The Fireant Podcast

In this episode, we have Daniel Austin, the Deputy Commissioner of the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES), an experienced leader dedicated to reshaping how emergency responses are delivered through technology, leadership, and volunteer empowerment.

Daniel talks about the crucial role of SES volunteers as the frontline connection to their communities, their extraordinary selflessness, and why true success in emergency services means preventing crises rather than responding dramatically with lights and sirens.

He also discusses the development and impact of the "myAvailability" app, a purpose-built digital solution designed to streamline volunteer management, the necessity of continuous technological innovation driven by volunteer input, and the importance of transparent leadership during periods of significant organisational change.

If you want to learn how effective emergency response is evolving beyond reaction into proactive prevention, and gain valuable insights into empowering volunteers with practical, user-centred technology, then make sure to listen to this episode!

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-austin-61284262/

https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/

https://www.facebook.com/NSW.SES

https://www.instagram.com/nswses/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nswses/

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD 

Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS 

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq 

Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5 

-----

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Hook/Intro

01:26 Daniel's Role as Deputy Commissioner in NSW SES and what drives him to serve his community

03:51 What makes Volunteers such a critical part of emergency services in Australia

07:05 How and why NSW SES invested in myAvailability App

10:13 Involving volunteers in the platform, and why is it important

12:14 Launching myAvailability App

13:55 Importance of Ongoing Development

15:54 Maintaining the performance of the organisation

18:21 Innovation and Technology Change in the Volunteer Environment

23:52 Opportunities in Adopting Technology

26:10 Future Vision for NSW SES

28:20 Conclusion/Outro

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

—--------

In this episode, we have Gary White from Fire and Rescue NSW, a 37-year veteran in the service who leads community engagement initiatives that are redefining how emergency services communicate with and protect vulnerable populations.

Gary talks about how firefighter gear has evolved from wool suits to digitised protection systems, why real-time data on household fire risk is changing the game for prevention, and how the PRIME 2.0 project gives responders the “why” behind their community outreach efforts.

If you want to learn how data, innovation, and inclusive design are transforming fire safety and emergency response in Australia, then make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garywhitefrnsw/ 

https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/ 

https://www.twitter.com/FRNSW 

https://www.facebook.com/frnsw 

https://www.instagram.com/fireandrescuensw 

https://www.youtube.com/fireandrescuensw 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/frnsw 

 -----

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD 

Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS 

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq 

Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5 

-----

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 

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CONTACT US

[email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Intro From the AFAC Conference 2024 and Guest Intro

01:40 – Early Uniforms: Wool Pants and PVC Helmets

02:20 – Modern PPE: Digitised, Safe, and Efficient

03:05 – Data Transformation: Handwritten Reports to Real-Time Systems

04:00 – Mobile Tech on Fire Trucks and Instant Info at the Scene

04:50 – Prime 2.0: Data-Driven Fire Risk Mapping Down to the Household

06:00 – The Purpose Behind Segmentation and Risk Prediction

08:00 – Challenges of Messaging for People With Disabilities

09:00 – Real Example: Rethinking “Get Down Low and Go, Go, Go”

09:45 – Engagement With CALD and First Nations Communities

11:15 – Multilingual AI Communication Projects on the Rise

12:05 – Firefighters Delivering Safety Messages in Community Languages

13:40 – Final Thoughts on Inclusion, Innovation, and Where It’s All Heading

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

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In this episode, we have Marc Unsworth, Lead Officer at Emergency Management Victoria, a seasoned crisis response and public safety professional dedicated to improving how communities receive and understand emergency information.

Marc talks about how emergency communication has evolved over the years, the challenges of reaching multicultural communities, and the innovative use of AI-driven real-time translations to bridge language barriers.

He also discusses why traditional crisis communication methods are no longer enough, the lessons learned from Victoria’s flood review, and how bold innovation is shaping the future of emergency management.

If you want to learn how technology is making life-saving information more accessible and what the future holds for emergency response, then make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://au.linkedin.com/in/marc-unsworth 

https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/ 
https://twitter.com/emv_news 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergency-management-victoria 

-----
 
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
 
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD 
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS 
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq 
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5 
 
-----
 
FIND US HERE
Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 
 
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CONTACT US
 
[email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Different Public Information Platforms Developed With EMV
02:53 - EMV Insights and Key Recommendations
03:56 - Vic Emergency Plus Pilot App
05:36 - Number of Languages
06:08 - Encouragement on New Innovative Digital Projects
07:22 - The Goal Is to Connect With Communities
08:01 - Outro

-----
 
DISCLAIMER
 
The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

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In this episode, we have Alison May, Assistant Chief Officer and Director of Community Risk & Resilience at the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS), and Kirsten Ross, a Professor of Environmental Health at Flinders University.

They talk about why bushfire preparedness isn’t just an individual effort but a community-driven process, how older Australians are reshaping disaster planning with their lived experience, and why social trust plays a bigger role in emergency response than official warnings.

They also discuss the differences in bushfire preparedness across regions, the biggest challenges in getting people to plan for worst-case scenarios, and why innovation in disaster response isn’t just about technology but also about rethinking community engagement.

If you want to learn new, research-backed ways to strengthen community resilience and rethink how emergency preparedness is done, then make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://au.linkedin.com/in/alison-may-985b961aa
https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/
https://www.facebook.com/countryfireservice/
https://x.com/cfsalerts
https://www.instagram.com/sa_countryfireservice/

https://www.flinders.edu.au/
https://www.facebook.com/FlindersUniversity/
https://www.instagram.com/flindersuniversity/
https://au.linkedin.com/school/flinders-university/ 

-----

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5 

-----

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 

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CONTACT US

[email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
01:32 - How Alison and Kirsten Met and Started the Project
02:23 - Combining Local Knowledge and Academic Research
04:13 - Neighbors Have Trust in One Another
06:07 - Recommendations for South Australian Agencies
08:05 - Cfs’ Biggest Challenges
10:20 - How Technology Will Support Elderly Populations?
13:17 - Outro

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Alw

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/ .

---

In this episode, we have Lara Beattie, the NSW and ACT Manager of Preparedness and Resilience for Australian Red Cross, who leads the delivery of disaster resilience programs and develops strategic initiatives to strengthen community preparedness across the region.

Lara talks about the Red Cross's unique position in supporting communities before, during, and after disasters, the importance of preparing not just for survival but for recovery, and their innovative AIM model that helps people prepare their minds for emergencies.

She also discusses how the Red Cross's Ready Plan was developed from lessons learned during the Black Saturday bushfires, the groundbreaking Coffs Coast Multi-Lingual Emergency Warnings Network that translates emergency messages into 22+ languages, and an exciting AI motion capture project creating Auslan resources for the deaf community.

If you want to learn cutting-edge approaches to disaster preparedness that blend community wisdom with technological innovation, then make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-beattie-9748b4a7/

https://www.redcross.org.au/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/australian-red-cross/
https://www.facebook.com/AustralianRedCross/
https://www.instagram.com/redcrossau
https://www.youtube.com/user/AustralianRedCross 

---

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5 

---

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital  

---

CONTACT US

[email protected]

---

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Intro
01:29 - Red Cross' Role In Community Preparedness
02:46 - Why It's Crucial for Communities To Be Prepared for Emergencies
04:33 -Identifying Key Areas Red Cross Targets with Individuals & Communities
06:21 - Insights Into The Coffs Coast Multi-Lingual Emergency Warnings Project
07:59 - Red Cross'AI Motion Capture Technology

---

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

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In this episode, we have Genie Tan, the Chief Operations Officer of the Connectivity Innovation Network, a ground-breaking New South Wales Government initiative developed by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and NSW Telco Authority.

Genie talks about the challenges of achieving ubiquitous connectivity in Australia's vast landscape, the innovative use of existing mobile networks as environmental sensors, and the development of a secure multi-organisation data-sharing platform for emergency services.

She also discusses the importance of regional symposiums in understanding rural connectivity needs, the concept of the digital divide and its impact on communities, and a promising rapidly deployable large-area Wi-Fi system that could revolutionise emergency communications.

If you want to learn how cutting-edge connectivity solutions are shaping the future of technology and community safety in Australia, then make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://au.linkedin.com/in/genie-tan-18b6ab117 

https://www.connectivityinnovationnetwork.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connectivity-innovation-network/ 

-----

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD 

Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS 

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq 

Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital   

-----

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 

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CONTACT US

[email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:

00:35 - Intro

03:35 - Joining Connectivity Network

06:11 - Connectivity in Australia

08:38 - NSW Being “Tested” for Connectivity

10:04 - TPG X UTS Joint Venture

12:56 - Project Status on the TPG X UTS Venture

14:07 - Symposium in Wagga Wagga

17:05 - Important of Running Regional Events

18:12 - The Digital Divide

21:18 - What Is Smods?

24:2728:55 - The Most Promising Innovation Tech in Australia

28:55 - Outro

-----

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

—--------

In this episode, we have Sanja Marais, Chief Technology and Security Officer at Aspen Medical, who brings over 14 years of experience in the Australian health sector, excelling in strategic leadership and driving digital transformation.

Sanja shares how reinventing yourself in a new country can lead to unexpected career opportunities, why changing the narrative around tech careers is crucial for attracting more women, and how digital innovation looks different across various global contexts.

If you want to learn how to break technological barriers, drive digital innovation in your organisation, and understand the power of strategic partnerships, then make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanja-marais-2981487b/ 

https://www.vitaport.au/ 

https://www.aspenmedical.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-medical-pty-ltd/ 

https://www.facebook.com/aspenmedical 

https://www.youtube.com/user/AspenMedicalGroup 

https://twitter.com/aspen_medical 

https://www.instagram.com/aspen_medical/ 

-----

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 

-----

CONTACT US

[email protected]

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro

01:47 - Who is Sanja Marais?

04:29 - Tech As a Career Path For Women

07:59 - Inspiring Young Women to Pursue Tech as a Career

09:18 - What Inspires Sanja?

12:06: - Partnerships with Aspen Medical

13:07 - Aspen Medical's Innovative Product "Vita Port"

16:31 - Being Supported Supported Globally

18:04 - Product Feedback From Corporations

23:18 - The Secret to Running a Business Smoothly

25:33 - Digital Product Roadmap

29:02 - Outro

-----

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

-----

In this episode, we have Alex Barrell, the Commissioner of Marine Rescue New South Wales and a board member of the International Maritime Rescue Federation, who leads a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation dedicated to maritime rescue and coastal safety.

Alex talks about the extraordinary commitment of 3,500 volunteers working 24/7 to ensure the safety of boaters across New South Wales, the organisation's evolution since 1937, and the professionalism that drives their life-saving operations.

He also discusses the increasing financial pressures they face, the challenge of growing awareness among government leaders, and the innovative steps they take to future-proof marine rescue in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

If you want to gain a deeper appreciation for the unsung heroes keeping our waterways safe and understand the complexities of running a volunteer-based emergency service, then make sure to listen to this episode!

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-barrell-411705119/

https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/ 

https://www.facebook.com/MarineRescue/ 

https://www.instagram.com/marinerescuensw/ 

https://twitter.com/marinerescuensw 

https://x.com/marinerescuensw 

-----

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD 

Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS 

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq 

Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5 

 -----

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 

CONTACT US

 [email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro

01:49 - NSW Marine Rescue

02:37 - Volunteers for Nsw Marine Rescue

07:22 - Being the Commissioner of NSW // What Inspired Alex to Join the Team

10:04 - Unexpected Challenges of NSWMR

12:10 - Raising Funds for Nswmr / Gov Funding

14:10 - Connecting with National Colleagues

16:46 - How Is NSW Investing in Digital Transformation?

19:44 - Opportunities for New Tech Integration for NSWMR

23:40 - Looking Beyond NSW + Aus // Global Insights and Trends

28:16 - Public/Private Help from Organisations

33:37- Alex’s Message to the Community

36:02 - Outro

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

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In this episode, we have Brett Loughlin, Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service and a seasoned leader with extensive experience in crisis management, firefighting, public safety, government, and emergency management.

Brett talks about the lessons from the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires, the exciting innovations emerging in the emergency services sector, and the critical need for national collaboration in developing solutions.

He also discusses the power of calm leadership during crises, the importance of authenticity in connecting with teams and communities, and the challenges of managing volunteer-based emergency services in rural areas.

If you want to learn how to lead effectively in times of crisis, prepare for future challenges, and understand the evolving landscape of emergency management, make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-loughlin-afsm-gaicd-18b05678/ 

https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/home/ 

https://x.com/cfsalerts 

https://www.instagram.com/sa_countryfireservice/ 

https://www.facebook.com/countryfireservice/ 

 -----

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD 

Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS 

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq 

Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5 

-----

FIND US HERE

Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital 

-----

CONTACT US

[email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro

01:50 - Importance of Leadership

05:39 - Significant Learnings of CFS

09:03 - Challenges in the Volunteer Sector

12:02 - Innovation and Disruption in the Emergency Services Sector

15:09 - Future for the CFS Sector

16:37 - Outro

-----

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

If you're a first responder, frontline worker, or volunteer organisation looking for robust, scalable, and secure digital solutions, visit https://www.fireant.com.au/.

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In this special episode, we have Darren Klemm AFSM, the Commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) in Western Australia and the President of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC).

Commissioner Klemm talks about the changing landscape of emergency services, the untapped potential of robotics and unpiloted aircraft in the sector, and the exciting advancements in modelling and visualisation for bushfire and flood prediction.

He also discusses the role of AFAC's National Resource Sharing Center in coordinating international deployments, the innovative upgrades to Western Australia's emergency warning system, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within traditionally conservative fire services.

If you want to gain insider knowledge on the future of emergency services and understand how cutting-edge technology is reshaping disaster response and community resilience, then make sure to listen to this episode!

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SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://au.linkedin.com/in/darren-klemm-afsm-0b83b61aa
https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/
https://www.afac.com.au/
 
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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VAshQD
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VCLscS
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bQIabq
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3ViNRb5
 
-----
 
FIND US HERE
Website: https://www.fireant.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireant-pty-ltd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559184241111
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireantDigital
 
-----
 
CONTACT US

[email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - Innovation & Disruption
06:39 - AFAC’s Role in Mobilising Support Efforts
10:53 - The Modified Upgrade to WA’s Emergency System
12:58 - DFES’ Position in Embracing Innovation & Disruption
17:27 - Making Connections
18:46 - Outro

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DISCLAIMER
 
The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.