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Kathryn has been working in the environmental management and bushfire planning field for 30 years from her experience in Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (formerly CALM) and as a consultant in her WA business Bio Diverse Solutions.
Kathryn delivers training programs for FPAA, Local Government Agencies and the community in bushfire planning and design. She has co-authored an article with Julie de Jong on Project BAL Build – designing dwellings in bushfire-prone areas (Kinnear & de Jong, 2020). Kathryn is passionate about safety and protection of people and infrastructure in creating low fuel/Asset Protection Zone standards while being conscious of environmental values.
Her combined experience and knowledge in the environmental and bushfire planning discipline has formed a mission in her work area of combining bushfire safety and sound environmental management practic es. Her role has led to state based and national advice on bushfire and environmental issues to protect life, property and biodiversity. In 2018 Kathryn was the recipient of the FPAA Ron Coffey Award for Excellence in Bushfire Protection and in 2023 was the winner of the FPAA AV Viscogliosi Service Award to the Fire Protection Industry.
Shahid Malimar is an accomplished National Training and Sales Manager with a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in the field of Passive Fire Protection for service penetrations. With a strong reputation as an industry expert in fire testing to AS1530.4/AS4072.1 and compliance to the National Construction Code, Shahid has built his career on ensuring the safety and compliance of buildings across Australia.
Shahid’s expertise has been widely recognized, and he has been working closely with contractors, Australia-wide, in recent years. Through providing fire stopping solutions and educating contractors on their responsibilities for compliance to the NCC, Shahid has made substantial contributions to the safety of buildings in the area. His comprehensive understanding of fire safety regulations and codes has helped numerous clients ensure that their projects meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.
With a dedication to safety and an unwavering commitment to his clients, Shahid’s contribution to the field of fire protection has been immeasurable. Whether working closely with contractors or offering innovative solutions, his vast expertise is an invaluable asset to the industry and the community at large.
Mr Justin Leonard has dedicated the last 22 of his 26 year research career to the understanding of how bushfire risk to life and infrastructure can be managed. His work has built on the learning of an already established research area within CSIRO in which he was initially mentored and then inherited. The research area combines learnings from bushfire exposure experiments with post bushfire survey investigations and computer modelling of bushfire interactions with buildings.
Recent activities include the development and delivery of accreditations course on bushfire risk assessment with Melbourne University, providing technical support for the Victorian Community Bushfire Community Refuge Program, developing the bushfire planning risk maps for Queensland, development of a comprehensive life/house loss database for Australia, developing innovative ways to perform post bushfire surveys and assisting various individuals and industry groups develop novel building design solutions and related standards.
Jim Walters was born in England and spent much of his youth on building sites, influenced by his family’s deep involvement in the building industry across various trades. He developed a passion for carpentry and joinery and honed his skills in the UK, learning the craft while working on historic buildings, restorations, renovations as well as both traditional and contemporary new constructions.
Jim’s expertise expanded as he worked in diverse locations across Europe and Southeast Asia, where he gained valuable insights into different building methods and codes. These experiences enriched his understanding of construction practices worldwide, contributing to his comprehensive knowledge base in the field.
In 1995, Jim relocated to Australia and embarked on a successful career as a self-employed carpenter and joiner, demonstrating his dedication and expertise in the field. Based in Western Australia, he is a Registered Builder with a focus on the Great Southern region, where he has made significant contributions to various projects and developments.
Jim is renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to the art of carpentry, consistently delivering high-quality workmanship and attention to detail throughout his career.
Jim co-owns Wildwood Building Company Pty Ltd and serves as its working director and site manager. With his certification as a Building Practitioner, Jim contributes extensive technical expertise to the business, overseeing all construction phases to ensure compliance with regulatory codes and standards.
Jim personally oversees the construction of every project, regardless of its scale. With a family legacy stretching across three generations in carpentry and building, he brings forty years of experience in the construction industry to every project.
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.