 35 years in the fire protection sector and with high standards, experience and technical expertise in fire system design and assessment, Simon Matthews of Jacobs Group (Australia) was recognised for his thought leadership, superior communication skills and collaboration, as well as being a well-regarded role model and mentor in the industry.
Young Achiever of the Year Award (sponsored by UL)
Drew Ivison from Civil Fire is committed to contributing to the fire industry in a meaningful way, every day, and shows great leadership and initiative. He really cares about building owners and clients, and always tries to put their interests first while maintaining his integrity as a fire safety assessor. Mr Ivison is committed to improving his knowledge and often shares his expertise with colleagues.
Honorary Life Members
FPA Australia was delighted to induct former President Bill Lea and former Director David Isaac as honorary life members on the night, both worthy recipients.
They have shown a long-term commitment to both the Association and the fire protection sector, and we congratulate them on their achievement. Learn more about them on page 19.
Fire protection is going from strength to strength, and this year’s award recipients are leading lights in our industry. We congratulate all the finalists and, of course, the winners of this year’s awards, and we look forward to the entries for 2023.
