5–7 November 2025
Novotel, Geelong, Victoria
5–7 November 2025
Novotel, Geelong, Victoria
All over the globe bushfire prone communities are grappling with a new reality. From the devastating wildfires in California and Maui, to Australia’s own devastating Black Summer and increasing threat profiles in peri-urban developments, one thing is clear: bushfire risk is intensifying—both in scale and complexity.
The National Bushfire Conference 2025, presented by Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia), is the nation’s premier platform dedicated to practical bushfire planning, risk reduction, and community resilience. Under the theme “From Risk to Readiness,” this conference will bring together experts from across Australia to address how we can prepare more effectively, respond more precisely, and design more resilient built environments.
Drawing lessons from global and national bushfire events, the conference will explore how land use planning, building standards, emergency services, and community preparedness must evolve. Simultaneously, it will spotlight Australia’s growing network of BPAD practitioners, whose role in guiding planning and construction decisions in bushfire-prone areas has never been more critical.
But that’s not all! In addition to our insightful sessions and discussions, we are proud to announce a dedicated tradeshow that will be an integral part of this conference. Our tradeshow will feature the latest advancements in bushfire protection technology, materials, systems and services. It’s an opportunity for you to explore innovative solutions, connect with industry leaders, and discover products and services that can make a tangible difference in bushfire prevention and management.
This event is tailored to those working at the coalface of bushfire risk:
as a bushfire planning professional
from Australian leaders and peers
toward your accreditation and professional development
Network with regulators, policymakers, and industry innovators
Discover the tools and technologies shaping the future of bushfire ready communities
Whether you’re preparing a Bushfire Management Statement, advising on BAL ratings, submitting applications, or designing entire subdivisions—this event is crafted with your work in mind.
Call for speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and case studies is now open. If your organisation, team, or practice is leading the way in bushfire planning, this is your chance to share your expertise with a national audience.
Let’s move from risk to readiness—and shape a more fire-resilient Australia, together.
The National Bushfire Conference 2025 will run over two full days, with a carefully curated program designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals working in bushfire-prone environments.
To ensure maximum relevance and flexibility, the conference will be structured into two dedicated streams:
Attendees will be able to register for one or both days, depending on their area of expertise and professional focus. This modular approach enables targeted learning and engagement for bushfire consultants, assessors, planners, and design professionals alike.
| Day 0 | Wednesday 5th November | |
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Times TBC |
BPAD Forum (Optional Add-On) As a key pre-conference feature, we will host a dedicated half-day BPAD Forum on Wednesday afternoon, specifically designed for BPAD-accredited practitioners and industry peers. This focused session will provide a platform to explore the challenges, grey areas, and emerging issues within bushfire planning practices. Held immediately before the official conference opening, the BPAD Forum will foster peer-to-peer learning, open dialogue with regulators, and practical exploration of how to improve both consistency and confidence in BPAD practice across jurisdictions. |
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Evening |
The BPAD Forum will be followed by Opening Drinks and the official launch of the Bushfire Tradeshow on Wednesday evening—a relaxed and valuable opportunity to network with delegates, exhibitors, and stakeholders before the main program begins.
In a new initiative for 2025, we are also working closely with key community and emergency management partners to invite local residents and community members to attend the opening event. This will help foster mutual understanding, share the role of the bushfire consulting and planning industry, and open a dialogue around shared responsibilities in building fire-resilient communities. |
| Day 1 | Thursday 6th November | |
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Times TBC |
Building Day focusing on fire-resilient construction, materials, compliance with AS 3959, BAL-rated design approaches, and the application of bushfire protection standards. |
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Evening |
Networking Drinks Venue: Geelong's Waterfront Carousel Pavilion. |
| Day 2 | Friday 7th November | |
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Times TBC |
Planning Day Addressing risk assessment methodologies, land use planning frameworks, state and local policy updates, vegetation management, and strategic mitigation planning. |
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their invaluable support and partnership.
Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) is Australia’s peak industry body for fire safety, which provides information, services, and education to the fire protection sector and the community.
Members represent every aspect of the fire safety community – manufacturers, suppliers installers and servicers of fire protection products and services, firefighters, building owners, insurers, designers and surveyors, government and legislators, educators and anyone else working as part of the fire safety community.
FPA Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
PO Box 1049, Box Hill, VIC 3128
+61 3 8892 3131